SciDev.Net
Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
Definitions
Below is a directory of terms used in the field of genetically modified crops. Most of the terms have been reproduced from the University of California Biotech [UCB] or John Innes Centre [JIC].
Producing enough food for a rapidly growing population, and taking care of our planet are two of the world's biggest challenges.
B
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
A naturally occurring microorganism that produces a toxin that only kills organisms with alkaline stomachs, namely insect larvae. The toxin (in the form of a whole killed organism) has been used for biological control for decades. The genetic information that encodes the toxin has now been indentified and moved into plants to make them insect tolerant.
Bacterium
Simplest form of life that exists as a single cell without a nucleaus (distinct structure that contains the genetic information of the cell). Also known as a prokaryote. [UCB]
Bases
Building blocks of DNA made up of nitrogen and carbon atoms. There are two types of bases: purines (adenine and guanine, known as A and G) and pyrimidines (cytosine and thymine, known as C and T). The bases pair up in the DNA double helix, and the order of bases determines the genetic code. [JIC]
Information Services
The global food crisis
A series of articles debate key issues such as GM technology, media reporting and agricultural policymaking
