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.
N
Nucleotide
Strings of thousands of nucleotides form a DNA or RNA molecule. Nucleotides are composed of phosphate, sugar and one of four bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil or thymine). Three bases form a codon, which specifies a particular amino acid; amino acids are strung together to form proteins. [UCB]
Nucleus
Central compartment in cells of 'higher' organisms (eukaryotes); it houses most of the heritable genetic information in the cell. [UCB]
Information Services
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Cutting crop losses
Food security depends as much on cutting crop losses as developing new plant breeds
Rethinking water
A five-stage strategy from the Global Water Partnership to reform water policies and institutions
Mile-high desert farming
How the Himalayan region of Ladakh is taking steps to control its food destiny
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Eating biodiversity
As biodiversity plunges, an international manifesto calls for `biodiverse agriculture’
Biosafety boost
Seven recommendations for biosafety regulations to improve poor farmers' access to GM technology
