Glossary
The following is a list of terms the student will likely encounter in his study of GMO's:
Biotechnology – The use of living organisms towards an end or
product.
Cross breeding – the process of breeding offspring between two
genetically distinct organisms
Gene Splicing – the process of genetic modification through the
combination of DNA from various sources (i.e. recombinant DNA)
Genetic engineering – the direct and intended modification of a genome
by an external agent
Genome – All the genetic information of a given
organism
GRAS – Generally Recognised as Safe, an FDA designation that the
substance in question is considered safe by leading authorities
Horizontal gene transfer – the transfer of genes not by means of
reproduction. Also called lateral transfer, as it does not occur down the
generations, but across a generation.
Monsanto Company – the largest producer of genetically engineered seeds
for crop production
Organic Food – foods that are produced in natural environments with the
minimal or complete elimination of synthetic inputs in the growing
process
Pesticide Resistance – the reduced efficiency of a pesticide in
eliminating its target pest, often the result of natural
selection.
Selective Breeding – The process of breeding organisms based on
specific characteristics or traits
Biotechnology – The use of living organisms towards an end or
product.
Cross breeding – the process of breeding offspring between two
genetically distinct organisms
Gene Splicing – the process of genetic modification through the
combination of DNA from various sources (i.e. recombinant DNA)
Genetic engineering – the direct and intended modification of a genome
by an external agent
Genome – All the genetic information of a given
organism
GRAS – Generally Recognised as Safe, an FDA designation that the
substance in question is considered safe by leading authorities
Horizontal gene transfer – the transfer of genes not by means of
reproduction. Also called lateral transfer, as it does not occur down the
generations, but across a generation.
Monsanto Company – the largest producer of genetically engineered seeds
for crop production
Organic Food – foods that are produced in natural environments with the
minimal or complete elimination of synthetic inputs in the growing
process
Pesticide Resistance – the reduced efficiency of a pesticide in
eliminating its target pest, often the result of natural
selection.
Selective Breeding – The process of breeding organisms based on
specific characteristics or traits