Glossary |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
 |
|
Agrobacterium
[Français] |
|
A naturally occurring soil bacterium that is used to transfer genes into plants. |
 |
|
| |
 |
|
Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.)
[Français] |
|
A naturally occurring soil bacterium used because of its ability to produce a protein toxic to destructive pests. Genetically modified plants with the ability to produce B.t. have a built-in, pest resistant system. |
|
Bacterium
[Français] |
|
A single-cell organism that has no nucleus. |
|
Bioballistics
[Français] |
|
A projectile method that uses metal particles coated with genetic material that are propelled into a cell to allow for the uptake of the genetic material. |
|
Biodiversity
[Français] |
|
The collection of life on earth and the natural patterns that form from all the species of life and the genes that each of them possess, as well as their interaction with one another or the ecosystems which these species form. |
|
Biological pest control methods
[Français] |
|
The application of whole organisms or portions of organisms as biologically sound alternatives to broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. |
|
Bioprocessing
[Français] |
|
Integrating whole organisms or enzymes with nutrients under specific conditions to make a desired end product. |
|
Biotechnology
[Français] |
|
The collection of tools and processes used in the study of living things to make new products or services. |
|
Buffer
[Français] |
|
A strip of land where disturbances are not allowed, or are closely monitored, to preserve aesthetic and other qualities adjacent to roads, trails, waterways, and recreation sites. |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Cell
[Français] |
|
The most basic unit of a living organism capable of independent growth and reproduction. |
|
Chromosome
[Français] |
|
A cellular structure made of long folded strands of DNA and proteins and located within the cell's nucleus. |
|
Clone
[Français] |
|
A collection of genetically identical genes, cells, or organisms reproduced asexually from a common parent. |
|
Cross pollination
[Français] |
|
The fertilization of an egg in one plant by a sperm cell found in a pollen grain of another plant. The resulting seed will have the hereditary characteristics from both parents. |
|
Cryopreservation
[Français] |
|
The storage of living materials at very low temperatures within liquid nitrogen to protect against damage. |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Defoliation
[Français] |
|
The destruction of plant leaves by pests. |
|
Deforestation
[Français] |
|
Clearing an area of forest for another long-term use. |
|
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
[Français] |
|
A crystalline molecule made up of units called bases that are represented by the four letters A, C, G, and T. The arrangement of the letters in the molecule constructs a double-stranded helix that resembles a twisted ladder. DNA contains the genetic information of the organism and is found in the nucleus of cells and within some viruses.
DNA |
|
DNA fingerprinting
[Français] |
|
A method to isolate and create images of DNA sequences. The image created is an identification aid for organisms similar to that of taking human fingerprints. |
|
DNA sequencing
[Français] |
|
The process of determining the exact order of the bases in a DNA segment. |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Ecosystem
[Français] |
|
A community network of the living organisms with the non-living components of a given space, functioning as an interdependent unit.
Glossary, Technical Report, Criteria and Indicators |
|
Electrophoresis
[Français] |
|
A lab procedure in which DNA fragments are separated in a gel that is placed in an electric field. This is one of the steps in DNA fingerprinting. |
|
Electroporation
[Français] |
|
One method of transformation in which a weak electric current creates pores in the cell membrane of a cell for entry of the new genes. |
|
Environmental assessment
[Français] |
|
A process designed to contribute pertinent environmental information to the decision-making process of forest management and other resource projects and programs. |
|
Ex situ conservation
[Français] |
|
The preservation of a plant outside of its normal or original habitat, for example, within a genebank. |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Gene
[Français] |
|
A functional portion of a chromosome in which inheritable characteristics are determined by the DNA's sequence.
DNA—Basics of Structure and Analysis |
|
Genebank
[Français] |
|
A facility that stores plant germplasm of various species in the form of pollen, seeds, or in vitro culture. |
|
Gene expression
[Français] |
|
The production of a protein specified by a gene's sequence. |
|
Gene flow
[Français] |
|
The movement of genes among various populations of a species. |
|
Gene stacking
[Français] |
|
Combining traits in a genetically modified living organism, for example, insect resistant and herbicide resistant genes. |
|
Genetic code
[Français] |
|
A gene's "manual" on how the cell makes specific proteins.
The Genetic Code |
|
Genetic diversity
[Français] |
|
The genetic variation present in a population or species.
IPGRI, Diversity for Development |
|
Genetic engineering
[Français] |
|
A method used to transfer DNA from one organism into another that results in a genetically modified organism. |
|
Genetic map
[Français] |
|
Locations of genes mapped along a chromosome marked with probes. |
|
Genetically modified organism
[Français] |
|
An organism that has undergone changes in its genetic code by the methods of genetic engineering, natural processes, cloning, or mutagenesis.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Office of Biotechnology, Regulation of Biotechnology in Canada |
|
|
Genome
[Français]
|
|
All the genes contained in an organism's set of chromosomes that direct its development. In animals, this includes the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. In plants, this includes the nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplast's DNA.
|
|
|
Germplasm
[Français]
|
|
Set of genes that may be used for conservation purposes.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Herbicide resistant
[Français]
|
|
Capable of surviving herbicides that previously would have killed the plants along with the targeted weeds.
|
|
|
Host specific
[Français]
|
|
Capable of surviving only in a relationship with a particular host species.
|
|
|
Hybridization
[Français]
|
|
The process of sexual reproduction using genetically distinct parents.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Integrated forest management practices
[Français]
|
|
The appropriate mix of activities aimed to achieve forest conditions of desired value(s).
|
|
|
Integrated pest management
[Français]
|
|
The use of various techniques to control pests as opposed to the application of just one method.
|
|
|
In vitro
[Français]
|
|
The use of an artificial environment, such as a test tube.
|
|
|
In vivo
[Français]
|
|
The use of a natural environment, such as within a living organism.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Living modified organism
[Français]
|
|
A living organism that has new genetic material acquired through the application of biotechnology.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Metabolite
[Français]
|
|
Product of a chemical reaction that required the breaking down of a molecule by an enzyme in order for the cell to obtain energy for vital functions.
|
|
|
Microinjection
[Français]
|
|
A genetic engineering technique that uses a fine-tipped glass needle to inject DNA into a cell.
|
|
|
Microorganism
[Français]
|
|
A general term for a unicellular or multicellular microscopic organism. Classifications of microorganisms include algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
|
|
|
Micropropagation
[Français]
|
|
An in vitro asexual plant reproduction method. This technique creates progenies that are genetically identical to the parent. The process is analogous to photocopying for creating identical multiple copies.
|
|
|
Modern biotechnology
[Français]
|
|
Techniques developed that are rapid, efficient, and precise in the manipulation of living organisms. Most modern biotechnology techniques focus on plants at the genetic level.
Biotechnology, Tools of Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering/Recombinant DNA (rDNA)
|
|
|
Molecular marker
[Français]
|
|
A gene or gene product of known location on the DNA strand that is used to mark other genes.
|
|
|
Monoclonal antibody
[Français]
|
|
Highly specific purified antibody that was derived from only one clone of cells and recognizes only one antigen.
|
|
|
Mutagenesis
[Français]
|
|
The introduction into a gene of an alteration that changes the structure or function of the gene product.
|
|
|
Mutagens
[Français]
|
|
Agents that cause a change in the genetic makeup of a cell. These include chemicals, X-rays, and ultraviolet light.
|
|
|
Mutation
[Français]
|
|
An alteration in the genetic makeup of a cell. These genetic alterations may be unexpressed by the cell.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Nucleotides
[Français]
|
|
The building blocks of DNA that are critical for determining the genetic information of an organism. Their sequence determines the structure of the protein(s) made by that cell.
|
|
|
Nucleus
[Français]
|
|
A complex spherical body containing chromosomes that are enclosed by a membrane. Nuclei are found in most animal and plant cells.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Particle gun transformation
[Français]
|
|
A method of genetic engineering that uses a device to accelerate particles of DNA into a cell. The desired DNA sequence is incorporated into the cell's original DNA resulting in a transgenic species.
|
|
|
Pathogen
[Français]
|
|
A disease-causing organism.
|
|
|
Pest
[Français]
|
|
An organism capable of causing material damage. Forest pests include insects, tree diseases, and noxious fungi.
|
|
|
Pesticide
[Français]
|
|
Any agent or agents whose application is intended to deter, kill, or control a pest.
Pesticide Education Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Envirofacts
|
|
|
Plantibodies
[Français]
|
|
Antibodies that are part of an immunological response made by plants to control plant disease.
|
|
|
Plants with Novel Traits (PNTs)
[Français]
|
|
The product of any genetic modification technique that produces a plant with a characteristic previously unseen in its species.
|
|
|
Plasmid
[Français]
|
|
A small circle of bacterial DNA that is used as a vector in the transfer of genes from one organism to another. Plasmids have the ability to replicate independently within a host.
|
|
|
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
[Français]
|
|
A method that simulates an environment for rapid DNA replication of specific DNA segments. This procedure results in multiple copies of the specific DNA sequence which are then used in various experiments for diagnostic and analytical purposes.
|
|
|
Probe
[Français]
|
|
A short DNA fragment used to locate a specific sequence of DNA from a chromosome or genome.
|
|
|
Protected area
[Français]
|
|
An area protected by legislation, regulation, or land-use policy to control the level of human occupancy or activities. Categories of protected areas include protected landscapes, national parks, multiple-use management areas, and nature (wildlife) reserves.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Recombinant DNA
[Français]
|
|
DNA constructed by joining DNA segments from two or more organisms. (See genetic engineering.)
|
|
|
Reforestation
[Français]
|
|
The reestablishment of trees on denuded forest land by natural or artificial means, such as planting and seeding.
|
|
|
Risk assessment
[Français]
|
|
A quantitative and qualitative approach to monitoring the hazardous capacity of a new product. This involves the identification and characterization of hazards, an assessment of exposure to the product, and a final risk characterization of the product.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Selection pressure
[Français]
|
|
Environmental influences or physical characteristics of an organism that determine its likelihood of being selected among its co-habitants.
|
|
|
Sequence
[Français]
|
|
The linear order of the nucleotides on the DNA strand. This sequence determines the unique DNA composition of an organism.
|
|
|
Spruce budworm
[Français]
|
|
An insect that damages conifer trees by defoliation.
|
|
|
Sterile trees
[Français]
|
|
Trees incapable of reproducing.
|
|
|
Substantial equivalence
[Français]
|
|
A principle for safety assessment that compares a traditional non-modified product with a long history of safe use to a genetically modified product. It is substantially equivalent if it has all the characteristics of the non-modified product.
|
|
|
Sustainable forest development
[Français]
|
|
The development of forests to meet current needs without prejudice to their future productivity, ecological diversity, or capacity of regeneration.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Tissue culture
[Français]
|
|
The cultivation of cells or tissues in an artificial environment, such as the laboratory or in vitro.
Biotechnology, Tools of Biotechnology, Tissue Culture
|
|
|
Traditional biotechnology
[Français]
|
|
Specifically within forestry, this involves the selection of trees with desirable traits and breeding them to produce beneficial offspring.
Biotechnology, Agriculture, Classical Biotechnology
|
|
|
Trait
[Français]
|
|
A distinguishable characteristic of an organism.
|
|
|
Transformation
[Français]
|
|
A transfer of foreign DNA into the cell of an organism to change its genetic makeup. This is a natural process for many bacteria.
|
|
|
Transgenic
[Français]
|
|
Genetically engineered to contain DNA from an external source.
|
|
|
Transgenic plant
[Français]
|
|
Genetically modified plant expressing traits not found in its wild relatives. Many are more tolerant of herbicides, are resistant to insect or viral pests, or express modified versions of fruit or flowers.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Vector
[Français]
|
|
Any DNA containing structure that is used to transfer DNA into an organism. The most commonly used vectors are plasmid DNA, bacteriophages, or viruses.
|
|
|
Vegetative propagation
[Français]
|
|
An asexual reproduction process of trimming growing stems from aplant and allowing them to root.
|
|
|
