The intentional manipulation by humans of the fitness of individuals in a population to produce a desired evolutionary response.

The components of biodiversity that are of direct, indirect or potential use to humanity.

The joining of two compounds (usually a protein and polysaccharide) to increase a vaccine’s effectiveness.

The X or Y chromosome in human beings that determines the sex of an individual. Females have two X chromosomes; males have an X and a Y chromosome.

Modification of plants and animals through selective breeding. Practices used in traditional plant breeding can include aspects of biotechnology such as tissue culture and mutation breeding.

Any change from the usual or “correct.” It may not necessarily mean harmful or undesirable; it equally can mean atypical, unusual or uncommon. When used in reference to genes, an abnormal gene can result in a specific disorder.

Termination of a pregnancy before birth.

The digestibility of a dietary supplement into the blood stream.

A vaccine containing partial cellular material as opposed to complete cells.

The production of antibodies against a specific disease by the immune system. Active immunity can be acquired in two ways, either through contraction of the disease or through vaccination. Active immunity usually is permanent, meaning an individual is protected from the disease for the duration of his or her life.