A characteristic in a plant or animal that determines the way the organism functions. For example, the ability of a plant to conserve water will determine whether it is drought tolerant.

A characteristic in a plant or animal that will add economic value to agricultural production. For example, increasing the protein content in dairy cow milk means the milk would be worth more to the f [..]

Single celled organisms capable of reproduction and growth. Bacteria can be beneficial or harmful.

A broad term for a group of technologies based on the application of biological processes. It is used to make or modify foodstuffs, medicines, reduce wastes and environmental impacts and create renewa [..]

Term used to describe a range of processes and techniques, focusing on the genetic level, such as molecular marking, genetic modification and genomics.

One of the threadlike 'packages' of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs in all: 44 autosome [..]

A group of genetically identical organisms. Cloning occurs naturally in some instances, for example when a new plant is formed from a cutting or when humans produce identical twins. Usually however, n [..]

(Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the chemical of which genes are made. It is found in the nucleus of the cells of most living things. The chemicals in DNA are the same for every living organism, however the [..]

A portion of DNA that has a message encoded in its chemical structure. Genes are the inherited genetic instructions that give organisms their characteristics. By changing the sequence of genes, turnin [..]

See genetic modification.