GMOs, Gene Therapy, and Lubi Lubi: Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering GMO concepts, gene therapy, regulatory and ethical issues, future technologies, and the ecological and socio-economic aspects of Lubi Lubi.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Gene therapy

Modifying genes in humans or animals to treat diseases by introducing, deleting, or altering genes within a patient’s cells.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

A bacterium used in GM crops to provide built-in protection against certain insects.

Bt corn

A genetically modified corn variant with built-in protection against specific insect pests.

Pest and disease resistance

Traits in GM crops that reduce damage from insects and diseases.

Nutritional benefits (GMOs)

GMOs can be engineered to include extra vitamins and minerals.

Increased crop yields

GMOs enable bigger harvests on the same or less land.

Environmental benefits (GMOs)

GMOs can lower pesticide use and improve crop resilience, reducing environmental impact.

Food security (GMOs)

GMOs can help ensure reliable harvests in poor soils or during extreme weather.

Economic advantages (GMOs)

GMOs can lower food costs and increase farmer income through better yields and fewer losses.

Biodiversity loss (risk)

Potential reduction in ecosystem diversity due to GMO adoption and monocultures.

Superweeds

Weeds that develop resistance to herbicides used with GM crops.

Allergic reactions (risk)

Potential allergic responses in some individuals to GMO-related elements.

Antibiotic resistance risk

Concern that antibiotic resistance genes used in some GMOs could transfer to pathogens.

Unknown long-term effects

Uncertain health or environmental impacts that may emerge over time.

Corporate control

Concentration of GMO technology and seeds under a few large companies.

Farmer dependence

Reliance of farmers on seed varieties and suppliers for GM crops.

Ethical concerns in animal GMOs

Moral questions about genetic modifications in animals used for food or research.

Labeling/transparency

Call for clear labeling of GM foods to inform consumer choices.

Intellectual property rights

Patents and protections on GMO technologies and seeds.

Biopiracy

Patenting of biological resources or traditional knowledge without fair compensation.

Biosafety permits

Official approvals to conduct GMO field trials or use as food/feed.

Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)

Philippine agency that issues biosafety permits and oversees plant biotechnology work.

DOST

Department of Science and Technology; leads contained-use evaluation and validation of GMOs.

DENR

Department of Environment and Natural Resources; conducts environmental risk assessment for GMOs.

DOH

Department of Health; reviews food safety, toxicology, allergenicity, and nutrition of GMOs.

DILG

Department of the Interior and Local Government; oversees local governance and public Consultation during field trials.

Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA)

Process to evaluate potential environmental impacts of GMOs.

Contained-use evaluation

Assessment of GMO safety when used in controlled environments.

CRISPR

A precise gene-editing tool that can modify DNA without adding foreign DNA.

Synthetic biology

Designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, or systems for various applications.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A technique that silences specific gene expression, used in research and some crop protection strategies.

Nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery

Using nanoparticles to transport genetic material into cells without traditional vectors.

Precision fermentation

Fermentation-based production of proteins and compounds as alternatives to traditional crops.

Non-browning banana

A CRISPR-engineered banana trait aimed at reducing browning and improving shelf life.

AI-driven breeding

Using artificial intelligence to speed up development of resilient plant traits.

Precision agriculture

Agricultural management guided by data, sensors, and robotics to optimize inputs.

Next-generation gene editing

Advanced gene-editing methods (e.g., CRISPR) enabling precise modifications.

Lubi Lubi

A plant with coastal ecological, cultural, and nutritional importance, related to coconut or local varieties depending on the region.

Habitat creation

Providing shelter and nesting sites for wildlife through plant canopies and structure.

Coastal erosion protection

Root systems and windbreaks that reduce erosion and protect inland areas.

Carbon sequestration

Capture and storage of atmospheric CO2 by plants.

Soil enrichment

Leaf litter and organic matter that improve soil structure and fertility.

Food and culinary uses (Lubi Lubi)

Edible parts (meat, milk, oil in coconut-related forms) used in cuisine; shoots and fruits as food sources.

Traditional medicine

Medicinal uses of Lubi Lubi parts in local healing practices.

Livelihood and craft industry

Fibers and leaves used for mats, bags, and other products; contributes to income.

Renewable resources for green products

Biodegradable materials from Lubi Lubi parts used as sustainable alternatives to plastics.

Nutritional impact (Lubi Lubi)

Nutrients like healthy fats (e.g., MCTs) and minerals in Lubi Lubi products.

Mental and social well-being

Community bonding and green spaces that support health and social ties.

Cultural and historical significance

Symbolism, festivals, education, and resilience tied to Lubi Lubi.

Deforestation

Loss of Lubi Lubi stands due to land clearing for development or agriculture.

Overharvesting

Excessive collection that threatens Lubi Lubi populations.

Climate change

Altered weather patterns affecting growth, yield, and distribution of Lubi Lubi.

Conservation and sustainable management

Efforts like education, reforestation, and market support to protect Lubi Lubi resources.

Reforestation

Planting trees or shrubs to restore degraded Lubi Lubi habitats.

Educational value

Using Lubi Lubi as a model for sustainable resource use in programs.