Introduction to Biotechnology: Plant Biotechnology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to plant biotechnology, including definitions of essential terms and technologies in the field.

Selective Breeding

A process by which humans use animal and plant breeding to selectively develop particular phenotypic traits.

Genetic Engineering

The deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.

Transgenic Plant

A plant that contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of the plant acquiring them through reproduction.

Marker-Assisted Selection

A process of selecting for desirable traits by identifying genetic markers associated with those traits.

Mutation Breeding

A technique that uses mutation-induced changes in plant cells and tissues to create new varieties.

Protoplast Fusion

A technique that involves fusing protoplasts (cells without cell walls) from different species to create a hybrid.

Antisense Technology

A method where a complementary copy of a gene is inserted to inhibit the expression of a target gene.

CRISPR-Cas9

A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for precise alterations to DNA.

Gene Stacking

Combining multiple genes into a single organism to improve traits.

Bt Genes

Genes derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that provide insect resistance to crops.

Herbicide Resistance

The ability of a plant to survive applications of herbicides that are designed to kill weeds.

Golden Rice

A genetically modified variety of rice that is engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.

Genetic Pesticides

Pesticides derived from genetically engineered crops that produce proteins to kill harmful insects.

Phytochemicals

Chemicals produced by plants that have beneficial health effects in humans.

Environment Regulation

Laws and guidelines ensuring the safe use and environmental impact of genetically engineered organisms.

Human Health Concerns

Potential risks associated with consuming genetically modified organisms, such as allergies and antibiotic resistance.