Understanding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetic engineering.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Genetic Engineering

A process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism.

Transformation

The uptake and incorporation of external DNA into a cell, resulting in alteration of the genome.

Conjugation

The exchange of genetic material through cell-to-cell contact of two bacterial cells.

Transduction

A process where a segment of bacterial DNA is transferred from one bacterial cell to another by a bacteriophage.

Vector

A vehicle used to transfer genetic material into a cell.

Selective Breeding

The process of selecting parent organisms with desirable traits to produce offspring with those traits.

Herbicide Tolerance

The ability of a plant to survive application of herbicides that would normally kill it.

Insect Resistance

A trait of a plant that enables it to resist damage from insect pests.

Drought Tolerance

The ability of a plant to survive with limited water resources.

Disease Resistance

The ability of a plant to resist infections from certain diseases.

CRISPR-Cas9

A gene-editing tool that allows for precise modifications of DNA by targeting specific DNA sequences.

Mutagenesis

The process of inducing mutations in an organism's DNA, often to produce new traits.

Enhanced Nutritional Content

Improvement of the nutritional profile of food through genetic modifications.

Bt Corn

A genetically modified corn that contains a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, providing it insect resistance.

Non-GMO

Organisms that have not been genetically modified in any way.

Commercial Variety

A variety of a plant cultivated for commercial sale.

Genetic Traits

Specific characteristics of an organism determined by its genes.

Plant Breeding

The art and science of changing the traits of plants in order to produce desired characteristics in the offspring.