Biotechnology and the Consumer Glossary

A biological or chemical substance that elicits a reaction involving the body's immune system.

Organic" is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The term "organic" details the methods, practices and substances that can be used in producing and handling organic crops and livestock, as well as processed products. Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues, however methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil, and water. For more information contact the USDA at 

(deoxyribonucleic acid) The molecule that encodes genetic information. DNA is a double-stranded molecule held together by weak bonds between base pairs of nucleotides. It is the fundamental substance of which genes are composed.

Fatty acids that are not synthesized by the human body, but are necessary for normal growth and life. These essential fatty acids are the linolenic and linoleic acids, and must be obtained from the diet.

The fundamental unit of heredity that carries genetic information from one generation to the next. A gene is an ordered sequence of nucleotides located on a particular position on a particular chromosome that encodes a specific functional protein.

The fundamental unit of heredity that carries genetic information from one generation to the next. A gene is an ordered sequence of nucleotides located on a particular position on a particular chromosome that encodes a specific functional protein.

The process of adding foreign DNA to the genome of an organism.

An easy to detect trait controlled by a known gene. Markers, such as antibiotic or herbicide resistance, are often used to determine if an organism is transgenic.

An essential amino acid found in cereal, whole grains, sesame and sunflower seeds, and yeast.

Any substance or mixture of substances used for controlling, preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. A pesticide also includes any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or dessicant.

A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order. Proteins are necessary for the structure, function, and regulation of an organism's cells, tissues, and organs. Each protein has a unique function determined by its shape.

The ability of an organism to survive and thrive in the presence of something that would normally cause damage or death, i.e., herbicide-resistant corn, Roundup-ready corn.

An organism that has a new genetically engineered DNA sequence found in every one of its cells. Genetically engineered organisms are transgenic. These two terms are used interchangeably.