Breeding for Grain Quality Traits: The challenges of measuring phenotypes and identifying genotypes. Glossary
- alleles
One of the different forms of a gene that can exist at a single locus. A single allele for each locus is inherited separately from each parent.
- calibration
The process of determining the crop nutrient requirement at different soil test values.
- cross-pollination
The transfer of pollen from an anther of the flower of one plant to a stigma of the flower of another plant.
- crossing
The deliberate mating of two parental types of organisms in genetic analysis.
- DNA
(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.
- dominant
The allele that is expressed in a heterozygous organism.
- electrophoresis
A technique which uses electricity to separate molecule fragments according to size so they can be studied.
- environment
The combinations of all the conditions external to the genome that potentially affect gene expression.
- enzyme
A protein that catalyzes, or speeds up, a specific biochemical reaction without changing the nature of the reaction.
- fertilization
The act or process of initiating biological reproduction by pollination.
- gene
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.
- genes
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.
- genetics
The branch of biology that deals with heredity, especially the mechanisms of hereditary transmission and the variation of inherited characteristics among similar or related organisms.
- genotype
The allelic composition of a cell or organism.
- genotypes
The allelic composition of cells or organisms.
- heterozygous
An organism that has two different alleles at one or more locations on a chromosome.
- homozygous
An organism that has two identical alleles at one or more locations on a chromosome. Inbred lines are homozygous at many of their gene loci.
- hybrid
An individual produced by crossing two parents of different genotypes.
- hybrids
Individuals produced by crossing two parents of different genotypes.
- line
Plants within a species that have the same genetic composition and are genetically pure, (i.e., inbred line). Lines are typically not agronomically competitive and are used only in plant breeding.
- lines
Plants within a species that have the same genetic composition and are genetically pure, (i.e., inbred line). Lines are typically not agronomically competitive and are used only in plant breeding.
- pathway
A sequence of interconnecting enzyme reactions.
- PCR
(polymerase chain reaction) A method for replicating a particular sequence of DNA in vitro. Used to generate greater amounts of DNA for analysis or to determine if a particular sequence exists.
- perfect
A flower that has both functioning pistils and stamens.
- phenotypes
The observable physical characteristics of an organism that are determined by a combination of the genetic composition (genotype) and the environment of the individual.
- phosphorus
An essential chemical element for biological life.
- pollen
Dust-like material produced by the anther (male reproductive structure) that is composed of pollen grains (microgametophytes) which carry the male gametes of seed plants; important in fertilization.
- progeny
The offspring of an organism.
- protein
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.
- proteins
Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order. Proteins are necessary for the structure, function, and regulation of the organism's cells, tissues, and organs. Each protein has a unique function determined by its shape.
- recessive
A trait that will not be expressed unless there are two copies of the gene allele present in an organism.
- recessive allele
An allele whose phenotype is not expressed in a heterozygote.
- seed
Ripened fertilized ovule of a flowering plant that contains an embryo and normally capable of germination.
- selection
A natural or artificial process that favors or induces survival and perpetuation of one kind of organism over others that die or fail to produce offspring.
- solution
A liquid matrix where a solute has been dissolved in a solvent.
- species
A fundamental category of taxonomic classification, ranking below a genus or subgenus and consisting of related organisms capable of interbreeding.
- starch
Plant storage form of carbohydrate.
- trait
The characteristic that results from an expressing gene(s). Ex. Upright leaves, drought tolerance, Bt resistance. A trait can be influenced by the environment.
- variety
Crop plants within a species that have the same genetic composition. Because plants in a variety are usually heterozygous, their offspring will not remain genetically pure (i.e., corn hybrid varieties).