Backcross Breeding 2 - The Backcrossing Process Glossary

A breeding method used to move one or only a few desirable genes from a line (donor parent, often an agronomically poor or unadapted line) to an elite line (recurrent parent). This is done by crossing a donor parent to an elite line, and crossing offspring with the 'desired gene(s)' back to the elite parent.

After a plant has been transformed, the event must be moved into an elite genetic background. This is done by mating the transformed plant back to elite plants over several generations.

A breeding method used to move one or only a few desirable genes from a line (donor parent, often an agronomically poor or unadapted line) to an elite line (recurrent parent). This is done by crossing a donor parent to an elite line, and crossing offspring with the 'desired gene(s)' back to the elite parent.

(Backcross) 1 generation is the offspring resulting from the first cross back to the recurrent parent in the backcross breeding method.

A gene originating from the Bacillus thuringiensis soil bacteria that encodes a protein toxic to the European corn borer.

The genetic structures in cells composed of condensed DNA, which contain the genetic code for an organism.

The deliberate mating of two parental types of organisms in genetic analysis.

The deliberate mating of two parental types of organisms in genetic analysis.

(Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay): A test which can be used to detect the presence of proteins encoded by the transgene in a genetically engineered crop plant.

A crop line that has many genes for good agronomic traits that result in high yields in a particular environment.

The insertion of a particular transgene into a specific location on a chromosome. Events are differentiated by two factors: 1) what transgene was inserted, and 2) where on the chromosome it inserted and how many gene copies inserted at that locus.

(first filial generation) The offspring produced from crossing two parental lines or individuals.

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.

Determining the genetic makeup of an organism with the use of DNA markers.

The allelic composition of cells or organisms.

A pesticide used to kill plants.

The inherited ability of a plant to survive and reproduce following exposure to a dose of herbicide normally lethal to the wild type. In a plant, resistance may be naturally occurring or induced by such techniques as genetic engineering or selection of variants produced by tissue culture or mutagenesis.

An organism that has two different alleles at one or more locations on a chromosome.

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.

An individual produced by crossing two parents of different genotypes.

Individuals produced by crossing two parents of different genotypes.

An organism that has been self-fertilized for several generations until it is homozygous at all important gene loci, "genetically pure."

Plants within a species that have the same genetic composition and are genetically pure, (i.e., inbred line). Lines are typically experimental, not agronomically competitive (hence not commercially available), and are used only in plant breeding.

Plants within a species that have the same genetic composition and are genetically pure, (i.e., inbred line). Lines are typically experimental, not agronomically competitive (hence not commercially available), and are used only in plant breeding.

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.

Chemical reactions in the cell, often regulated by proteins made in that cell, that are critical to maintain he life of the cell or differentiate the cell.

(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.

The observable physical characteristics of an organism that are determined by a combination of the genetic composition (genotype) and the environment of the individual.

The offspring of an organism.

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 production of proteins in a cell. Proteins are chains of amino acids linked in the order determined by the genetic code.

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.

The inherited ability of a plant to survive and reproduce following exposure to a dose of herbicide normally lethal to the wild type. In a plant, resistance may be naturally occurring or induced by such techniques as genetic engineering or selection of variants produced by tissue culture or mutagenesis.

A herbicide that provides non-selective control of several annual and perennial weeds. Roundup will also damage crops, such as corn and soybeans that are not Roundup-resistant.

A trade name given to certain varieties of corn or soybean which are resistant to the herbicide, Roundup, whose active ingredient is glyphosate.

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.

A fundamental category of taxonomic classification, ranking below a genus or subgenus and consisting of related organisms capable of interbreeding.

Plant cells are grown in culture which allows them to be manipulated and then induced to develop into whole plants.

The characteristic that results from an expressing gene(s). Ex. Upright leaves, drought tolerance, Bt resistance. A trait can be influenced by the environment.

A process by which extra (foreign) genetic material is inserted into the cells of an individual without sexual hybridization.

A gene that has been genetically altered. They are usually used to transform organisms.

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.

A plant that has a new genetically engineered DNA sequence present in every one of its cells. Genetically engineered plants are transgenic plants. These two terms are used interchangeably.

Crop plants within a species that have the same genetic composition. Because plants in a self-pollinated crop are usually homozygous, the variety and their offspring will remain genetically pure (i.e., barley varieties).  Because plants in a cross-pollinated crop are usually heterozygous, the variety and their offspring will not remain genetically pure (i.e., hybrid corn varieties).

A negative effect on grain yield associated with crop plants that have a specific gene or a specific trait.

A relative reduction in yield observed in some hybrids or varieties compared with the yield observed in the most recently produced hybrids or varieties.

The highest yield a plant (hybrid, variety, etc.) is capable of producing when grown in ideal conditions.