Artificial insemination
The injection of semen into the uterus of a woman through non-sexual means in order to fertilize egg cells.
Bio waste
Organic waste that is liable to decay, such as food waste and agricultural waste.
Blastula
A hollow sphere of cells formed by repeated divisions of a fertilized egg. It is made up of roughly 100-200 cells.
Broad-spectrum herbicide
Herbicides that generally affect all plants that come into contact with it (contrast with selective herbicides that affect certain plants only)
Cell fusion
The formation of a hybrid cell by fusing two distinct cells
Contraceptives
Methods of preventing pregnancy (birth control). This can be achieved by medication, intra-uterine devices or by removing the sperm duct or Fallopian tubes.
Cross-pollination
Fertilization of a plant from another plant of a different genetic species
Deoxyribose nucleic acid
A biological molecule that contains genetic instructions for the creation of cells.
DNA
Refer to “Deoxyribose nucleic acid”
Embryo
An organism that is in the early stages of growth and development
Enzyme
A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up chemical reactions, without being affected by the reaction
Gene sequence
A specific order in which structural components of DNA are arranged, to form a particular gene or codon
Green Fluorescence Protein
A gene that gives off a greenish glow when exposed to blue or ultraviolet light
IL-4
Refer to “Interleukin-4 Protein”
Interleukin-4 Protein
A protein that stimulates the immune system to produce mast cells, T-cells and B-cells, all of which are vital to a healthy immune system. Hence it boosts the immune system and makes it stronger. Abbreviated IL-4
In Vitro Fertilisation
A method of assisted reproduction that artificially combines an egg with a sperm. If the egg is fertilized, the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus where is is hoped that it will implant into the uterine lining and further develop.
Marker gene
A gene that is used to identify cells that have taken up the DNA fragments. Marker genes include antibiotic resistance genes or fluorescence genes.
Monozygotic
Derived from a single egg. Monozygotic twins are genetically identical twins that originate from a developing embryo that has divided to form 2 separate but identical embryos
Morula
An early stage of development where embryo forms a ball of cells develop. It consists of 16 cells and is mulberry-shaped. The embryo is still enclosed by the zona pellucida.
Plasmid
A circular ring of DNA that can be used to transfer genes from one organism to another. They are distinct from the normal bacterial genome and are nonessential for cell survival.
Stem cell
A generic cell from which other types of cells, like red blood cells and white blood cells, can develop.
Transmission vector
Methods of transmission of the gene concerned.
Zona Pellucida
A translucent, elastic, noncellular layer of a human egg that acts as a protective coating.
Zygote
A fertilized egg that is the result of two haploid nuclei during sexual reproduction