Amino acids - The building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different kinds.

Clone - Refers to a genetically identical individual

Cells - The extremely small, basic unit of living matter of which all plants and animals are made.

Chromosomes - Any of the tiny rod shaped bodies that contain groups of genes. They consist of DNA and protein.

Collagen - A structural protein found in places like nails and earlobes

Differentiation - This is the process by which cells grow to become specialized

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) - The substance that the chemical instructions' underlying coding system is based on. The basic matter made up of chromosomes that transmits the hereditary patterns.

Electroporation - An aggressive way to create recombinant DNA in which a brief electrical pulse is applied to a solution containing cells, causing temporary holes in the plasma membrane through which DNA can be inserted.

Gene pool - The sum total of all the genes in a selected group at any given time

Genetics - The science of heredity

Genetic engineering - The term used to describe revolutionary new molecular biology techniques that involve changing the genetic structure of an organism by technological intervention.

Gene - One of many "pieces" of DNA found on the chromosomes whose chemical structure contains heredity information.

Gene cloning - The production of multiple copies of a particular gene

Genetic manipulation - The mixing and splicing of genes from different organisms

Genome - An organism’s complete set of genes

Helix - The shape of DNA

Hemoglobin - This protein carries oxygen in the blood

Insulin - This example of genetically engineered bacteria helps to treat diabetes

mRNA - This "messenger" translates the DNA code into amino acid sequences in proteins, and is a single-stranded molecule.

nuclear transfer - When the nucleus of one cell is moved to another cell

Nucleotides - The subunits of a DNA molecule

Oocyte - An unfertilized egg

Plasmids - These small circles of DNA help in the insertion of genes

Protein - A substance that has long, chainlike molecules whose shape folds and twists. They are made up of 20 different types of amino acid.

Quiescent - Refers to a cell that no longer is dividing

Recombinant DNA - DNA that has been broken open so that new segments can be inserted, and then closed up again.

Restriction enzymes - An enzyme that recognizes and cuts up DNA that is not normally associated with a particular cell

Ribosomes - Cells contain these protein producers

Zygote - An egg that has been fertilized in the not too distant past