Glossary
C
Clone a plant or an animal which has the same genes as the original from which it was produced.
D
DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid] any of various nucleic acids that are usu. the molecular basis of heredity, are localized esp. in cell nuclei, and are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate.
E
embryo a vertebrate at any stage of development prior to birth or hatching.
G
gene a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located in the germ plasma usu. on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and esp. a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material.
H
heredity the sum of the qualities and potentialities genetically derived from one's ancestors and the transmission of such qualities from ancestor to descendant through the genes.
I
inseminatation the introduction of semen into the genital tract of (a female).
N
nucleus a cellular organelle of eukaryotes that is essential to cell functions (as reproduction and protein synthesis), is composed of nuclear sap and a nucleoprotein-rich network from which chromosomes and nucleoli arise, and is enclosed in a definite membrane--see cell illustration.
S
sperm the male fecundating fluid: semen.
V
in vitro outside the living body and in an artificial environment.