GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
of terms related to the biodiversity

gamete

- Specialised haploid cell (sometimes called a sex cell) whose nucleus and often cytoplasm fuses with that of another gamete in the process of fertilisation field. - The sperm or unfertilised egg of animals that transmit the parental genetic information to offspring. In plants, functionally equivalent structures are found in pollen and ovules.

gene

- The functional unit of heredity; the part of the DNA molecule that encodes a single enzyme or structural protein unit. - The unit of heredity transmitted from generation to generation during sexual or asexual reproduction. More generally, the term "gene" may be used in relation to the transmission and inheritance of particular identifiable traits. - The units of heredity transmitted from generation to generation. Each gene is a segment of nucleic acid carried in the DNA encoded for a specific protein. More generally, the term 'gene' may be used in relation to the transmission and inheritance of particular identifiable traits. The basic unit of heredity, a gene is an ordered sequence of nucleotide bases comprising a segment of DNA. A gene contains the sequence of DNA which encodes one polypeptide chain. The sum of an organism's genes is known as its genome. - A chemical unit of hereditary information that can be passed from one generation to another. The variant forms of each gene are termed alleles (allele).

gene-bank

A storage facility established for the ex-situ conservation of individuals (seeds), tissues, or reproductive cells of plants or animals. Germplasm is stored in the form of seeds, pollen, embryos, semen, pollen, or in vitro culture, or in cryogenic storage, or in the case of a field gene bank, as plants growing in the field.

gene / genes

- The functional unit of heredity; the part of the DNA molecule that encodes a single enzyme or structural protein unit. - The unit of heredity transmitted from generation to generation during sexual or asexual reproduction. More generally, the term 'gene' may be used in relation to the transmission and inheritance of particular identifiable traits. - The units of heredity transmitted from generation to generation. Each gene is a segment of nucleic acid carried in the DNA encoded for a specific protein. More generally, the term 'gene' may be used in relation to the transmission and inheritance of particular identifiable traits. The basic unit of heredity, a gene is an ordered sequence of nucleotide bases comprising a segment of DNA. A gene contains the sequence of DNA which encodes one polypeptide chain. The sum of an organism's genes is known as its genome. - A chemical unit of hereditary information that can be passed from one generation to another. The variant forms of each gene are termed alleles(allele).

gene banks in-situ

Protected areas designated specifically to protect genetic variability of particular species.

gene flow

Exchange of genetic traits between populations(population) by movement of individuals, gametes (gamete) or spores.

gene mapping

Determination of the relative positions of genes(gene) on a DNA molecule (chromosome or plasmid) and of the distance, in linkage units or physical units, between them.

gene pool

The total amount of genetic material within a freely interbreeding population at a given time.

genetic diversity

- The diversity of genes (gene) within and among populations (population) of a species. This is the lowest level of biological diversity. - Variation in the genetic composition of individuals within or among species; the heritable genetic variation within and among populations. - The variety of genes within a particular species, variety, or breed.

genetic engineering

- The identification of genes(gene) coding for useful traits and their introduction into other species of plants and animals ('transgenic species'). Genetic engineering offers the possibility of correcting genetic defects at source, or introducing new, desirable genetic characteristics that will stay with the subject and may be passed on to its successors. - Manipulation of DNA to form a hybrid molecule, a new combination of non-homologous DNA (so-called recombinant DNA). The technique allows the bypassing of all the biological constraints to genetic exchange and mixing and may even permit the combination of genes from widely differing species. Genetic engineering developed in the early 1970s.

genetic erosion

Loss of genetic diversity between and within populations(population) of the same species over time; or reduction of the genetic basis of a species due to human intervention, environmental changes, etc.

genetic marker

A gene with a clear, unambiguous phenotype used in genetic analysis to identify individuals that carry it or other linked genes. May act as a probe to mark a nucleus, chromosome or locus.

genetic material

Any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity.

genetic resource

Genetic material of plants, animals or microorganisms, including modern cultivars(cultivar) and breeds(breed), primitive varieties and breeds, landrace/s and wild/weedy relatives of crop plants or domesticated animals, of actual or potential value as a resource for future generations of humanity.

genetically modified organism (GMO)

The modification of the genetic characteristics of a microorganism, plant or animal by inserting a modified gene or a gene from another variety or species. GMOs may be microorganisms designed for use as biopesticides or seeds that have been altered genetically to give a plant better disease resistance or growth.

genome / genomes

- All the genes(gene) of a particular organism or species. - The complete set of genes and non-coding sequences present in each cell of an organism, or the genes in a complete haploid set of chromosomes of a particular organism. - The genetic endowment of an organism. When expressed, this will result in the observable characteristics or phenotype.

genomics

The study of genomes(genome) including genome mapping, gene sequencing and gene function. The use of this information in the development of therapeutics.

genotype

- The set of genes(gene) possessed by an individual organism. - The genetic constitution of an organism as distinguished from its physical appearance. - The entire genetic constitution of an organism, or the genetic composition at a specific gene locus or set of loci.

genus

A category of biological classification ranking between the family and the species, comprising structurally or phylogenetically related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation.

germ cell / germ cells

A small organic structure or cell from which a new organism may develop.

germplasm

- Genetic material, especially its specific molecular and chemical constitution, that comprises the physical basis of the inherited qualities of an organism. - The genetic material which forms the physical basis of heredity and which is transmitted from one generation to the next by means of germ cells.

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The multi-billion-dollar GEF (http://www.gefweb.org/ )was established by the World Bank (http://www.worldbank.org/ ), UNDP (http://www.undp.org/ ) and UNEP (http://www.unep.org/ ) in 1990. It operates the Convention's 'financial mechanism' on an interim basis and funds developing-country projects that have global biodiversity benefits.

good manufacturing practices (GMP)

Government or industry set standards for the production of safe, efficacious, and high-quality ingredients and products.

grassroots (organizations or movements)

People or society at a local level, rather than at the center of major political activity.

greenhouse gases (GHGs)

Gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that tend to trap heat radiating from the Earth's surface, thus causing warming in the lower atmosphere. The major GHGs causing climate change are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The Kyoto Protocol (http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/kpeng.html) also addresses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).

guild

- A group of species found in the same place that share the same food resource. Example: the lizard species of a sand dune that feed on insects.

GURTs

(see: terminator technology and traitor technology) Genetic Use Restriction Technologies;