| gene |
the functional unit of heredity; the part of the DNA molecule that encodes a single enzyme or structural protein unit.
The variant forms of each gene are termed alleles. |
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| gene bank |
| a storage facility where 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. [GBA] |
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| gene flow |
| exchange of genetic traits between populations by movement of individuals, gametes or spores. |
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| gene pool |
| the total amount of genetic material within a freely interbreeding population at a given time. |
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| genetic diversity |
| the diversity of genes within and among populations of a species. This is the lowest level of biological diversity. |
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| genetic drift |
| random gene frequency changes in a small population due to chance alone. |
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| genetic engineering |
| the identification of genes 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. |
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| genetic erosion |
| loss of genetic diversity between and within populations of the same species over time; or reduction of the genetic basis of a species due to human intervention, environmental changes, etc. |
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| 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. [CUB] |
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| genetic resources |
| genetic material of plants, animals or micro-organisms, including modern cultivars and breeds, primitive varieties and breeds, landraces and wild/weedy relatives of crop plants or domesticated animals, of value as a resource for future generations of humanity. [GBA] |
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| genetically modified organism (GMO) |
| the modification of the genetic characteristics of a micro-organism, plant or animal by inserting a modified gene or a gene from another variety or species. GMOs may be micro-organisms designed for use as biopesticides or seeds that have been altered genetically to give a plant better disease resistance or growth. [CUB] |
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| genome |
- all the genes 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. [FAO]
- the genetic endowment of an organism. When expressed, this will result in the observable characteristics or phenotype. [CUB] |
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| genotype |
| the entire genetic constitution of an organism, or the genetic composition at a specific gene locus or set of loci. |
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| germ cell |
| a small organic structure or cell from which a new organism may develop. [CUB] |
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| 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 ofheredity and which is transmitted from one generation to the next by means of germ cells. [CUB] |
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| Global Environment Facility (GEF) |
| the multi-billion-dollar GEF was established by the World Bank, UNDP and UNEP in 1990. It operates the Convention's 'financial mechanism' on an interim basis and funds developing-country projects that have global biodiversity benefits. [CUB] |
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| 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 also addresses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), ans sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). |
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| habitat |
- the place or type of site where an organism or population naturally occurs. [CBD]
- the space in which an organism, population, or species lives. |
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| habitat restoration |
| the return of a habitat to its original community structure, natural complement of species and natural functions. |
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| haploid |
- cell or organism that contains one set of chromosomes.
- having the number of chromosomes present in the normal germ cell equal to half the number in the normal somatic cell. [CUB] |
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| herbs |
| plants or plant parts valued for medicinal, savoury, cosmetic, flavouring, or aromatic qualities. [CUB] |
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| heterozygosity |
| genetic variability among individuals within populations and variability among populations. |
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| homozygote or homozygous |
- individual having two copies of the same allele at a genetic locus.
- individual having two identical alleles of a particular gene or genes, and so breeding true for the corresponding characteristics. [CUB] |
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| horticulture |
| the cultivation of ornamental and vegetable plants in gardens or smallholdings (market gardens). Latin: hortus = garden. [CUB] |
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| hotspot |
biological - an area particularly rich in total numbers of species and also facing high levels of threat.
environment - an area of especially high pollutant or threat concentration. |
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| hybrid |
| individual organism resulting from a cross between parents of differing genotypes. |
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| hybrid zone |
| region of reproduction among individuals of different species. |
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| hybridization |
- crossing of individuals from genetically different strains, populations or species.
- the act of crossing two different individual organisms of differing genetic constitution from different populations or different species. [CUB] |
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