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Glossary

Genetic Modification
Biotechnology
Any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof (whether genetically modified or not), to make or modify products or processes for general use.
Chromosome
Components in a cell that contain genetic information. Each chromosome contains numerous genes.
Clone
(of DNA): An identical copy. The term may be applied to a fragment of DNA, a plasmid that contains a single fragment of DNA, or a bacterium that contains such a plasmid.

(of animal or plant): An identical offspring, artificially created by transfer of an identical nucleus into a recipient egg or by taking a cutting from a plant. However, cloning need not be artificial — identical twins are natural clones of a single egg.
Conditional release
A class of approval for release of new organisms proposed by the Royal Commission, where the release would be with conditions or controls.
Containment
Containment means restricting an organism or substance to a secure location or facility to prevent escape; and includes, in respect of genetically modified organisms, field testing and large scale fermentation.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical at the centre of the cells of living things, which controls the structure and function of each cell and carries genetic information during reproduction.
Field test
The carrying on of trials on the behaviour of the organism, under conditions similar to those of the environment into which the organism is likely to be released. The organism, or any heritable material from it, must be retrieved or destroyed at the end of the trials. Field test includes large-scale fermentation of micro-organisms.
Gene
A sequence of DNA on a chromosome that contains an instruction for inherited characteristics.
Genetic engineering (GE)
Another expression for genetic modification.
Genetic modification (GM)
Using modern biotechnology to alter the genetic material of cells or organisms in order to make them capable of making new substances or performing new functions. Also referred to as genetic engineering or genetic manipulation.
Genetically modified organism (GMO)
A plant, animal or micro-organism whose genes have been altered using genetic modification by the inclusion of foreign genetic material or by the alteration of some DNA. The foreign material may come from other individuals of the same or a different species, or it may be synthetic.
Plasmid
A small, circular piece of DNA found outside the chromosome in bacteria. Plasmids are the principal tools for inserting new genetic information into micro-organisms or plants.
Release
Under New Zealand law, ‘releasing’ a genetically modified organism means it can be used without any environmental controls on it, and the necessary permission has been obtained. Overseas, ‘release’ is taken to mean a commercial application for a genetically modified organism or release onto the market and may have voluntary or mandatory controls on it.

The Report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification also has a glossary of useful terms.

Last updated: 17 September 2007