Glossary

The genetic composition of an organism (including expressed and nonexpressed genes), which may not be readily apparent.

(plural: genera) A somewhat arbitrary group of closely related species, where perceived relationship is typically based on physical resemblance.

Energy obtained by tapping underground reservoirs of heat, usually near volcanoes or other hot spots on the surface of the Earth.Note: At present, little of the world's energy supply is obtained from these sources.

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The “sex cells” in higher animals and plants that carry half of the organism’s genetic material and can combine to develop into new living things.

The repair or replacement of a defective gene within the gamete-forming tissues, resulting in a heritable change in an organism’s genetic constitution.

A lineage of “generative” cells (= germ track) ancestral to the gametes (sperm and egg cells proper) which, during the development of an organism (animal or plant), are set aside as potential gamete-forming tissues. These ancestral cells, together with the gametes, are called germ cells, as opposed to somatic cells. Location, nature and time of formation of potential gamete-forming tissues are species specific, and may vary greatly from one species to another.

Light sources that emit ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 254 nanometers. These lights are commonly found in biological safety cabinets and used to inactivate bacteria, viruses and fungi which are either airborne or on exposed surfaces.

An agent that destroys microorganisms, especially pathogenic microorganisms (“germs”). Sterilants, disinfectants, and antiseptics are germicides.

The total genetic variability, represented by germ cells or seeds, available to a particular population of organisms.

The period in animals bearing live young (especially mammals) from fertilization of the egg to birth of the young (parturition).

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Greenhouse Gas

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Approximately one billion bytes; precisely 230 or 1,073,741,824 bytes.

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A group of cells or a single cell in animals or plants that is specialized to secrete a specific substance. In animals, there are two types of glands: endocrine glands discharge their products directly into the blood vessels; exocrine glands secrete through a duct or network of ducts into a body cavity or onto the body surface. In plants, glands are specialized to secrete certain substances produced by the plant. The secretions may be retained within a single cell, or secreted to the outside.

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