Transgenic Livestock Programme: Scientific Terms Explained

biopharmaceuticals

Biopharmaceuticals are medical drugs manufactured by biotechnology methods that have biological sources, usually involving live organisms or their active components. This includes all recombinant proteins, (monoclonal) antibodies, vaccines, blood/plasma-derived products, non-recombinant culture-derived proteins, and cultured cells and tissues.

bioreactor

An apparatus, such as a large fermentation chamber, for growing organisms such as bacteria or yeast that is used in the biotechnological production of substances such as pharmaceuticals, antibodies, or vaccines, or for the bioconversion of organic waste.

biotechnology

Any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. Biotechnology products include antibiotics, insulin, interferon, recombinant DNA, and techniques such as waste recycling. Much older forms of biotechnology include bread-making, cheese-making and brewing wine and beer.

containment

The restriction of an organism to a secure location or facility to prevent escape that includes genetically modified organisms held under an ERMA approval for field testing.

containment facility

A place approved in accordance with section 39 of the Biosecurity Act, for holding organisms that should not become established in New Zealand.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical at the centre of the cells of living things which controls the structure and purpose of each cell and carries genetic information during reproduction.

gene

A unit of hereditary information. A gene is a section of a DNA molecule that specifies a set of instructions, most commonly for the production of a particular protein.

gene expression

The process by which a gene’s coded information is made available and translated into the structures present and operating in the cell (either proteins or RNAs) leading to production of a protein and hence the appearance of the phenotype (a term used to describe the behaviour or physical appearance of an animal).

gene insertion

The addition of one or more genes into the genome of an organism from an external source.

gene product

The functional component produced according to the instructions of a gene.

genetic modification (GM)

A commonly used term for the manipulation of an organism’s hereditary material (DNA) using artificial techniques with the aim of removing, modifying or adding genes to or from the organism in order to delete, change or incorporating specific characteristics.

genetically modified organism (GMO)

An organism whose genome has been altered by the inclusion of foreign genetic material. This may be derived from other individuals of the same or wholly different species, or of an artificial nature.

nutraceutical

A term coined by blending "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical" which refers to foods with medical benefits for human health including the prevention and treatment of disease.

protein

Proteins are large molecules required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs. Each protein has unique functions. Proteins are essential components of muscles, skin, bones and the body as a whole. Protein is also one of the three types of nutrients used as energy sources by the body.

recombinant DNA

DNA molecules that have been created by combining DNA from more than one source.

recombinant DNA technology

The technology upon which genetic engineering or genetic modification is based. The process involves DNA being joined together in novel combinations.

transgene

A gene that has been transferred to a recipient organism.

transgenic

An organism whose genome has been altered by the inclusion of foreign genetic material. This foreign genetic material may be derived from other individuals of the same species or from wholly different species. Genetic material may also be of an artificial nature.