Glossary is usually defined as an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge. This knowledge base glossary provides a collection of knowledge base documents that define many technical terms. These terms are arranged alphabetically, but you can quickly jump to a specific term by selecting its first letter from the index of the knowledge base glossary below.

Synthesis of messenger (or any other) RNA on a DNA template.

Change in the genetic structure of an organism by the incorporation of foreign DNA.

An organism formed by the insertion of foreign genetic material into the germ line cells of organisms. Recombinant DNA techniques are commonly used to produce transgenic organisms.

Process by which the information on a messenger RNA molecule is used to direct the synthesis of a protein.

A preparation that contains an antigen consisting of whole disease-causing organisms (killed or weakened), or parts of such organisms, and is used to confer immunity against the disease that the organisms cause. Vaccine preparations can be natural, synthetic, or derived by recombinant DNA technology.

The agent (e.g. plasmid or virus) used to carry new DNA into a cell.

An elementary viral particle consisting of genetic material and a protein covering.

Ability to infect or cause disease.

A submicroscopic organism that contains genetic information but cannot reproduce itself. To replicate, it must invade another cell and use parts of that cell`s reproductive machinery.