Glossary by Giselle Buenaño

Biotechnology

liamsote — 2025-06-05 00:11:45 UTC

The use of biological processes and living organisms to develop useful products for humans, such as medicines, food, or environmental solutions.

Genetic engineering

liamsote — 2025-06-05 00:16:46 UTC

A technique that allows scientists to modify the DNA of an organism to introduce, remove, or alter specific genes.

Nutrients

liamsote — 2025-06-05 00:22:14 UTC

Substances the body needs to function properly, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Golden Rice

liamsote — 2025-06-05 00:23:18 UTC

A genetically modified variety of rice that produces beta carotene, aimed at fighting vitamin A deficiency.

Beta carotene

sebastianespinozam27 — 2025-06-05 00:46:22 UTC

A natural pigment found in orange or yellow fruits and vegetables; it is a precursor of vitamin A, essential for vision and the immune system.

Scientists

sebastianespinozam27 — 2025-06-05 00:48:33 UTC

Individuals who systematically study and investigate to discover and apply knowledge in various fields.

Fermentation

sebastianespinozam27 — 2025-06-05 00:52:15 UTC

A biological process in which microorganisms like yeast or bacteria transform substances such as sugars into other products like alcohol, lactic acid, or gas.

Gold bacteria

sebastianespinozam27 — 2025-06-05 00:54:26 UTC

Microorganisms used in biotechnology that can process metals like gold, or genetically modified bacteria that produce valuable compounds.

Yeast

dylancullispumauefsaq — 2025-06-05 01:43:43 UTC

A single-celled microorganism commonly used in fermentation to make bread, beer, and wine. It is also used in biotechnology to produce medicines and other substances.

Genetically modified

dylancullispumauefsaq — 2025-06-05 01:43:56 UTC

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering to improve traits such as disease resistance or nutritional value.

Pesticides

dylancullispumauefsaq — 2025-06-05 01:44:27 UTC

Chemical or biological substances used to eliminate or control pests that affect crops.

Droughts

dylancullispumauefsaq — 2025-06-05 01:50:33 UTC

Prolonged periods with insufficient rainfall, negatively impacting agriculture and water supply.

GMO foods

2025-06-05 03:17:58 UTC

Are those produced from organisms (plants, animals or microbes) whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering techniques.

Vertical farms

2025-06-05 03:20:54 UTC

A technique where crops are grown indoors, in stacked layers, using artificial lighting and controlled environments, often in buildings or repurposed spaces.

CRISPR technology

2025-06-06 00:54:34 UTC

Genome editing technique that allows scientists to modify DNA precisely and efficiently.

Scientists

2025-06-06 00:57:09 UTC

A scientist is a person who participates and carries out a systematic activity to generate new knowledge in the field of science, that is, who carries out scientific research. The term was coined by the British William Whewell in 1833.

Biofortified foods

kimberlyarmasduran — 2025-06-07 01:17:20 UTC

Foods developed to contain higher levels of essential nutrients, such as vitamins or minerals, to improve public health.

Probiotics

kimberlyarmasduran — 2025-06-07 01:22:15 UTC

Live microorganisms that when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits, primarily by improving gut flora balance. They’re found in fermented foods or supplements.

Microorganism

kimberlyarmasduran — 2025-06-07 01:26:11 UTC

A branch of biotechnology that uses microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses) to produce goods and services by leveraging their rapid growth, metabolic versatility, and ease of genetic modification.

Vitamin

kimberlyarmasduran — 2025-06-07 01:33:26 UTC

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that organisms need in small amounts for proper metabolism, growth, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet (or supplements) since the body cannot synthesize them sufficiently.