Glossary

This is a continually growing list to help us all better understand the terminology we are reading.  Feel free to request an update for a term & suggest a term to define.

• Genetic Engineering: Also called genetic modification, is the direct human manipulation of an organism’s genome using modern DNA technology. It involves the introduction of foreign DNA or synthetic genes into the organism of interest. The introduction of new DNA does not require the use of classical genetic methods, however traditional breeding methods are typically used for the propagation of recombinant organisms. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_modification)

• Genetically Modified/Engineered Organism: A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GMO)

• GM Food: Genetically modified foods (or GM foods) are foods derived from genetically modified organisms.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gm_food)

• HFCS: High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) comprises any of a group of corn syrups that has undergone enzymatic processing to convert some of its glucose into fructose to produce a desired sweetness. In the United States, consumer foods and products typically use high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. It has become very common in processed foods and beverages in the U.S., including breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-fructose_corn_syrup)

• Organic Food: Food produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_food)

• Organic Certification: Certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, food processors, retailers and restaurants. Requirements vary from country to country. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_certification)

• Selective Breeding: Selective breeding is the process of breeding plants and animals for particular traits. Typically, strains that are selectively bred are domesticated, and the breeding is sometimes done by a professional breeder. Bred animals are known as breeds, while bred plants are known as varieties, cultigens, or cultivars. The cross of animals results in what is called a crossbreed, and crossbred plants are called hybrids. The term selective breeding is synonymous with artificial selection. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_breeding)

• Staple Food or Crop: A staple food is one that is eaten regularly and in such quantities that it constitutes a dominant portion of a diet, and that supplies a high proportion of energy and nutrient needs. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staple_food