Genetic Improvement / Biotechnology Terminology

Backcross breeding is a sequence of breeding designs that among other uses, can be utilized to move a transgene into an elite line.

Biotechnology is often used to refer to the processes in which a gene from one species is put into the chromosomes of another species.

The coding region of a gene determines the amino acid sequence of a particular protein encoded by a gene.  The amino acid sequence determines that protein's function in a plant.

DNA markers are molecular lab tools which help identify traits of interest.

Doubled haploid is a type of plant breeding in which homozygosity of a plant is created instantly. 

An event describes both a specific coding region of a transgene and it's particular location in a plant chromosome.

The term GMO stands for the phrase genetically modified organism and is an organism which has been modified using biotechnology techniques.

The promoter region of a gene determines how much a gene is turned on and when or in what plant tissues. (like an on/off switch for a light)

Zinc fingers represent a laboratory technique with potential for allowing the insertion of a transgene into a specific location of a plant chromosome.  This technique is not yet widely used.