Biotech Terms Glossary: Biotech Terms in 2024
A
Agrobacterium
Agrobacterium is a genus of bacteria that is widely used in biotechnology for its ability to transfer genes into plant cells.
Antibiotic
An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance that is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
B
Bioassay
A Bioassay is a laboratory test used to measure the biological activity or potency of a substance.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability is the proportion of a drug or substance that enters circulation and is available to produce an effect after administration.
Biocatalysis
Biocatalysis is the use of natural catalysts, such as enzymes, to accelerate chemical reactions in industrial processes.
Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material or substance to perform with an appropriate biological response in a specific application or environment.
Biodesign
Biodesign is an interdisciplinary approach that combines biology, engineering, and design principles to create innovative solutions.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including genes, species, and ecosystems, present in a particular region or on Earth.
Bioelectricity
Bioelectricity refers to the electrical potentials and currents generated by living organisms, often used in biomedical applications or as a source of renewable energy.
Bioengineering
Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles and techniques to the field of biology and biotechnology.
Bioethics
Bioethics is the study of ethical issues and dilemmas arising in the fields of biology, medicine, and biotechnology.
Biofabrication
Biofabrication is the process of creating complex, functional biological structures, such as tissues or organs, using 3D printing or other additive manufacturing techniques.
Biofertilizer
Biofertilizer is a type of fertilizer that consists of living microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that enhance soil fertility and plant growth.
Biofilms
Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are encased in a self-produced matrix.
Biofuel
Biofuel refers to fuel that is derived from biomass, such as plants or plant-derived materials, and can be used as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Biohazard
A biohazard is any biological substance that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, especially humans.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data.
Biological Control
Biological control is a method of pest management that uses natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control populations of pests or invasive species.
Biological Diversity
Biological diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety and variability of living organisms in a given area or ecosystem.
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is the emission of light produced by living organisms, typically through a chemical reaction involving luciferase.
Biomarker
A biomarker is a measurable indicator of a biological state or condition, often used in diagnostics or monitoring the progress of diseases.
Biomarkers
Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes or conditions, such as the presence of a disease.
Biomaterials
Biomaterials are materials that are designed to interact with biological systems for medical or therapeutic purposes, such as implants or tissue scaffolds.
Biomimetic Materials
Biomimetic materials are synthetic materials that mimic the properties or functions of natural materials found in biological systems.
Biomimetic Robotics
Biomimetic robotics is a field that seeks to replicate or mimic the movements, structures, or functions of living organisms in the design and development of robots or robotic systems.
Biomimicry
Biomimicry is the practice of imitating or taking inspiration from nature's designs and processes to solve human problems and create sustainable technologies.
Biopesticide
A Biopesticide is a type of pesticide derived from natural materials or microorganisms.
Biopesticides
Biopesticides are naturally occurring substances or microorganisms that are used to control pests, such as insects or weeds, in agriculture.
Biopharmaceuticals
Biopharmaceuticals are drugs that are produced using biotechnology and are derived from living organisms.
Biopreservation
Biopreservation involves the preservation of biological materials, such as cells or tissues, for extended periods of time.
Bioprocess
A bioprocess is a series of biological or biochemical steps used to produce a desired product, such as pharmaceuticals or biofuels, using living cells or their components.
Bioprocessing
Bioprocessing refers to the use of biological materials or systems to produce valuable products, such as biofuels or pharmaceuticals.
Bioreactor
A bioreactor is a device or system that supports and controls a biological reaction or process, often used in biotechnology for large-scale production of biological products.
Bioremediation
Bioremediation is a process that uses microorganisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from contaminated environments.
Biosafety
Biosafety refers to the containment, handling, and disposal practices that ensure safe handling of biological materials or agents to prevent harm to humans, animals, or the environment.
Biosecurity
Biosecurity refers to the measures and practices taken to prevent the entry, spread, or release of harmful biological agents, such as pathogens or genetically modified organisms.
Biosensor
A biosensor is a device that combines a biological element, such as an enzyme or antibody, with a physical or chemical detector to measure the presence or concentration of specific substances.
Biosynthesis
Biosynthesis is the process by which living organisms produce or synthesize complex molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or secondary metabolites, using enzymes and metabolic pathways.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field that applies biological systems, living organisms, and their derivatives to develop or create products and technologies for various applications.
C
Cell Culture
Cell culture is the process of growing and maintaining cells in vitro outside of their natural environment, often used in studying cellular behavior or producing biological products.
Cloning
Cloning is the process of producing genetically identical copies of an organism or specific genes.
Crispr-Cas9
CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing tool that allows scientists to modify DNA sequences and alter gene functions.
Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is the process of preserving cells, tissues, or organs at extremely low temperatures to maintain their viability.
D
Dna Replication
DNA replication is the process by which a DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
Dna Sequencing
DNA sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.
Drug Discovery
Drug discovery is the process of identifying and developing new medications to treat or cure diseases.
E
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are stem cells that are derived from embryos and have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body.
Enzyme
An enzyme is a protein that acts as a catalyst, facilitating specific chemical reactions in biological systems.
Epigenetics
Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than alterations in the underlying DNA sequence.
F
Fermentation
Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar into acids, gases, or alcohol using microorganisms like yeast or bacteria.
Food Biotechnology
Food biotechnology refers to the use of biotechnology to improve the production, quality, and safety of food.
G
Gel Electrophoresis
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate and analyze DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge.
Gene Editing
Gene editing is the process of making precisely targeted changes to specific DNA sequences in the genome using various molecular tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9.
Gene Expression
Gene expression refers to the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, such as proteins.
Gene Regulation
Gene regulation refers to the mechanisms that control the expression of genes, allowing cells to respond to internal or external signals and ensure proper development and function.
Gene Sequencing
Gene Sequencing is the process of determining the order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.
Gene Silencing
Gene silencing refers to the process of inhibiting the expression of a specific gene or set of genes, often achieved through the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) or other molecular tools.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique that aims to treat or cure diseases by introducing therapeutic genes into cells to replace or supplement defective genes.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is the process of manipulating an organism's genes to introduce desirable traits or remove unwanted traits.
Genetic Screening
Genetic Screening involves testing individuals for the presence of gene mutations associated with certain genetic disorders.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is a process that analyzes an individual's DNA to identify genetic variants associated with increased susceptibility to certain diseases or to assess the risk of passing on genetic disorders to offspring.
Genetic Variation
Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA sequences or gene frequencies among individuals within a population, leading to phenotypic diversity and adaptation.
Genetically Modified Organism (Gmo)
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques.
Genome
A genome is the complete set of genes or genetic material present in an organism.
Genome Editing
Genome Editing is the modification of an organism's DNA, typically using techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9.
Genome Sequencing
Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome.
Genomic Medicine
Genomic medicine is a branch of medicine that uses genomic information to guide diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
Genotyping
Genotyping is the process of determining genetic variations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in an individual's genome.
Gmo (Genetically Modified Organism)
A GMO is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
I
Immunogenetics
Immunogenetics is the study of the genetic basis of the immune response and how variations in genes can affect the susceptibility to diseases or response to treatments.
Immunology
Immunology is the study of the immune system and its response to foreign substances or pathogens.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that harnesses the body's immune system to fight diseases, such as cancer.
Industrial Biotechnology
Industrial biotechnology is the application of biotechnology to develop and manufacture products for industrial processes, such as biofuels, enzymes, or chemicals.
M
Metabolic Engineering
Metabolic engineering is the practice of optimizing cellular metabolic pathways or introducing new pathways to improve the production of desired compounds or products by microorganisms.
Metabolomics
Metabolomics is the study of the small molecules, or metabolites, involved in cellular processes and how their levels change in response to physiological or environmental conditions.
Metagenomics
Metagenomics is the study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples, allowing for the analysis of microbial communities and their functions.
Microarray
A microarray is a tool used to simultaneously analyze the expression levels of thousands of genes or DNA sequences.
Microbiome
The Microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that inhabit a particular environment.
Molecular Diagnostics
Molecular diagnostics is a technique used to detect and diagnose diseases by analyzing DNA, RNA, and other molecules.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies that are produced by identical immune cells and are used to treat various diseases.
N
Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine involves the use of nanotechnology for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the manipulation and control of matter at the nanoscale, often used in various biological and medical applications.
Next-Generation Sequencing
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a high-throughput DNA sequencing technology that allows for the rapid sequencing of large amounts of DNA.
Nucleic Acid
A nucleic acid is a macromolecule that carries genetic information or is involved in the synthesis of proteins.
O
Oligonucleotide
An Oligonucleotide is a short DNA or RNA molecule, typically used in genetic research or therapeutic applications.
P
Pcr (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
PCR is a laboratory technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA through repeated cycles of heating and cooling.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals are drugs or medicinal compounds used for the prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of diseases.
Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to drugs, aiming to optimize drug therapies based on genetic information.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.
Phenotype
Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which are influenced by its genotype and environmental factors.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr)
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA, allowing for its detection and analysis in various applications.
Precision Medicine
Precision medicine is an approach to healthcare that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle to tailor medical treatments and interventions.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria or yeasts that are beneficial for human health, especially for digestive and immune functions.
Protein Engineering
Protein engineering is the process of modifying or designing proteins with desired properties or functions for various applications, such as therapeutics or industrial processes.
Protein Purification
Protein purification is the process of isolating and purifying a specific protein from a complex mixture of proteins, often used in research or biomanufacturing.
Proteomics
Proteomics is the study of the structure, function, and interactions of proteins in a particular organism or system.
R
Recombinant Dna
Recombinant DNA refers to DNA molecules that are formed by combining DNA fragments from different sources, often used in genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Recombinant Dna Technology
Recombinant DNA Technology is the combination of DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is a branch of medicine that aims to replace or regenerate damaged or diseased tissues or organs, often using stem cells or tissue engineering approaches.
Reverse Transcriptase
Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template.
S
Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into various specialized cell types and have the potential to repair and replace damaged tissues.
T
Tissue Engineering
Tissue Engineering is the field of creating functional tissues or organs in the laboratory.
Transfection
Transfection is the process of introducing foreign DNA or RNA into eukaryotic cells.
Transgenic
Transgenic organisms are organisms that have had foreign genes introduced into their genome, resulting in the expression of new traits.
Transgenic Organism
A transgenic organism is an organism that has had foreign DNA inserted into its genome.
V
Vaccine
A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular disease by injecting a weakened or killed form of the pathogen.
Vaccines
Vaccines are biological substances that provide immunity to specific diseases by stimulating the body's immune response.
X
Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of organs, tissues, or cells from one species to another, often involving animal-to-human transplantation.