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Also known as the westen com root-worm, it is the larva stage of the com root-worm beetle (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), which historically has laid its eggs on com/maize (Zea mays L.) plants. When they hatch, the larva must feed on the roots of the com/maize plant in order to live. Some strains of Bacillus thuringiensis…

A small molecule that combines with the repressor to trigger repression (the shutting down) of transcription. A small molecule that triggers repression of transcription by binding to a regulator protein or transcription factor. The substance capable of activating the repressor produced by a regulator gene.  

The number of molecules (copies) of an individual plasmid or plastid that is typically present in a single (e.g., bacterial for plasmid, plant for plastid) cell. Each plasmid has a characteristic copy number value ranging from 1 to 50 or more. Higher copy numbers result in a higher yield of the protein encoded for by…

The international treaty governing the conservation and use of biological resources around the world, that was signed by more than 1 50 countries at the 1 992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Article 19.4 of the CBD called for the establishment of a “protocol on biosafety” to govern the trans-national-boundary movement of nonindigenous…

A type of cell culture in which the cells (either mammalian or otherwise) are immobilized in a part of the system, and nutrients/oxygen are allowed to flow through the stationary cells, thus effecting nutrient/waste exchange. Ideally the system incorporates features that retard the activity of proteolytic enzymes, and reduce the need for anti-infective agents (e.g.,…

An organization that is cosponsored by the Rome-based United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank. The CGIAR is an association of 43 public and private donors that jointly support seventeen international agricultural research centers that are located primarily in developing countries. Twelve of the research…

Mutations (unplanned changes) that cause genes that are non-constitutive (have controlled protein expression) to become constitutive (in which state the protein is expressed all of the time).  

The inert state of permanently nonexpressed sequences, usually satellite DNA.  

Expressed as a function of the interaction of RNA polymerase with the promoter, without additional regulation. They are sometimes also called “household genes” in the context of describing functions expressed in all cells at a low level.  

Enzymes that are part of the basic, permanent enzymatic machinery of the cell. They are formed at a constant rate and in constant amounts regardless of the metabolic state of the organism. For example, enzymes that function in the production of cell-usable energy (such as ATP) might be good candidates. And this, in fact, is…