Glossary

Term Definition ACVM Act Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997. ANZFA Australia New Zealand Food Authority. Biotechnology Any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof (whether genetically modified or not) to make or modify products or processes for general use. Bt Bacillus thuringiensis. Chromosome Components in a cell that contain genetic information. Each chromosome contains numerous genes. Clone (of DNA): an identical copy. The term may be applied to a fragment of DNA, a plasmid that contains a single fragment of DNA, or a bacterium that contains such a plasmid (of animal or plant): an identical offspring, artificially created by transferring an identical nucleus into a recipient egg or by taking a cutting from a plant. Cloning need not be artificial – identical twins are natural clones of a single egg. Containment Restricting an organism or substance to a secure location or facility to prevent escape. This includes, in respect of genetically modified organisms, field-testing and large-scale fermentation. DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule present in the cells of living things, which controls the structure, function and behaviour of each cell. It carries genetic information during reproduction. ERMA Environmental Risk Management Authority (also known as ‘the Authority’), an independent authority set up under the HSNO Act. ERMA New Zealand The organisation that supports the activities of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA). Field test The carrying out of trials on the effects of the organism, under conditions similar to those of the environment into which the organism is likely to be released. The organism, or any heritable material from it, must be retrieved or destroyed at the end of the trials. ‘Field test’ includes large-scale fermentation of micro-organisms. Gene A sequence of DNA on a chromosome that contains an instruction for inherited characteristics. Genetic engineering (GE) Another term for genetic modification. Genetic modification (GM) Using modern biotechnology to alter the genetic material of cells or organisms in order to make them capable of making new substances or performing new functions. Also referred to as genetic engineering. Germ cells The reproductive cells in multicellular organisms. GM Genetically modified or genetic modification. GMO Genetically modified organism. A plant, animal or micro-organism whose genes have been altered using genetic modification by the inclusion of foreign genetic material or by the alteration of some DNA. The foreign material may come from other individuals of the same or a different species, or it may be synthetic. Heritable material Viable biological material, including gametes and spores, arising from an organism that can, without human intervention, regenerate the organism or reproduce a new generation of the same species of the organism. HSNO Act Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. IBSC Institutional Biological Safety Committee. In vitro In a test-tube or other laboratory environment. In vivo In the living body. MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (formerly Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries). Medsafe New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. OIA Official Information Act 1982. OSH Occupational Safety and Health Service, Department of Labour. Plasmid A small, circular piece of DNA found outside the chromosome in bacteria. Plasmids are the principal tools used for inserting new genetic information into micro-organisms or plants. Release Under New Zealand law, ‘releasing’ a genetically modified organism means it can be used without any environmental controls on it, and the necessary permission has been obtained. Overseas, ‘release’ is taken to mean a commercial application for a genetically modified organism or release onto the market, and it may have voluntary or mandatory controls on it. Somatic cell Any cell of a multicellular organism that will not contribute to the production of gamates; i.e. most cells of which an organism is made, other than germ cells. WTO TRIPs Agreement World Trade Organisation agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.