continuous variationVariation where individuals cannot be classified as belonging to one of a set of discrete classes.
Control elementsDNA sequences in genes that interact with regulatory proteins (such as transcription factors) to determine the rate and timing of expression of the genes…
Controlled EnvironmentA closed environment in which parameters, such as light, temperature, relative humidity and sometimes the partial gas pressure (and possibly its…
controlling elementIn eukaryotes, transposons which affect the activity of known genes. This can occur as a result of the integration within, or close to a gene, thereby…
Convention on Biological Diversity(Abbreviation: CBD). The inteRNA tional treaty governing the conservation and use of biological resources around the world, that has also called for the…
ConversionThe ability, in some states, to switch your job-based coverage to an individual policy when you lose eligibility for job-based coverage.
coordinate repressionCorrelated regulation of a structural gene within an operon by a molecule that interacts with the operator.
CorrelationIn investment terms, correlation is the extent to which the values of different types of investments move in tandem with one another in response to…
cortexPrimary tissue of a stem or root, bounded externally by the epidermis and internally in the stem by the phloem, and in the root by the pericycle.
cos endsThe 12-base, single-strand, complementary extensions of bacteriophage lambda DNA.
CosmidA synthetic plasmid which incorporates the cos ends, and one or more selectable markers such as an antibiotic resistance gene.
cot curveA method to estimate the heterogeneity of sequence of a DNA preparation, based on the observation that the more homogenous the DNA, the more easily (and…
cotyledonLeaf-like structures at the first node of the seedling stem. In some dicotyledons, they represent a food storage organ for the germinating seedling.
couplingThe phase state in which either two dominant or two recessive alleles of two different genes occur on the same chromosome. Synonym: cis configuration.
covalently-closed circular DNA(Abbreviation: ccc DNA). A DNA molecule in which the free ends have ligated to form a circle. The strands remain linked together even after denaturation.
CP4 EPSPSAbbreviation for CP4 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase. See: enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase.
craniosynostosisA birth defect whereby an infant's skull bones are already fused at birth. Because this defect may interfere with the ability of the brain to grow…
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)A disease of humans hypothesized to be caused by a prion, or a small protein, which alters the structure of a normal brain protein, resulting in…
CriptoTranscription factor expressed by pluripotent stem cells and early embryos.
crossThe mating of two individuals or populations. See: cross-breeding.
cross pollination efficiencyThe ease with which cross pollination can be achieved. Generally measured by the number of hybrid progeny generated per flower pollinated.
cross-breedingMating between members of different populations (lines, breeds, races or species). See: cross.
Cross-hybridizationThe hydrogen bonding of a single- stranded DNA sequence that is partially but not entirely complementary to a singlestranded substrate.
CrownThe base of the stem of cereals and forage species from which tillers or branches arise. In woody plants, the root-stem junction.
crown gallA tumorous growth at the base of certain plants characteristic of infection by Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
CRPAbbreviation for catabolite regulator protein. See: catabolite activator protein.
cry proteinsA class of crystalline proteins produced by strains of Bacillus thuringiensis, and engineered into crop plants to give resistance against insect pests.
Cry1AA protein derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that is toxic to some insects when ingested.
cryobiological preservationThe preservation of germplasm resources in a dormant state by storage at ultra-low temperatures, often in liquid nitrogen.
cryopreservationThe process of cooling and storing cells, tissues, or organs at very low or freezing temperatures to save them for future use.
Cryopreserved embryosEmbryos, generally those produced by in vitro fertilization exceeding the number that can be transferred for uterine implantation, that have been frozen.
cryoprotectantCompound preventing cell damage during successive freezing and thawing processes. Cryoprotectants are agents with high water solubility and low toxicity.
crypticAnything hidden. 1. Structurally heterozygous individuals that are not identifiable as they do not show abnormal meiotic chromosome pairing configurations…
CTPAbbreviation for 1. cytidine 5'-triphosphate, which is required for RNA synthesis since it is a direct precursor molecule; 2. Chloroplast transit peptide.
cultigenA cultivated plant species with no known wild progenitor.
Cultivar(Abbreviation: cv). An inteRNA tionally accepted term denoting a variety of a cultivated plant.
Culture(KUL-chur) The beliefs, values, and behaviors that are shared within a group, such as a religious group or a nation.
culture alterationA term used to indicate a persistent change in the properties of a culture's behaviour (e.g.
Culture mediumAny nutrient system for the cultivation of cells, bacteria or other organisms; usually a complex mixture of organic and inorganic nutrients.
culture roomA dedicated room for maintaining cultures, often in a controlled environment.
curingThe elimination of a plasmid from its host cell. Many agents which interfere with DNA replication, e.g.
cuticleLayer of cutin or wax, formed on the outer surface of leaves and fruits, thought to have evolved to reduce evaporative water loss.
CuttingA detached plant part that, with appropriate treatment, can regenerate into a complete plant.
cybridA hybrid, originating from the fusion of a cytoplast (the cytoplasm without nucleus) with a whole cell derived from a different species.
cyclic adenosine monophosphate(Abbreviations: cyclic AMP, cAMP). A "messenger" molecule that regulates many intracellular reactions by transducing signals from extracellular growth…
cyclic AMPAbbreviation for cyclic adenosine monophosphate.
Cyclic AMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate)A second messenger that regulates many intracellular reactions by transducing signals from extracellular growth factors to cellular metabolic pathways.
Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk protein)Protein kinase that has to be complexed with a cyclin protein in order to act; different Cdk-cyclin complexes are thought to trigger different steps in…