Supplementary reading

gene a length of DNA which codes for the production of a particular protein.

genetic engineering the application of methods using recombinant DNA to give new genetic traits to an organism by introducing new genes into its cells.

genome the complete set of genes present in an organism.

genus(plural genera) a group of animals or plants within a family, often itself divided into several species.

grow 1. to increase in size or quantity; to become greater; 2. to develop into a mature or an adult form.

growth the process of growing; development.

heterotroph an organism which requires organic compounds as its carbon and energy source.

host an animal or a plant on which another animal or plant lives.

hypothesis(plural hypotheses) an idea or a suggestion that is based on known facts and is used as a basis for reasoning or further investigation.

immunization a process rendering a host immunity to a disease.

in vitro latin for ‘in glass’. This term refers to biological processes carried out outside a living organism, for example, in a test tube.

inoculation the transfer of microorganisms from one source to another, e.g. transferring bacteria from a broth culture on to a sterile agar plate, or from a starter culture into a fermenter containing sterile medium.

interferons  a group of proteins which are active in the immune system. They fight viral infections and stimulate the cell-killing abilities of some immune cells.

They are being tested for use in cancer therapy and in the treatment of AIDS and other viral diseases.
limb 1. a leg, an arm or a wing; 2. a large branch of a tree.
lymphocyte a type of white blood cell (granulocyte) for example B and

T cells.
magnify to make something appear larger, especially by using a lens or microscope.