The Genetics & Biotech Glossary
Clear, balanced definitions for the terminology of gene editing, genomics, and modern biotechnology. No hype. No jargon.
Visual Explainers
Core concepts illustrated with clear, simple diagrams.
Milestones in Modified DNA
A brief history of key breakthroughs in genetics, gene editing, and biotechnology.
Test Your Knowledge
Match the definition to the correct term. 10 questions drawn randomly from the glossary.
About ModifiedDNA.com
ModifiedDNA.com is an independent educational resource dedicated to making the terminology of genetics, gene editing, and biotechnology accessible to everyone — from curious students to professionals looking for a quick reference.
Why we built this
The world of modified DNA is moving fast. From CRISPR gene therapies receiving regulatory approval to mRNA technology transforming vaccine development, breakthroughs that once belonged to academic journals are now front-page news. But the language of genetics can be intimidating, and too much of what's out there is either buried in jargon or oversimplified to the point of inaccuracy.
We wanted to build something in between: a glossary that's scientifically accurate, clearly written, and balanced. Every definition on this site is sourced from peer-reviewed research, government health agencies, and established scientific institutions.
Our principles
Accuracy first. Every entry is grounded in established science and sourced from institutions like the NIH, Nature, WHO, and FDA. We cite our sources so you can verify and explore further.
Balance and neutrality. Biotechnology and genetic modification are subjects where opinions run strong. We present what the science says, note where legitimate debate exists, and avoid advocacy in either direction.
Education, not advice. We define terms — we don't recommend treatments, products, or actions. If you're dealing with a health concern, please consult a qualified medical professional. Our glossary is a starting point for understanding, not a substitute for expert guidance.
Accessibility. We offer two reading levels (Simple and Detailed) so the content works whether you're a high school student writing a report or a graduate researcher brushing up on an unfamiliar field.
What we don't do
We don't provide medical advice. We don't promote or endorse any treatments, products, or companies. We don't sensationalise. If a topic is genuinely complex or contested, we say so rather than pretending there's a simple answer.
Contact
We welcome corrections, suggestions for new terms, and general feedback. See our Contact page for details.
Our Sources
Every definition in the ModifiedDNA.com glossary is informed by and attributed to reputable scientific sources. Below is a summary of the types of sources we draw from, along with key institutional links.
- National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) — Part of the NIH; primary source for genetics terminology
- MedlinePlus Genetics — NIH's consumer-facing genetics reference
- FDA — Cellular & Gene Therapy Products — Regulatory information on approved therapies
- World Health Organization — GM Foods — International perspective on GMO safety
- CDC Office of Genomics and Precision Public Health — Genomics and public health
- Nature and Nature Scitable — Research papers and educational explainers
- Science (AAAS) — Peer-reviewed multidisciplinary research
- Annual Reviews — Authoritative review articles across biology
- Broad Institute (MIT/Harvard) — Leading CRISPR and genomics research
- Addgene — Non-profit plasmid repository with educational resources
- Engineering Biology Research Consortium — Synthetic biology
- National Academies of Sciences — Policy reports on gene editing
We prioritise primary and institutional sources over news articles or opinion pieces. Each glossary entry includes direct links to its specific sources, so readers can always verify claims and explore further. If you believe a source is outdated or a citation is incorrect, please let us know.
Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 2026
Overview
ModifiedDNA.com is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that data.
Data we collect
Analytics data. We use analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site. This may include anonymised data such as pages visited, time spent on pages, browser type, device type, and approximate geographic location (country/region level). We do not collect personally identifiable information through analytics.
Cookies. We may use cookies for analytics purposes and to remember your preferences (such as reading level). If third-party advertising is enabled in the future, additional cookies may be used by ad networks. You can control cookie settings through your browser or via the cookie consent banner on this site.
Data we do not collect
We do not collect names, email addresses, health information, or any personally identifiable information unless you voluntarily provide it (for example, by contacting us via email).
Third-party services
Analytics and, in the future, advertising services may use their own cookies and tracking technologies. These are governed by the respective privacy policies of those providers. We will update this policy when any such services are added.
Your rights
You have the right to opt out of analytics tracking by declining cookies via the consent banner or adjusting your browser settings. If you are located in the EU/EEA, you have additional rights under GDPR, including the right to access, rectify, or delete any personal data we may hold. Contact us at the address below to exercise these rights.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Contact
For privacy-related enquiries, please email cevinpl@zbqvsvrqqan.pbz.
Get in Touch
We welcome feedback, corrections, and suggestions for new glossary terms. If you've spotted an error, know of a better source, or think we're missing an important term, we'd love to hear from you.
What makes a good suggestion
If you're suggesting a new term, it helps to include a brief description of why you think it belongs in the glossary and, if possible, a link to a reputable source we can reference. We aim to add terms that are relevant to the core topics of genetics, gene editing, genomics, GMOs, biotech, and related ethics.
Response time
We're a small operation, so please allow a few working days for a response. We read everything and appreciate you taking the time to help improve the site.