Babylonians:
Member of a ancient empire in south-west Asia, in the lower Euphrates valley.

bacasse:
The unrefinable parts of a sugar cane, can be burned for energy.

Bacillus thurengensis:
Bt for short, is the formost of insecticides.

bacteria (class: Schizomycetes singular: bacterium):
Tiny organisms, some of which are involved in fermentation, nitrogen fixation, disease and putrefication.

bacterial breakdown:
The process of bacteria breaking a complicated compound into simpler ones.

base:
A compound which has a pH more than 7. See pH.

beneficial
Advantageous, helpful.

betaine:
A dark red pigment.

biocontrol:
To exercise a restraint over the development of new biological advances, in order to prevent unintended mutations in the natural scheme of organic life.

biodegradable:
Property which means a substance can be broken down by bacteria and other organisms.

bioflavonoids:
See citrin.

bioherbicides:
See herbicides.

biological:
Pertaining to biology.

biology:
The science of life or living matter in all its forms and phenomena.

biomedical:
Relating to biology or medicine.

biophotolysis:
Operation where solar photons initiate processes in which water splits into molecular hydrogen and oxygen.

bioreactors:
In a container about the size of a soup can, the clear shell allows scientists to check growth, and the center holds a cylindrical filter that draws off used growth medium as fresh medium is injected. This ensures that the fluid rotates without shear forces that would destroy the cells. The rotating vessel does not really cancel gravity, but constantly reorients the cells so their orientation is constantly changing.

biosynthesis:
The combining of the constituent elemests of separate biological materials into a single or unified entity.

biotechnology:
Technology involving living organisms.

Book of Genesis:
The first book in the Bible, dealing with the Creation.

botanist:
A specialist in botany. See botany.

botany:
The branch of biology concerned with plants.

bovine somatrophin:
Also known as BST. It is a naturally occurring hormone produced by all cattle. It enhances their growth and milk secretion abilities. BST is always present in the milk.

bushel:
Unit of dry measure, typically used for fruit and grain. Equals roughly 35.5 litres. Exact amount varies between countries.
Index
Agromedia : English : Glossary : Section B