The variety of different genes occurring within a population or species. For example, in humans, everybody has a gene affecting eye colour, but the different versions of these genes give rise to variety in eye colour in the population. The deliberate changing of the genetic material in an organism. Scientists can determine whether or not the change will be passed onto offspring. Usually in GMO's, the modification is passed on.
Genetic modification is a general term that can cover many processes.
The total genetic material of an individual or species. A chemical effective at killing plants. A mule is an example of a hybrid, and results from the cross of a donkey and horse. Hybrids, especially fertile hybrids, occur much more readily in plants than in animals. An example of a commonly used hybrid plant is wheat, which contains the genes of three closely-related plants.