Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

Definition

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are living creatures, like plants or animals, that have had their DNA altered in a laboratory to acquire desired traits such as increased resistance to pests, improved nutritional content, or enhanced growth rates.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory setting using genetic engineering techniques. This process allows for the introduction, alteration, or elimination of specific genes to attain traits such as resistance to environmental stressors, pesticide tolerance, or improved nutritional profiles. This technology is often used in agriculture to enhance crop yield and resilience.

Benefits

• Potential for higher crop yields.
• Can be engineered to have improved nutritional content.
• Increased resistance to pests and diseases.
• Reduced need for pesticides and herbicides.
• Enhanced tolerance to environmental conditions such as drought.

Examples

• Roundup Ready soybeans resistant to glyphosate herbicide.
• Bt corn that produces a bacterial protein toxic to certain pests.
• GMO papayas resistant to the ringspot virus.
• Golden rice enriched with vitamin A.

Additional Information

• Known issues: There is ongoing debate regarding the potential health and environmental impacts of GMOs, including concerns about allergenicity and gene transfer.

Related Terms

• Non-GMO
• Genetic Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Herbicide Resistance

References

• Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods: Approaches to Assessing Unintended Health Effects
• Genetically Modified Crops: A Survey of Public Perceptions