Transgenic

Definition

Transgenic refers to organisms, especially foods, that have had genes from other species inserted into their genetic material to express new traits.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Transgenic foods are produced by incorporating foreign genes into the DNA of host organisms through recombinant DNA technology. This process allows the creation of organisms with desired traits, such as disease resistance or improved nutritional profiles, which they would not naturally possess.

Benefits

• Potential for improved nutritional content
• Increased resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides
• Enhanced crop yields to help meet global food demand

Examples

• Bt corn, which is resistant to certain pests due to a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis
• Golden rice, enriched with beta-carotene to address vitamin A deficiency
• GMO soybeans resistant to herbicides

Additional Information

• Known issues: There are ongoing debates about the environmental impact and safety of transgenic foods, including concerns about allergenicity and gene transfer to non-GMO crops.

Related Terms

• Genetic Modification
• GMO
• Biotechnology
• Nontransgenic

References

• Understanding Genetically Modified Foods
• The Science Behind Genetically Modified Organisms