What is a GMO?

GMOs, or genetically modified organisms are organisms whose genetic material has
been altered using genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the modification of an
organism's phenotype by altering its genetic make-up. Genetic engineering is primarily
performed by simple mating or gene recombination. A latter section in this module
elaborates further on how genetically modified crops are created. . GMOs range from
micro-organisms like yeast and bacteria to insects, plants, fish and mammals.
Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are those engineered to introduce a new trait
into the species. Purposes of GM crops generally include resistance to certain pests,
diseases, or environmental conditions, or resistance to chemical treatments (e.g.
resistance to a herbicide). Other purposed of genetic modification of crops is to enhance
its nutritional value, as seen in the case of golden rice.

The use of GM crops is widely debated. At the moment there is no known harm in
consuming genetically modified foods. GM foods are developed – and marketed –
because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of
these foods. This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit
(in terms of durability or nutritional value) or both.

GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments
and are not likely to present risks for human health. In addition, no effects on human
health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general
population in the countries where they have been approved.

How organisms are genetically modified?

Genetic engineering is the modification of an organism's phenotype by manipulating its

genetic material. Some genetic engineering uses the principle of recombination.

Recombination is the process through which a new gene is inserted into a bacterial
DNA "The plasmid. The DNA needs to be cut with an enzyme called a restriction
enzyme. The restriction enzyme used must have a specific shape that allows it to move
along the DNA that is to be cut. The restriction enzyme looks for a specific point in the
DNA sequence at which to cut the DNA. When the restriction enzyme cuts, it leaves a
"Sticky end" which helps a new gene to attach at that point. Another enzyme is used to
attach the new DNA segment; this is called "DNA ligase". Genetically engineered
bacterium is cultured and many new copies of the bacteria with the new gene are
grown. Genetic modifications can be made to both plants and animals.
 Why Genetically Modify a Living Organism?

For millennia, farmers have sought to grow plants or breed animals with desirable
characteristics. The earliest farmers chose the seeds from their best plants as the
source for the next year's crop and chose their best animals to breed and produce
another generation.

Over time and with increased knowledge of plant and animal genetics, this practice
became more sophisticated, and farmers and scientists began selecting specifically for
traits they wanted. They also began creating new crop hybrids in the laboratory, as
opposed to in the field and applying chemicals and radiation in an effort to change the
genetic makeup of plants and induce desired changes.

These efforts have led to a variety of new crops, including rice cultivars that are
resistant to drought and wheat cultivars that have a much higher yield.

GMOs take this effort to yet another level: instead of using lab techniques to induce
mutations that deliver the desired characteristics, GMO scientists directly edit a plant or
animal's genetic code and insert genes that carry those characteristics.