Genetically modified organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Genetically Modified Organisms (dʒɪˈnɛtɪkliː mɒdɪˈfaɪd ˈɔːɡənɪzm), often abbreviated as GMOs, are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

Etymology

The term "Genetically Modified Organisms" was first used in the late 20th century, coinciding with the advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering. The term is derived from the words "genetic" referring to genes, "modified" meaning changed, and "organism" referring to any living thing.

Types of GMOs

There are several types of GMOs, including transgenic organisms, cisgenic organisms, and subgenic organisms.

• Transgenic organisms are those in which genes have been inserted from a different species.
• Cisgenic organisms are those that have been genetically modified with genes from the same species or a closely related one, where conventional plant breeding can occur.
• Subgenic organisms are those that have had specific genes removed using genetic engineering techniques.

Health and Environmental Impact

The health and environmental impact of GMOs is a topic of scientific debate. Some studies suggest that GMOs are safe for human consumption and beneficial for the environment by increasing crop yield and reducing pesticide use. However, other studies raise concerns about the long-term health effects and environmental impact of GMOs.

Regulation

The regulation of GMOs varies by country. In some countries, GMOs are heavily regulated and require extensive testing before they can be marketed. In others, the regulations are less stringent. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have established protocols for evaluating the safety of GMOs.

See Also

• Genetic Engineering
• Transgenic Organisms
• Cisgenic Organisms
• Subgenic Organisms
• World Health Organization
• Food and Agriculture Organization

References

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