Genetically Modified Organisms
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Genetically Modified Organisms
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), pronounced /dʒɪˈnɛtɪkliː mɒdɪˈfaɪd ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/, are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using Genetic Engineering techniques. The term GMO is very close to the technical legal term, 'living modified organism' (LMO), defined in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
Etymology
The term "Genetically Modified Organisms" has its roots in the field of Genetics. "Genetic" refers to genes, the parts of cells that determine characteristics in living things. "Modified" means changed in some way. Thus, a genetically modified organism is an organism that has been changed at the genetic level.
Related Terms
- Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.
- Transgenic Organisms: Organisms that have received genes from other species.
- Biotechnology: The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products.
- Gene Splicing: A type of gene modification where the DNA is intentionally broken and then repaired to include the desired genes.
- Recombinant DNA: DNA that has been formed by the combining of at least two sequences that would not normally occur together.
See Also
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