What does Genetically Modified mean?

Answer 1

Gene splicing or hybrid species are both genetically modified. *That is true, but there are two distinct kinds of genetic modification. Hybrids are modified by crossing one variety with another within the same species. For example, a Rutgers tomato is crossed with a Big Boy tomato to make a better variety of tomato. Another form of genetic modification is called bioengineering. Unlike hybrids, this type of genetic modification is done by splicing genes from one species into those of an entirely different species. This type of gene splicing has been done to certain vegetables since, I believe, the 1970s. An example is bacteria or virus genes that have been spliced into corn. This type of modification has been done with tomatoes, soybeans, potatoes, and other vegetables, as well as some varieties of trees. From what I have read, the goal is not to make a better variety, but to make the variety more tolerant of chemicals or, in the case of trees, to make their structure weaker to make them more suitable for paper-making. An organic grower most often uses heirloom varieties that have not been genetically modified, either by hybridization or bioengineering. In fact, most of the organic growers I know are vehemently opposed to any kind of bioengineered organisms and have organized to oppose such practices.
When something is modified by genetics, it means that it has been altered on a genetic level. Everything is made up of genes, including us. Some foods are altered genetically to help it be resistant to diseases.

Answer 2

A genetically modified organism is one that has had its DNA changed by humans using some scientific procedure, or the offspring or descendants of such an organism. Genetically modified crops, for instance, may have had their DNA altered by inserting a section of DNA taken from tobacco or some other plant into the DNA of the food plant, that causes the plant to automatically produce some sort of insecticide. so that farmers don't have to spend as much time protecting their crops from being eaten by or infested with some sort of insect. Or, a cow might be a genetically altered orgainism if it has had its DNA altered so that it grows bigger than it normally would, or produces more milk, or whatever. The main thing is that humans changed the DNA, which is something found in all living things that is the set of instructions that define how the organism should grow and develop, so that the organism that is produced using the new, changed "instructions" is different somehow than it would have been had humans done nothing to its DNA.

Answer 3

A genetically modified organism is a life form that has had its DNA code modified or changed. Genetically modified crops and farm animals are very common nowadays.

When a gene from one organism is purposely moved to improve or change another organism in a laboratory, the result is a genetically modified organism (GMO).

Answer 4

GMOs are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations of genes do not occur in nature.

Answer 5

A Genetically modified organism is an organism that has had its DNA altered by human intentional activity in a laboratory.