GMO Facts And Fiction
What is a GMO? What does it really mean........? Here goes a comprehensive definition; GMO (genetically modified organisms) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated ( genetic manipulation ) in a laboratory through a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. Since this involves the transfer of genes, GMOs are also known as “transgenic” organisms. Quick note: Genetically modified foods or GM foods are also known as genetically engineered foods, bioengineered food or biotech food for short. A brief History The genetic engineering technology was developed in the 1970s. In the...