Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory and produced using scientific methods that include recombinant DNA technology and reproductive cloning. Genetically modified animals are mainly used for research purposes, while genetically modified plants are common in today’s food supply.
Reference Definition by WHO: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between nonrelated species. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods.
Related Definitions in the Project: The Science Definitions
