Can someone please explain to me what is a GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS and what is use for?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism
Thank you Ms. Sue
Certainly! A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) refers to any organism whose genetic material has been altered using modern biotechnology techniques. This alteration involves the transfer of specific genes from one organism to another, including genes from unrelated species, to achieve specific desired traits or characteristics.
The purpose of genetically modifying organisms is often to improve their traits and provide added benefits. For example, in agriculture, GMOs are commonly used to enhance crops. These modifications can create plants that are more resilient to pests, diseases, or extreme environmental conditions, leading to increased yield and improved nutrient content. GMOs can also be engineered to have longer shelf life or better taste.
In the field of medicine, GMOs are used to develop therapeutic compounds, such as insulin or vaccines. By modifying organisms like bacteria or yeast to produce such substances, it becomes more efficient and cost-effective to manufacture them at larger scales.
It's important to note that GMOs are a topic of ongoing debate, and concerns about their potential environmental impact, long-term health effects, and economic implications exist. Regulations and strict evaluation processes are in place in many countries to ensure the safety and proper use of GMOs.