What is GMO?

A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a plant, animal, microorganism or other

organism whose genetic makeup has been modified using recombinant DNA methods
(also called gene splicing), gene modification or transgenic technology. This relatively
new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes
that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of 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. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses,
insects, animals or even humans. Because this involves the transfer of genes, GMOs
are also known as “transgenic” organisms.

Uses of GMO in the industry

Agriculture

Plant crops, including both food and fiber harvests, have been subject to several types
of genetic modification. Genes used to increase yields include those conveying drought,
pest and disease-resistance. (e.g. corn, soybeans)
GMO animals are also frequently seen in agriculture. Genes for increased milk and egg
production, disease-resistance and higher meat proportions are among those
introduced into these populations.

Medicine

The inception of genetic modification has transformed the field of medicine. According
to the Institute for Traditional Medicine, one of the first applications of genetic
modification was the creation a bacterial strain capable of producing human insulin.
Insulin, the hormone lacking in people with diabetes, was previously isolated from pig
pancreas. Recombinant insulin offers many advantages over pig insulin, including cost
savings, fewer allergic reactions and putting an end to the practice of euthanizing pigs
for their insulin. Other examples of GMOs used in medicine include pharmaceutical
agents produced in sheep's milk and vaccines grown in chicken eggs.