Genetically Modified Organisms

Abstract

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic characteristics have been changed through the insertion of a modified gene or of a gene from another organism, or through the elimination of a gene. These genetic engineering techniques, also known as “recombinant DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid] technology,” aim to introduce a new property into an existing organism's genome for some human purpose (see Biotechnology). The genes inserted to create GMOs may include modified gene sequences from within the same species or from sexually compatible species (intragenic GMOs), or they may be sourced from distinct species (transgenic GMOs). Some examples of GMOs include transgenic microbes used to produce insulin for treatment of diabetes, transgenic plants created in order to resist pests or to provide greater nutritional value, and genetically modified viruses that deliver disease-curing genes into human cells. Genetic engineering has also produced transgenic fish with growth-enhancing properties, and even ornamental transgenic fish with fluorescent color. Keywords: benefit-cost analysis; biodiversity; bioethics; intellectual property; risk