GMO
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Genetically Modified Organisms
When a gene from one organism is purposely moved to improve or change another organism in a laboratory, the result is a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is also sometimes called "transgenic" for transfer of genes.
Types of GM plants
Most GM crops grown today have been developed to resist certain insect pests. There are GM plants being developed today to produce specific vitamins, resist plant viruses and even produce products for medical uses Countries that grow GM crops include; Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, United States, Ukraine.
Other GM products
Genetically engineered products are not new. Insulin used in medicine is an example of genetic engineering; the insulin gene from the intestines of pigs is inserted into bacteria. The bacterium grows and produces insulin; this insulin is then purified and used for medical purposes.
Engineering vs breeding
So why use molecular biology over traditional breeding? With traditional breeding, plants often exchange large, unregulated chunks of their genomes. This can lead to both useful and unwanted traits in the offspring. Sometimes these unwanted traits can be unsafe
Types of crops
The five most prevalent GMO crops of corn, canola, soy, cotton and sugar beets end up as additives in all kinds of packaged foods as corn syrup, oil, sugar, flavoring agents, thickeners and other ingredients. Choose organic or non-GMO verified.