Why dont scientists associate the acronym G.M.O with domesticated organisms have had their genomes modified from their original wild ancestors by Humans?

Expert response from Alejandra Abril Guevara

Graduate Student, University of Florida

Friday, 28/08/2015 12:05

The direct answer to your question is scientists do use the acronym "GMO" in general, and certainly not for organisms that humans have domesticated for food or medicines. The general public employs the term GMO when referring to genetically engineered organisms. The problem is that the term GMO is very unspecific. While it generally refers to transgenic plants, there are many ways to modify plant genetics, which gets confusing.  This can be through biotechnology, traditional breeding, genetics, genetic engineering or simple selection. In fact, according to the Glossary of Agricultural Biotechnology Terms and the USDA, a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is: “An organism produced through genetic modification”, which is a cyclical definition. They define genetic modification as: “The production of heritable improvements in plants or animals for specific uses, via either genetic engineering or other more traditional methods. Some countries other than the United States use this term to refer specifically to genetic engineering.”

Now scientists are trying to avoid the term “GMO” to refer to genetic engineered organisms not only because of the inaccuracy of the term but also because it causes strong rejection in society given the misleading information that has been propagated about the genetically engineered organisms. 

Expert response from Alejandra Abril Guevara

Graduate Student, University of Florida

Friday, 28/08/2015 12:05

The direct answer to your question is scientists do use the acronym "GMO" in general, and certainly not for organisms that humans have domesticated for food or medicines. The general public employs the term GMO when referring to genetically engineered organisms. The problem is that the term GMO is very unspecific. While it generally refers to transgenic plants, there are many ways to modify plant genetics, which gets confusing.  This can be through biotechnology, traditional breeding, genetics, genetic engineering or simple selection. In fact, according to the Glossary of Agricultural Biotechnology Terms and the USDA, a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is: “An organism produced through genetic modification”, which is a cyclical definition. They define genetic modification as: “The production of heritable improvements in plants or animals for specific uses, via either genetic engineering or other more traditional methods. Some countries other than the United States use this term to refer specifically to genetic engineering.”

Now scientists are trying to avoid the term “GMO” to refer to genetic engineered organisms not only because of the inaccuracy of the term but also because it causes strong rejection in society given the misleading information that has been propagated about the genetically engineered organisms.