Expert response from Community Manager

Moderator for GMOAnswers.com

Friday, 12/18/2015 13:30

GMO stands for genetically modified organism. GMO is a common phrase often used to describe genetic modification, biotechnology, biotech seeds, genetic engineering, but actually means that a change has been made to the DNA of an organism.

A GMO in agriculture refers to a crop, or seed, developed with genetic engineering in order to express a certain trait that is useful to farmers. Examples of these kinds of traits are resistance to insects, diseases or drought. In addition, traits that are attractive for consumers could be included, like non-browning fruits or plants with increased levels of nutrients. It is important to note that GMOs – outside of agriculture – are also used for a variety of purposes, such as to produce human insulin, vitamins, vaccines or enzymes used in cheeses, fermented beverages and starch products. 

There are currently nine commercially available GM crops in the U.S. which are the following: soybeans, corn (field and sweet), papaya, canola, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beets, summer squash and potatoes. The GM apple has been approved and will be arriving in markets soon. The GM salmon was recently approved by the FDA and is the first animal GM product to be approved, coming to markets soon as well. 

Also, check out this infographic to learn more about plant breeding techniques and how GMOs seeds are made.

We hope the information provided answers your question. Also, feel free to contribute to the discussion in the comment section below!