Genetically modified organism

A genetically modified organism (GMO) has genetic material deliberately altered using genetic engineering or other laboratory techniques. The alteration may add, remove, or change genetic sequences.

Recombinant DNA: DNA molecules assembled from genetic material originating from different sources. Many GMOs are made by inserting recombinant DNA into an organism's genome.
Bt crops: Crops engineered to produce insecticidal proteins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. They illustrate how a transferred gene can protect crops from specific insect pests.
Selective breeding: The breeding of organisms chosen to increase the frequency of desired inherited traits. It alters populations over generations without directly editing DNA in a laboratory.
Substantial equivalence: A food-safety comparison that evaluates a novel food against an established counterpart with a history of safe use. This framework guides some assessments of foods from genetically modified crops.
Genetically modified food controversy: Public and political disputes concerning the safety, ethics, and governance of food from genetically modified organisms. The controversy shapes public trust, labeling debates, and policy toward GMOs.
CRISPR gene editing: A set of methods that uses CRISPR-associated proteins to alter targeted DNA sequences. CRISPR can modify a genome without necessarily adding DNA from another species.
Herbicide-tolerant crops: Crops engineered to survive application of particular herbicides. This trait enables a weed-control system built around crops and matched herbicides.
Mutation breeding: The use of radiation or chemicals to create mutations from which breeders select useful traits. Its laboratory-induced changes complicate simple distinctions between engineered and conventionally bred crops.
Gene flow: The movement of genes between populations through reproduction or other forms of genetic exchange. Engineered traits can spread to related crops or wild populations through pollen or seed.
GMO labeling: Rules and practices for identifying foods or products made with genetically modified organisms. Labeling debates concern consumer choice, traceability, and the meaning of disclosure.

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