GMO, or Genetically Modified Organism, is the alteration of an organism’s genetic material at a molecular level using genetic engineering techniques This involves the insertion, deletion, or modification of DNA segments in an organism that have been taken from another organism. This type of manipulation is done with the intent to introduce desirable traits that the organism did not possess before.
GMOs are used for a variety of purposes. For example, genetically modified crops can be modified to be more resistant to environmental threats such as drought, pests, and herbicides. They can also be modified to produce higher yields and to provide better nutrition. Additionally, GMOs are also used to create specialized medicines and therapies to treat various diseases and conditions.
The following are five of the best examples of GMO:
1. Golden rice — Golden rice is a type of rice that has been genetically modified to produce beta carotene, a nutritionally important precursor to vitamin A. It was produced to help combat vitamin A deficiency in some parts of the world.
2. Bt corn — Bt corn is a type of corn that has been modified to produce an insecticide within its tissues, which provides protection against common pests.
3. Virus-resistant papayas — Papaya plants have been genetically modified to make them resistant to the Papaya ringspot virus, which was devastating to papaya production in Hawaii.
4. AquAdvantage salmon — This is a type of genetically modified salmon that has been modified to grow much faster than regular salmon. This could provide a potential increase in seafood production.
5. Insecticide-resistant cotton — Cotton plants have been genetically modified to make them resistant to certain types of insecticides, allowing them to be sprayed more heavily without damaging the crop.
GMOs have been controversial for a variety of reasons, but the potential benefits of this technology have been demonstrated in many ways. With the right regulations and oversight, it could potentially provide a range of benefits in many different areas, from providing better nutrition to increasing crop productivity.