GMOs

Definition

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This can involve inserting genes from one species into another to give the organism new characteristics.

Analogy

Think of GMOs like a pizza where you can customize the toppings. Just like you can add different ingredients to a pizza to change its taste and texture, scientists can modify the genes of an organism to give it new traits.

Related terms

Genetic Engineering: It is the process of manipulating an organism's DNA using biotechnology techniques.

Biotechnology: The use of living organisms or their products for commercial purposes, such as genetically modifying crops.

Transgenic Organisms: These are organisms that have had foreign genes inserted into them from another species. For example, corn plants that have a gene from bacteria added to make them resistant to pests.