Article
Article
Genetically modified organism (GMO)
Article By:
Ortega-Recalde, Oscar Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Last reviewed:April 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.285260
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- Genetically modified organism (GMO), published January 2016:Download PDF
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A biological organism whose genetic material has been manipulated artificially through genetic or genomic editing techniques. In contrast to the long history of artificial selection (domestication), in which humans selectively breed organisms to enhance desirable traits, GMOs are created by genetic engineering techniques that allow for precise and efficient control over the introduced changes. These changes can involve the introduction of foreign genetic material from one species into another (Fig. 1). Numerous advances in genetic editing techniques mirror advances in biological, agricultural, medical, and biotechnological methodologies and techniques. See also: Agricultural science (plant); Biology; Biotechnology; Domestication; Genetic engineering; Genetically engineered plants; Genetics; Genomics; Medicine
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