After years and years of discovering DNA, chromosomes that are found inside it, and the genes that make them up, scientists have found a new way to utilize that information. Scientists now have the ability to artificially insert genes into an organism in order to enhance it. If the organism has more than one gene artificially inserted, it's technically called genetically modified. Organisms containing only one gene from another species is called a transgenic organism. Genetically modified organisms can be very beneficial to us. For example, GM plants have completely changed the world of agriculture. By introducing different specific genes to plants, scientists have successfully made them resistant to herbicides and pests. They also have successfully increased the amount of minerals in certain plants we consume. Genetically modified organisms are not only limited to plants. Animals can be modified too such as improving qualities, increasing production of proteins, or therapeutics. With all the positive effects that come with genetically modifying organisms there are also some negative effects that can come along with it, especially with plants. GM plants can potentially introduce allergens into the food supply or spread genes to related plants. Genetically modifying organisms can bring great things to the table, which is why scientists take extra safety precautions to protect the health of humans and the environment.
Sources: Class Notes: Chapter 12-DNA Technology and Genomics
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