What is a genetically modified organism?

A genetically modified organism (or GMO) is an organism that has had its DNA altered for a particular purpose. GMOs could be viruses, bacteria, plants or animals. Usually, a small section of DNA from one organism is introduced into the DNA of another with which it would not normally interbreed.

Indoor (contained) GMOs

GMOs are already used in the UK to produce medicines such as antibiotics, painkillers, vaccines, insulin and growth hormones, and some foods that rely on bacteria (such as some cheese and yoghurts). The Health & Safety Executive regulate these 'indoor' or contained GMOs. Because of stringent laboratory regulations, they are unlikely to threaten the environment.

Outdoor (released) GMOs

So far, GM crops have been grown in Britain only in tightly regulated experiments. No GM crops are yet grown commercially in the UK. Worldwide, more than eight million farmers in 16 countries grow GM crops, accounting for more than a quarter of all land under cultivation. The four main crops grown are soya beans, maize, cotton and oilseed rape.

Other GM terms

DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid

All living cells contain DNA - the organism's genetic code, or 'blueprint'. DNA carries instructions for making all the structures and materials an organism needs, including instructions for which parts of the genetic code (individual genes) are switched on, when, and to what extent.

Genes

Genes are segments of DNA encoding instructions for producing proteins, which make up the structure of cells and direct their activities. Genes determine the inherited characteristics that distinguish one individual from another. Each human has an estimated 90,000 genes.

For more information on the history of GM technology see the BBC website devoted to GM.