Understanding GMOs: Genetically Modified Organisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) based on the lecture notes.

GMO

Genetically Modified Organism; an organism whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering.

Transgenic Organism

An organism that contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of the organism acquiring them through reproduction.

Plasmid

A small circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that can replicate independently and can carry genetic information for traits.

Genetic Engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.

Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)

A bacterium that produces a protein toxic to certain insects, often used in BT crops.

Roundup Ready Crops

Crops engineered to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, allowing them to survive applications of the herbicide.

Golden Rice

A genetically modified rice variety enriched with beta-carotene to help reduce vitamin A deficiency.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas; genetically modified bacteria (like E. coli) can be used to produce human insulin for diabetes treatment.

Methionine

An essential amino acid that is typically found in meat; genetically modified corn can be made to include this nutrient.

Allergen

A substance that can cause an allergic reaction; the introduction of new genes into organisms can lead to unexpected allergens.

Genetic modification

The process of altering the genetic material of an organism, which can involve inserting, deleting, or modifying genes.