What is the full form of GMO

GMO: Genetically Modified Organism

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. It refers to a plant, animal or any other organism whose genetic makeup has been altered or modified through recombinant DNA technology (gene splicing), gene modification or transgenic technology.

GMO is produced through a laboratory process where genes of one organism are extracted and transferred to another organism or a different species. As this process involves transfer of genes, the GMOs are also called "transgenic" organisms. This process may be called Genetic Engineering or Genetic Modification.

This technology has developed over the years to face the challenges of feeding an ever-growing population by creating crops with pest, virus and climate resistance. The bacterial genes that encode for pest or herbicide resistance are introduced into the genomes of crops to produce GM crops. Foods produced from GMOs are known as GM foods. The commonly found GM crops in the Unites States are Soy, Corn, Cotton, and Canola.

The modern recombinant DNA technology can stitch together pieces of DNA with genes, regardless of the source of DNA. For example, there are GMO pigs that glow in the dark as a gene for bioluminescence from a jellyfish has been inserted into their DNA. Similarly, scientists have developed tomatoes that resist frost and freezing temperature by inserting antifreeze genes from a cold-water fish, the winter flounder.