What is the full form of GMO?

The full form of GMO is Genetically Modified Organism. The term “GMO” refers to creatures whose genetic makeup has been changed and redefined via the use of genetic engineering techniques. This technique is employed in agriculture, animal breeding, and other fields. To put it another way, we can say that these organisms or animals do not develop spontaneously by mating. Instead, genes are transferred between species, including those of bacteria, plants, and animals, to produce transgenic creatures. For the development of new creatures or species, either new genes will be introduced, old genes will be altered, or the gene itself will be excluded. Various methods, such as artificial insemination, cloning, in vitro fertilisation, gene manipulation, etc., are included in genetic engineering. 

Be it cattle, sheep, farming, or other animals; humans have used a variety of techniques for breeding reasons since very early times in an effort to maximise benefits and achieve higher productivity. However, science has advanced so much over time that biotechnology now allows researchers to directly alter the genes (DNA) of various creatures, including plants, microbes, and mammals. The first genetic remodelling occurred in 1972 when Paul Berg combined the DNA from the monkey virus with the Lambda virus to produce recombinant DNA.

The first GM organism was developed by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen in 1973. In 1974, Rudolf Jaenisch developed a transgenic mouse by inserting foreign DNA into the mouse embryo. This resulted in the creation of the first transgenic organism. While genetically modified animals are utilised for research, genetically engineered plants are increasingly used as a source of food in today’s society to suit the needs of people all over the world. Genetic engineering has made it possible for scientists to select DNA and tweak it in such a way that it can enhance any organism’s genetic quality and eliminate undesirable traits.

The genetically modified organisms produced by genetic engineering most of the time The majority of the time, the genetically altered organisms created through genetic engineering serve as models for further research into the function of genes. This has application in the field of medical science because it enables us to comprehend how a gene may play a role in a person’s health or disease. To fulfil the demands of the expanding population, genetic modelling in animals is being done to increase the availability of animals for human consumption. For instance, there are many crops in plants that are biennial or perennial or only available once a year, but to meet the demand for human consumption, the crop is genetically altered to be available all year round. Similar is the case for animals, for example, in chicken, growth hormones are injected to improve the production and quality to meet the market demand. 

Because they are created either through the injection of growth hormones or through genetic modification, genetically engineered animals and plants are controversial because they are not believed to be natural and, if consumed, raise the risk of allergic reactions and other illnesses. Hormonal issues have become more prevalent among the general population throughout time, and eating food made from these genetically modified sources is thought to be one of the causes. Genes from one organism are inserted into another fully, in addition to genetic alteration.

Nevertheless, scientists are taking into account GMOs in biomedical research, which will improve the quality of GMO foods and aid in improving people’s nutrition and health.

Government organisations oversee GMO management. Any GMO, whether it be an animal, a crop, or even the tiniest organism, needs to be approved by government agencies. An international pact that governs the use of genetically modified organisms is the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This protocol has members from 150 nations. This convention suggests regulations and standards for the creation and application of GMOs.