transgenic organism
Quick Summary
A transgenic organism, also known as a genetically engineered organism (GEO), is one whose genetic material has been deliberately altered using biotechnology. This involves adding, removing, or changing specific genes, often from unrelated species, to introduce desired traits.123
These modifications can lead to organisms with enhanced characteristics, such as increased resistance to pests or herbicides in plants. In agriculture, this has resulted in crops like insect-resistant corn and cotton, and herbicide-resistant varieties. Transgenic technology is also used in medicine to produce pharmaceuticals and in research to create models for studying diseases.134
While beneficial, the creation and use of transgenic organisms raise ethical concerns regarding potential health and environmental impacts, as well as the implications of altering genetic material.35
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