key term - Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Definition

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are living organisms whose genetic material has been altered using biotechnology. This alteration allows scientists to introduce specific traits into the organism that would not have occurred naturally.

Related terms

Biotechnology: The use of living organisms or their components to create useful products or processes.

Genetic Engineering: The process of altering an organism's DNA by adding, removing, or changing specific genes.

Transgenic Organism: An organism that contains genes from another species that have been artificially introduced through genetic engineering.