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Genetics & Biotechnology vocabulary · Genetic Engineering and CRISPR

GMO

Meaning in genetics & biotechnology, with examples

abbreviationCore term

In genetics & biotechnology, GMO means: Genetically modified organism: a plant, animal or microorganism whose DNA has been changed in a way that does not happen naturally through mating or natural recombination.

In Turkish: GDO, genetiği değiştirilmiş organizma

How it is used

Used in regulation, agriculture, food labeling and public debate. Scientists often prefer 'genetically modified (GM)', 'transgenic' or 'genetically engineered'. Rules differ from country to country, and approval usually requires a risk assessment for health and the environment.

Example sentences

  1. Several GMO crops, such as insect-resistant maize, are widely grown in the Americas.

  2. The importer must prove that the soybean shipment contains no unapproved GMOs.

Common collocations

  • GMO crops
  • GMO labeling
  • GMO-free
  • GMO regulation
  • approved GMO
  • genetic engineeringThe deliberate changing of an organism's DNA in the lab, for example by adding, removing or altering genes, to give it new or improved characteristics.
  • biosafetyThe rules, equipment and practices that protect lab workers, the public and the environment from harmful biological agents and genetically modified organisms.
  • gene editingMaking precise, targeted changes to the DNA of a living cell or organism, such as cutting out, correcting or inserting a sequence at a chosen position.
  • plasmidA small, circular piece of DNA found naturally in bacteria and used in the lab as a tool to carry and copy genes inside cells.

More terms: Genetic Engineering and CRISPR

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