Which of the following best describes genetically modified organisms?

Which of the following best describes genetically modified organisms?

• A. Organisms that have undergone natural selection
• B. Organisms with altered DNA to enhance certain traits
• C. Organisms created through selective breeding
• D. Organisms that are clones of existing plants or animals

Answer: (B)

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are best described as organisms with altered DNA to enhance certain traits. This process involves the direct manipulation of an organism's genetic material using biotechnology tools such as recombinant DNA technology, gene editing, or genetic engineering. The goal of creating GMOs is often to express new traits that improve crop yield, enhance resistance to pests or diseases, or increase nutritional value. Unlike natural selection, which occurs over long periods of time through environmental pressures, the changes made in GMOs can be achieved in a much shorter timeframe and can involve traits that may not even be present in the organism's natural gene pool. This distinction is crucial in understanding how GMOs differ from organisms that are created through traditional means, such as selective breeding, which relies on natural variations present in a species rather than directly altering DNA. Cloning is also a separate process that creates copies of existing organisms rather than modifying their genetic traits. Thus, the focus on the alteration of DNA to enhance traits is what accurately defines genetically modified organisms.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are best described as organisms with altered DNA to enhance certain traits. This process involves the direct manipulation of an organism's genetic material using biotechnology tools such as recombinant DNA technology, gene editing, or genetic engineering. The goal of creating GMOs is often to express new traits that improve crop yield, enhance resistance to pests or diseases, or increase nutritional value.

Unlike natural selection, which occurs over long periods of time through environmental pressures, the changes made in GMOs can be achieved in a much shorter timeframe and can involve traits that may not even be present in the organism's natural gene pool. This distinction is crucial in understanding how GMOs differ from organisms that are created through traditional means, such as selective breeding, which relies on natural variations present in a species rather than directly altering DNA. Cloning is also a separate process that creates copies of existing organisms rather than modifying their genetic traits. Thus, the focus on the alteration of DNA to enhance traits is what accurately defines genetically modified organisms.