GMO

• GMO stands for genetically modified organism.
• Genetically modified organisms also known as genetically engineered organisms are living organisms whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques. This manipulation often involves the introduction of DNA from another organism to confer specific traits or characteristics, such as increased resistance to pests, tolerance to herbicides, or improved nutritional content.
• 2 Methods of genetic modification

  Transgenic techniques and Genome editing technologies
• Transgenic techniques: -It Involves the insertion of genes from one species into the genome of another species.
• Genome Editing Technologies: -Enable precise modification of DNA at specific locations within the genome.
• 3 examples of GMOs in Agriculture: Bt crops, Golden rice and Roundup ready crops
• BT crops: Corn, cotton, and soybeans are crops that have been genetically modified to express genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which produces proteins toxic to certain insect pests. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
• Golden rice: Golden Rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. It aims to address vitamin A deficiency, a major public health problem in many developing countries where rice is a staple food.
• Roundup ready crops: Crops that are engineered to tolerate glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup. Farmers can effectively control weeds without harming the crop.
• Is GMO important in agriculture: genetically modified organisms (GMOs) play a crucial role in solving various challenges and improving crop yields, quality, and resilience, which help farmers grow more food in a sustainable and efficient manner.