Genetically modified organism facts for kids

GloFish, the first genetically modified animal to be sold as a pet

A genetically modified organism (often called a GMO) is a living thing whose genetic material has been changed. Scientists use special methods called genetic engineering to do this.

GMOs can be tiny organisms like bacteria and yeast, or larger ones like insects, plants, fish, and even mammals. We get genetically modified foods from GMOs. They are also very important in science research and for making things other than food.

How GMOs Started

Early Discoveries (1970s)

Modern genetic engineering began in 1972. Two American biochemists, Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen, made a big discovery. They used special tools (enzymes) to cut a small loop of DNA from bacteria. Then, they put another piece of DNA into the gap. This was amazing because it meant they could mix DNA from different living things. This new method is called recombinant DNA technology.

GMOs in the 1990s

First GM Foods

In 1991, a company tried to make a "Fish tomato." This plant had a gene from a fish! The idea was to make the tomato last longer. But people didn't like the idea of eating a plant with fish genes, so it was never sold.

The first genetically modified crop approved for sale in the U.S. was the FlavrSavr tomato in 1994. This tomato was designed to stay fresh longer. However, it cost more and didn't taste much better than regular tomatoes. Because of this, it wasn't very popular and soon disappeared from stores.

In 1996, a company asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve a genetically modified salmon called AquAdvantage Salmon.

GMOs in the 2000s

GM Pets and Plants

In 2003, the first genetically modified fish, called Glofish, was sold in the U.S. These fish glow in the dark! They were the first GM animals sold as pets.

In 2004, scientists created the first genetically modified black, blue, and red roses in a lab.

GMOs in the 2010s

New GM Crops

In 2010, a company tried to introduce a genetically modified eggplant in India. It was called Bt brinjal and was designed to resist insects. But people in India protested against it, so it was not approved for sale.

Also in 2010, a genetically modified potato called Amflora was approved in Europe. This potato was special because its starch was perfect for making paper and glues. It was not meant for eating.

Images for kids

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  A gene gun uses biolistics to insert DNA into plant tissue.

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  Herbert Boyer (pictured) and Stanley Cohen created the first genetically modified organism in 1973.

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  In 1974, Rudolf Jaenisch created the first genetically modified animal.

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  This artwork is made with bacteria modified to express 8 different colors of fluorescent proteins.

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  Tissue culture used to regenerate Arabidopsis thaliana

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  Suntory "blue" rose

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  Wild type peanut (top) and transgenic peanut with Bacillus thuringiensis gene added (bottom) exposed to cornstalk borer larva.

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  Kenyans examining insect-resistant transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn

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  Golden rice compared to white rice

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  Some chimeras, like the blotched mouse shown, are created through genetic modification techniques like gene targeting.

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  Mice expressing the green fluorescent protein

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  Frog expressing Green fluorescent protein

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  Transgenic Hydra expressing Green fluorescent protein

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  A label marking this peanut butter as being non-GMO

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  Detail of a French cheese box declaring "GMO-free" production (i.e., below 0.9%)

See also

In Spanish: Organismo genéticamente modificado para niños