Here's a breakdown of what it means:
* Genetically Modified: This refers to an organism whose genetic makeup has been altered using biotechnology.
* Genetic Modification: This process involves the direct manipulation of an organism's genes, usually through the insertion of foreign genes or the modification of existing ones.
Common Applications of GM in Science:
* Agriculture: GM crops are designed for enhanced traits like pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or increased yield.
* Medicine: GM organisms are used to produce pharmaceuticals like insulin, human growth hormone, and vaccines.
* Research: GM organisms are essential tools for understanding biological processes and for developing new therapies.
Example:
* GM Corn: Corn that has been genetically modified to be resistant to a specific insect pest.
Note: The term "GM" is often used in conjunction with other words, such as "GM food" or "GM organism."