GMO
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Biology
| Stands for | Genetically modified organism |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
GMO stands for Genetically modified organism, a biology abbreviation.
Plant, animal or microbe whose DNA has been altered with genetic engineering techniques rather than conventional breeding or natural mutation. Common examples are insect-resistant Bt corn and cotton and herbicide-tolerant soybeans; GM bacteria and yeast also produce insulin, rennet and many enzymes.
Example: The cereal box carries a "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal on the front panel.
Usage notes
The first GM food sold to consumers was the Flavr Savr tomato in 1994. Major scientific bodies have concluded that approved GM foods are as safe to eat as conventional ones, though rules differ widely: the EU requires labeling above 0.9% GM content, while the United States has required "bioengineered" food disclosures since 2022. Regulators debate whether gene-edited crops should count as GMOs.
Related abbreviations
More biology abbreviations
- FAD – Flavin adenine dinucleotide
- FBS – Fetal bovine serum
- FITC – Fluorescein isothiocyanate
- GABA – Gamma-aminobutyric acid
- GFP – Green fluorescent protein
- GM – Genetically modified
- GPCR – G protein-coupled receptor
- GTP – Guanosine triphosphate
- HEK293 – Human embryonic kidney 293 cells
- HeLa – Henrietta Lacks (cell line)
- HGT – Horizontal gene transfer
- IF – Immunofluorescence