GMO
Lab-tweaked life form
GMO stands for genetically modified organism—a plant, animal, or microbe whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering rather than traditional breeding.
The term appears most often in food debates: GMO crops, GMO-free labels.
Proponents cite increased yields and pest resistance; critics raise concerns about ecological effects and corporate control of seeds.
Gene-editing molecular machinery
- transgenicHaving inserted foreign genes
- recombinantGenetically engineered combination
- plasmidSelf-replicating DNA circle
- vectorQuantity with direction
bioreactor · cloning · transformation · insertion · knockout · promoter · biofortification
U.S. health regulator
- USDAFederal agriculture bureau
- EPAFederal environmental regulator
- approvalFavorable opinion given
- safety testingEvaluating potential hazards
risk assessment · field trials · deregulation · labeling laws · traceability · biosafety · import restrictions
Assigning identifying markers
- organicFrom living matter
- activismDirect effort for reform
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- moratoriumTemporary prohibition or delay
Greenpeace · precautionary · biodiversity · cross-pollination · contamination · superweeds · gene flow · coexistence
Protein-rich Asian legume
- cornCereal grown on cobs
- maizeCob-bearing cereal crop
- canolaMild vegetable oil
- cottonPlant fiber for textiles
papaya · sugar beet · alfalfa · squash · potato · eggplant · drought-resistant · pest-resistant
Capacity to cause harm
- digestibilityEase of nutrient absorption
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- human trialsMedical tests on people
CRISPR
Gene-editing molecular machinery
- transgenicHaving inserted foreign genes
- recombinantGenetically engineered combination
- plasmidSelf-replicating DNA circle
vector · bioreactor · cloning · transformation · insertion · knockout · promoter · biofortification
FDA
U.S. health regulator
safety testing · risk assessment · field trials · deregulation · labeling laws · traceability · biosafety · import restrictions
labeling
Assigning identifying markers
moratorium · Greenpeace · precautionary · biodiversity · cross-pollination · contamination · superweeds · gene flow · coexistence · right to know
soybean
Protein-rich Asian legume
cotton · papaya · sugar beet · alfalfa · squash · potato · eggplant · drought-resistant · pest-resistant · yield
toxicity
Capacity to cause harm
- digestibilityEase of nutrient absorption
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- human trialsMedical tests on people
- hybridshybrid car, crossbred, mule, hybrid cars, tigon
- Science AbbreviationsDNA, RNA, ATP, ADP, AMP
- abbreviationsMr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, Jr
- agribusinessagribusiness, farm, farms, corporate farms, factory farming
- BiotechDNA, bioengineering, genetic testing, gene, DNA sequencing
- cannabisweed, sativa, indica, dispensaries, hybrid
GMOnon-GMO
Without genetic modification
unmodified · wild-type · organic · heritage · heirloom
Cultivation without synthetic chemicals
traditional agriculture · permaculture · biodynamic · seed saving · natural farming
GMOorganic
From living matter
all-natural · whole foods · farm-to-table · slow food · biodynamic
- GMO seedsLaboratory-modified planting material
- GMO cornGenetically altered cereal crop
- GMO labelsFood origin transparency markers
- GMO labelingMarking genetically altered products
- non-GMO labelFood packaging purity claim
- GMO debateDispute over altered crops