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A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques are generally known as recombinant DNA technology. With recombinant DNA technology, DNA molecules from different sources are combined in vitro into one molecule to create a new gene. This DNA is then transferred into an organism and causes the expression of modified or novel traits.

Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods produced from GMO that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering. GM foods were first put on the market in the early 1990s. The most common modified foods are derived from plants: soybean, corn, canola cotton seed oil and wheat.


2008-05-19

Custom Cats: How Genetic Engineering is Changing the World of Pets  

When people hear the words "genetically modified organism (GMOs), they picture fruit, vegetables or cereals, which has been altered in any way cheaper or more plentiful. Plant GMOs are generally in line with the aim to solve problems of hunger in the world, by providing enough food to feed humanity exploding population. Now, however, the term GMOs can be applied to something many of us hold dear in our lives� our pets. The company Allerca Pet Lifestyles from California last month announced that it sold kittens next year were genetically modified to be hypoallergenic. Humans have altered animal genomes for thousands of years by artificial selection (farming), and although this new form of genetic tinkering must be thoroughly tested before it is put up for sale, demand, to convert it into the wild is market.

It difficult to argue that a totally against the people to change other animals' genomes, especially since we have been doing it for a large part of our history. Different breeds of dogs and cats, over the millennia by human efforts of artificial selection. Natural selection created the wolves and wild dogs, from which our friends descended domesticated. One could argue that since we have already changed animal DNA to fit our desires and needs, there is nothing unethical about today's genetically modified pets. It leads in only one generation, which usually takes several generations of breeding. It also creates phenotypes, which we may never occur naturally.

One see things that many people agree is the need for extensive tests before this technology on the market. The PETA has argued that there is no way to know the long-term effects of genetic engineering on a cat's genome, and they are right. To date, no such study has been done shows that genetic engineering is completely safe for all animals. this particular case, scientists have a gene is silenced, that their cats frequently produces allergens. The gene still exists, but it is not in a position to produce it is protein. What needs to be done is extensive research on for many years to study not only the genetically modified individuals, but also their offspring.

In Despite this, it seems nothing can slow the tide to sell GMOs pets. Proposed bills, a ban on the sale failed in California last year. Although many People protest, pets are GMOs on the market. Hopefully it will not be too much damage done.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grant_Carroll

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