GMOs

A Genetically Modified Organism can be understood simply by breaking down its name. The word genetically relates to genetics, which are an organism's genes, or DNA. The word modified implies that something has been manipulated. Organisms include anything that has living cells. Therefore, the word GMO indicates that an organism's genes have been altered, changed or replaced with the genes of a desired trait. Genetic modification creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur naturally or through traditional cross breeding methods ( Non-GMO Project, "What is a GMO"). Some common GMOs are corn, canola oil, and cotton. Many similar crops are genetically modified in order to provide various human, economic, and environmental benefits. Specifically, genetically modified crops are engineered to be able to resist weed killers, also known as herbicides. Overall, GMOs have become increasingly popular, and there is a lot of controversy surrounding their production and consumption in the world today (Haiso, 2015).