Final answer:
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are those with artificially altered genomes, often to introduce traits like pest resistance or enhanced nutritional content. The modifications are performed through genetic engineering, utilizing recombinant DNA technology to incorporate foreign DNA. This has been done with crops such as Bt corn and Roundup-ready soybeans for agricultural benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is one whose genetic material has been altered through the use of genetic engineering techniques. Genetic engineering typically involves the use of recombinant DNA technology, resulting in the addition of foreign DNA to modify an organism's DNA to achieve desirable traits. The purpose of these modifications can be varied, including the development of crops with resistance to pests or herbicides, or crops with enhanced nutritional profiles.
The introduction of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes into corn to provide resistance to pests is an example of creating GMOs for agricultural improvement. This Bt corn can produce a protein that is toxic to specific insects, protecting the crop from damage. Similarly, Roundup-ready soybeans have been genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup, allowing farmers to control weeds without damaging the crop.
Therefore, whether through traditional breeding techniques or modern molecular biology methods, these processes result in the genetic modification of organisms. While traditional methods have been used for thousands of years, the more recent techniques of genetic engineering allow for much more precise alterations with intended targeted traits.