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FAQ: What are GMOs/GE crops/biotech crops?

With all of the controversy surrounding genetically engineered crops, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), many people want to know exactly what makes a crop genetically engineered. One of the best definitions that currently exists is from the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which sets international food standards. We’ll start by giving this definition, and then explain what it means.

“‘Modern Biotechnology’ means the application of: i) In vitro nucleic acid techniques, including recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and direct injection of nucleic acid into cells or organelles, or ii) Fusion of cells beyond the taxonomic family, that overcome natural physiological reproductive or recombinant barriers and that are not techniques used in traditional breeding and selection."

- Codex Alimentarius

The first part of this definition fits what is generally considered genetic engineering. In this process first DNA is identified that codes for a trait of interest, such as herbicide tolerance. This DNA, called recombinant DNA, has almost always been found somewhere in nature: sometimes in a related species, sometimes in some entirely different kingdom, such as bacteria. Most recently, scientists are beginning to develop entirely new genes in the laboratory. Once this recombinant DNA is isolated, it is combined with other pieces of DNA that facilitate the process of getting the DNA to insert into the target organism and express the traits of interest. Genetic engineers then attempt to insert this whole package, called a construct, into the target organism. The process of getting the DNA into the organism is called transformation. It is generally done either by using bacteria which infect the plant and insert the DNA, or by coating particles of heavy metal with the DNA and blasting the particles into the plant.

The second part of the Codex definition broadens what is considered “biotechnology” to beyond the process of genetic engineering described above. It includes technology known as “protoplast fusion” or “somatic fusion,” where plant cells from related species are cultured together in a way to produce hybrids between the species.