Abstract:
GM crops are made through a process known as genetic engineering. Genes of commercial interest are transferred from one organism to another. Two primary methods currently exist for introducing transgenes into plant genomes. The first involves a device called a ‘gene gun.’ The DNA to be introduced into the plant cells is coated onto tiny particles of gold or tungsten. These particles are then physically shot onto plant cells and incorporated into the genomic DNA of the recipient plant. The second method uses a bacterium to introduce the gene(s) of interest into the plant DNA.