Genetic modification (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject Health - Public Health, grade: B, The University of Chicago, language: English, abstract: Genetic modification is a biotechnology that is used to make new products, in particular new types of crops or organisms < http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/gm/>. It involves the use of biotechnology techniques to change or alter the genetic make-up of an organism such a plant or animal. All organisms have a make up that is relatively similar, in that each and every organism has its characteristic marked up in the nucleus of its cells in a cellular component known as DNA. In each and every cell, among the billions of cells that make up an organism, contains a cell nucleus that holds this important genetic material known as DNA. The DNA contained in each cell contains mapped out information that controls the functioning of the organism, in addition to carrying the inheritable characteristics that are passed down from one generation of the organism to the next. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is what carries the unique genetic characteristics that conform to each individual. It is these genes that contain instructions to make the building blocks of life in organisms- proteins, starch, oil, fibre or fat that is used within the organism < http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Food-and-Agriculture/WhatIsGM.aspx