Which option correctly identifies a genetically modified organism (GMO) as used in biotechnology?

Which option correctly identifies a genetically modified organism (GMO) as used in biotechnology?

• A. A crop grown in greenhouses only.
• B. A system for preserving seeds.
• C. A plant or animal whose genetic makeup has been changed.
• D. A type of fertilizer.

Answer: (C)

Genetically modified organisms are organisms whose genetic makeup has been changed through biotechnology to express new traits or enhance existing ones. This definition covers plants and animals whose DNA has been altered, whether by inserting genes from other species or editing existing genes. That is why this option is the best: it directly defines what a GMO is. The other descriptions describe things not about genetic changes—growing a crop in a greenhouse relates to environment, preserving seeds is about storage, and a fertilizer affects nutrition rather than the organism’s genes.

Genetically modified organisms are organisms whose genetic makeup has been changed through biotechnology to express new traits or enhance existing ones. This definition covers plants and animals whose DNA has been altered, whether by inserting genes from other species or editing existing genes. That is why this option is the best: it directly defines what a GMO is. The other descriptions describe things not about genetic changes—growing a crop in a greenhouse relates to environment, preserving seeds is about storage, and a fertilizer affects nutrition rather than the organism’s genes.