Background of Genetically Modified Organisms
When did it begin?
Genetic Modification began in 1972. It began by
creating an E. Coli bacteria with a salmonella gene.
How is it done?
Genetic modification can be done a few different
ways; one way to modify an organism is to insert extra DNA into the nucleus
with a very small needle. Another way is to insert the very small particles
with a gene gun.
Expansion of GMO's
In 1994, Genetically Engineered foods were
introduced into the markets in the United States. By 1996 Genetically modified
crops were introduced to farmers. In the beginning, there were 4.3 million
acres planted in 6 countries, which relatively quickly expanded to 167.2
million acres, as seen in figure 1.1.
Graph
Figure 1.1
The rapid expansion of the use of genetically modified organisms is due to the many different benefits that it produces, as well as the ability to produce and sell a new product to nations that have not yet discovered or began producing the product.