Background of Genetically Modified Organisms

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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. 

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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. 

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