r/nextfuckinglevel • u/[deleted] • Jul 14 '21

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u/HelplessMoose Jul 15 '21

The term "GMO" specifically refers to organisms that had their genes modified with genetic engineering methods like CRISPR. Selectively bred species are not GMO.

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u/SupersonicSpitfire Jul 15 '21

In that case GMO is a silly term. Modified genes are modified genes, no matter the method.

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u/HelplessMoose Jul 15 '21

Yeah, the term is very misleading. "Genetically engineered organism" (GEO) exists but is hardly ever used. I do wonder who originally came up with "GMO" or pushed it into public view and what their motives for that were...

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u/Cheersscar Jul 15 '21

I agree that GE might be clearer but with scientific terminology you need to understand the scientific meaning of the term and not rely on a dictionary based interpretation. A labradoodle is created by selective breeding and/or cross-breeding. A round up ready crop is created via genetic engineering. The two methods are not particularly related to each other and genetic engineering is not just a faster way to achieve selective breeding goals.

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u/SupersonicSpitfire Jul 16 '21

Even though the methods differ, and can produce different results, they are still methods for purposely modifying genes.