What are some examples of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Examples of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) include Bt cotton, Flavr Savr tomatoes, Golden Rice, and AquAdvantage salmon.

Bt cotton is a type of genetically modified cotton that produces a toxin capable of killing bollworms, a common pest in cotton farming. The toxin is produced by a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which has been inserted into the cotton's DNA. This modification allows the cotton to effectively protect itself from pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Flavr Savr tomatoes were the first genetically modified food to be approved for human consumption. Scientists at Calgene, a biotechnology company, modified these tomatoes to delay the ripening process. This allows the tomatoes to remain firm for a longer period after being picked, extending their shelf life and reducing waste.

Golden Rice is a type of rice that has been genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. This modification was designed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a serious health problem in many developing countries where rice is a staple food. The beta-carotene gives the rice a golden colour, hence the name 'Golden Rice'.

AquAdvantage salmon is a type of genetically modified salmon that grows at twice the rate of regular salmon. This is achieved by inserting a growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon and a promoter gene from the ocean pout into the Atlantic salmon's DNA. The modification allows the salmon to produce growth hormone year-round, leading to faster growth and potentially more efficient farming.

These examples illustrate the wide range of applications for genetic modification in agriculture and food production, from pest resistance and extended shelf life to nutritional enhancement and growth acceleration.