Genetically modified tomato

Genetically Modified Tomato

The Genetically Modified Tomato or GM Tomato is a type of tomato that has been altered through the process of genetic engineering. This process involves the manipulation of an organism's DNA to achieve desirable traits. The first commercially available genetically modified food was a variety of tomato named the Flavr Savr, which was engineered to have a longer shelf life.

History

The development of the genetically modified tomato began in the early 1980s with the advent of genetic engineering. The first genetically modified tomato was produced by Calgene, a California-based biotechnology company, and was approved for commercial production by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 1994.

Genetic Modification Process

The process of creating a genetically modified tomato involves the insertion of a specific gene into the tomato's DNA. This is typically done using a technique known as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, where a bacterium is used as a vector to transfer the desired gene into the plant's genome.

Benefits and Controversies

The primary benefit of genetically modified tomatoes is their extended shelf life, which reduces waste and improves profitability for farmers and retailers. However, the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production is a topic of ongoing debate. Critics argue that the long-term health effects of consuming GMOs are unknown, and that these organisms could have unforeseen impacts on the environment.

See Also

• Genetically modified food
• Genetically modified crops
• Genetically modified organism
• Flavr Savr