How does a GMO differ from one that is derived from conventional breeding?
In conventional breeding by reproduction, only individuals from the same species or related species can be mated to produce offspring. The offspring will have genes from both parents, but the genes are just different variants of the same genes coding for the same functions. A GMO, however, bypasses reproduction altogether, so completely new genes with new functions, as well as new combinations of genes can be introduced, which will interact with the organism s own genes in unpredictable ways. Conventional breeding involves crossing many individuals of one variety or species with another. The result is a population that preserves much of the initial genetic diversity of the parental lines, and selection occurs in successive generations until the desired results are achieved. It is therefore more controllable and predictable. A transgenic line, in contrast, results from gene insertion events in a single original cell, out of which the entire line is produced. It is genetically very impov
