How is a genetically modified organism (GMO) defined?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is defined as an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This encompasses a range of methods that scientists use to directly manipulate the DNA of an organism, introducing genes that can confer desirable traits such as disease resistance, increased yield, or improved nutritional content.

Unlike traditional cross-breeding, which relies on the natural reproductive process to combine DNA from two organisms, genetic engineering allows for the precise insertion, deletion, or modification of specific genes. This targeted approach can result in traits that may not be possible to achieve through conventional breeding processes.

The other options describe processes that do not involve genetic engineering. Traditional cross-breeding results in offspring that inherit a mix of traits from parent organisms without direct modification of genetic material. A natural mutation refers to spontaneous changes in an organism's DNA that occur without human intervention. Lastly, an organism that reproduces without genetic changes would not qualify as a GMO since it implies the DNA remains unchanged through reproduction, which is contrary to the fundamental concept of what constitutes genetic modification.