Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO): A term, currently used most often in international trade discussions, that designates crops that carry new traits that have been inserted through advanced genetic engineering methods (e.g., Flavr Saver tomato, Roundup Ready soybeans, Bt cotton, Bt corn). GMO crops are meeting resistence from some trading partners, particularly the European Union, that are responding in turn to consumer concerns over public health and environmental safety aspects of gmos. USDA also is being pressured to declare gmos unacceptable in the proposed National Organic Program. The U.S. scientific community maintains that research shows gmos to be safe and that the regulatory process for their commercial approval, which includes USDA, Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, is an adequate safeguard against any potential problems.

 

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Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO): A term, currently used most often in international trade discussions, that designates crops that carry new traits that have been inserted through advanced genetic engineering methods (e.g., . . . View Full Definition

Modified Strophic Form: Song structure that combines elements of strophic and through-composed forms: a variation of strophic form in which a section might have a new key, rhythm, or varied melodic pattern.

Modified-Range Ratio Method: A tidal datum computation method. Generally used for the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and Caribbean Island stations. Values needed are mean tide level (MTL), mean diurnal tide level (DTL), mean r . . . View Full Definition

Planktonic Organisms: Floaters; one of the two main types of organisms in the pelagic zone of the marine biome.