Corn becomes genetically modified (GMO) primarily through the insertion of specific genes into its DNA.
One common way corn is made GMO is by modifying its genetic makeup to introduce desired traits, such as resistance to insects. By inserting the Bt gene into the DNA of the corn plant, scientists enable the corn to produce proteins that are toxic to certain insect pests, effectively giving it the insect-resistance trait.
This process of gene insertion is typically carried out in a laboratory setting. The reference indicates that scientists then grow the modified corn plants to confirm that they have successfully acquired the intended new trait, such as insect resistance. Crucially, the introduction of this specific trait does not change the other existing traits of the corn plant.
