Last update: 28/07/2006

Genetically Modified Organisms

GMOs are living organisms whose genetic heritage has been permanently modified by inserting genes (sections of DNA) from other organisms in order for them to develop new functions or produce new substances. According to Directive 2001/18/EC they are “organisms, different from human beings, whose genetic heritages have been modified in a different way from what occurs in nature by means of inbreeding and/or natural genetic recombination”.
The modification of an organism’s genetic heritage (be it an animal, vegetable or micro organism) takes place using biotechnological techniques. These include molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques. With genetic engineering, man aims at reaching the same objectives as those obtained with traditional techniques. But genetic engineering intervenes on plants and animals by introducing new features in a specific, rapid and focused way. Indeed, modification times for obtaining hybrids and selective crosses are long and it is not always easy to obtain the desired features, whereas the opposite occurs with biotechnology.
APAT carries out activities and promotes studies on GMOs. These include:

• keeping a census of GMO deliberate releases;
• monitoring and identifying effect indicators related to GMO deliberate releases;
• evaluating risks related to GMO deliberate releases;
• identifying species that are sexually compatible with genetically modified species.