Which of the following is an example of a genetically modified organism?

• A. Organic strawberries
• B. Non-GMO corn
• C. Wild-type tomatoes
• D. Glo fish

Answer: (D)

Genetic modification means changing an organism’s DNA to add a trait that wouldn’t occur naturally. GloFish are engineered to carry a fluorescent protein gene from jellyfish (and sometimes coral) that makes them glow under certain light. That direct insertion of foreign DNA to create a new trait is what makes them a genetically modified organism. The other options describe organisms that are not engineered: organic strawberries are grown under organic farming standards and are not inherently modified; non-GMO corn is specifically not genetically altered; wild-type tomatoes are naturally occurring and unmodified. So the glowing fish is the example that involves actual genetic engineering.