What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is specifically defined as one whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques. This manipulation can involve adding, removing, or altering DNA to achieve desired traits, such as increased resistance to pests, improved nutritional content, or enhanced growth rates. The fundamental aspect of a GMO is that the changes to its genetic structure are made intentionally and are not the result of natural processes.

The other options do not accurately describe what constitutes a GMO. For instance, being resistant to diseases doesn’t inherently mean an organism is genetically modified, as many plants exhibit natural resistance without any human intervention. Similarly, the use of artificial fertilizers in option two is unrelated to genetic modification; fertilizers enhance growth but do not change genetic makeup. Lastly, an organism that occurs naturally without human intervention does not fit the definition of a GMO, as genetic modification inherently involves human intervention in altering the organism's genetic structure.