What qualifies as a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is specifically defined as an organism whose genetic material has been deliberately altered through genetic engineering techniques in a laboratory to achieve desired traits or benefits. This process can involve adding, deleting, or altering DNA to enhance characteristics such as resistance to pests, improved nutritional content, or increased yield.

The correct identification of choice B aligns with this definition of GMOs, as it emphasizes the laboratory aspect and the intentional modifications made to the organism’s genetic material. This distinguishes GMOs from other forms of food production or alteration.

In contrast, simply cultivating food (the first option) does not imply any genetic modification; it refers to the general agricultural process of growing food. Similarly, artificial flavors added to food products (the third choice) involve modifications at the chemical level rather than at the genetic level and do not pertain to the organism’s inherent genetic structure. Finally, plants grown in greenhouses (the fourth option) also do not equate to genetic modification; they may be cultivated in controlled environments, but this cultivation does not inherently involve altering the plant's genetic makeup. Thus, the only option that accurately reflects the definition of a GMO is the one regarding organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a lab for specific benefits.