Definition: As an adjective, the word transgenic describes an organism into which a new gene or set of genes has been transferred. Gene transfer can even be performed between species, as is done when human genes are inserted into bacteria, for studying the proteins they encode, or when plants are used to express new genes for fighting infection, pesticide-resistance, or increased production of certain nutrients, in some examples of agricultural biotechnology. Controversy abounds about the bioethical ramifications of inserting foreign genes into new species. There are potential health risks associated with consumption of transgenic foods expressing proteins from other plants or microorganisms. There is also concern about the spread of genes for bacterial resistance, or the antibiotic-resistance genes that are often used as biomarkers in gene cloning experiments.
Examples: Transgenic corn, carrying the Bt gene for resistance to insects, was not a popular crop in the 90's.
