Where did the idea originate?
The discoveries that are behind genetically modified foods each have had their own impacts on the history of our world. Our understanding of the blueprint of life has developed from a very simple idea about a living cell to the modern studies of recombinant DNA technologies. Explore this page to learn about this progression of ideas.
1935
Andrei Nikolaevitch
Belozersky
successfully isolates DNA.
1973
rDNA research was graduated
to a new level of understanding
by biologists at Stanford University. Professor Herbert Boyer and a few of his biologist colleagues were involved in the innovation.
1975
Biologists and
lawyers united at the
Asilomir Conference
to discuss the
important guidelines and safety laws regarding
genetically engineered organisms.
1980
The first patent on
modification of a living
organism was founded
after a court case.
This allowed
the manufacturing of a bacterium that eats up oil, which was used to treat oil spills.
1982
Humulin is first for sale
on the market. It is a
form of insulin
that is produced from the genetic engineering of
the E. coli bacteria.
1994
The Flavr Savr tomato
passed all testing
performed by the US FDA.
It is modified to have its ripening delayed, allowing
for an extended shelf life.
1996
Glyphosate resistant weeds
are detected in Australia.
Glyphosate is a herbicide
that is used with many GMO
crops. These weeds are up to
eleven times more resistant than the normal population.
1997
Labeling of all GMO food
products, including animal
seed, is deemed mandatory
by the European Union.
1999
The 100 million acre
milestone has been hit;
100 million acres have
been planted with GM
seeds. The public is
beginning to embrace GM seeds at an exciting
rate.
2003
A formidable opponent of
GM crops has shown its face, the caterpillar-cum-moth. These insects have grown
resistant to bt resistant techniques.
2014
The patent for Monsanto's original line of Round-up Ready seeds is due to end in two years. A new line, Round-up Ready 2, was developed in 2009.
1663
Robert Hooke discovers
living cells.
1863
The laws of inheritance
were discovered by Gregor
Mendel.
1878
Walther Flemming discovered chromatin, setting a path for chromosome research.
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