How Are Gmo Fish Made: A Fascinating Look Into Genetic Modification

Creating genetically modified fish involves a complex process known as gene transfer, which introduces modified genetic material into the fish’s genome. In this specific context, the desired organism is a fish. To achieve this, scientists typically employ a vector, such as a lentivirus, or they utilize mechanical and physical methods for inserting the altered genes directly into the host’s nucleus. These mechanical methods include using a micro syringe or a gene gun. By using these techniques, researchers can precisely modify the fish’s genetic makeup, leading to the development of genetically modified fish with specific traits or characteristics tailored to various purposes, such as improved disease resistance or faster growth.

AquAdvantage Salmon, also known as GMO salmon, represents a groundbreaking achievement in genetic modification within the aquaculture industry. Developed by AquaBounty Technologies Inc., this genetically modified salmon was created with the goal of accelerating its growth during the early stages of development. The process involved the introduction of a growth hormone gene sourced from the Chinook salmon into the genetic makeup of the Atlantic salmon. This strategic genetic alteration, implemented on February 10, 2020, has enabled the AquAdvantage Salmon to exhibit remarkable growth rates, making it a notable innovation in the field of sustainable fish farming.

The process of creating genetically modified (GM) animals, often referred to as transgenic animals, involves the introduction of foreign DNA, which may include additional copies of genes from different species, possibly even human genes. The most frequently employed method for generating GM animals is called “microinjection,” where foreign DNA is carefully inserted into a fertilized egg. This technique enables scientists to precisely integrate the desired genetic modifications into the animal’s genome, leading to the development of genetically engineered animals with specific traits or characteristics.