Q: I recently bought a box of cereal that said it was non-GMO. It said the grains were not genetically modified organisms. That got me to wondering if other garden plants are being genetically modified?

A: I am glad you are concerned enough to ask questions. There is a lot of confusion about the term GMO.

One of the problems people have is they sometimes argue for one side or the other about a controversial topic without knowing the definitions of the words they are using. Sometimes they purposely confuse the issue by improperly using words or by using the same words, but defining them differently.

For instance, let's look at the acronyms and terms of GEO and GMO. GEO is short for genetically engineered organism and GMO is short for genetically modified organism. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing — unless you are trying to confuse people.

Throughout all of history, all organisms, except for naturally occurring clones, have been and always will be genetically modified organisms. Even identical twins may have slight differences in their DNA and therefore are, like the rest of us — GMOs. Even identical twins are GMOs of their parents.

We are always on the lookout for new genetically modified plants and animals. We want to find the improved characteristics of more production, better quality and better disease resistance, and we want to get rid of plants and animals that we believe are not improved. Plant and animal breeders are constantly improving our landscapes with prettier flowers, our pets with stronger animals and our gardens with new hybrids, such as seedless watermelons. Genetic modification is normal and natural and nothing to be upset about at all.

In a recent development, a subset of GM has been transferred to the laboratory. Following what some bacteria and some viruses are able to do, people can now transfer genes between organisms that are not sexually compatible. This high-tech method is called recombinant DNA transfer. It is a method of genetic modification that occurs in nature, but scientists engineer changes that they see as beneficial to people.

This genetic engineering is what some people are afraid may cause problems. Almost all of the corn and soybeans in the United States have genetically engineered genes that protect them from insect damage or herbicide damage. Genetic engineering is a short cut to get a new genetically modified organism that would be time consuming or impossible to achieve through hybridization.

The industry people who are involved in GE often use the terms GM and GMO. By saying modifying and not engineering, they are not being specific. They seem to think that people who don't know the difference will be fooled into thinking that they are just doing what nature does — modifying.

On the other side of the controversy, people against GE will also use the terms GM and GMO because they too seem to want to cloud the issue. They seem to think that since people hear GMO coming from the industry that they should be against GMO, instead of the proper thing they are actually against, GEO.

At the present time, there are no genetically engineered seeds available to home gardeners, but every seed packet, even the heirloom and the organic seeds are all genetically modified seeds. It is easy to say do not be afraid of GMO plants and animals. Even though several years of scientific investigation saying GE plants and animal are also safe and you have been eating GEO food for years, it is the new thing and new things are often scary. As for your box of cereal, it may not have GE grains, but it definitely has GM grains in it.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at [email protected]. To find out more about Jeff Rugg and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.