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Gregor Mendel discovered the gene in 1860. A gene is the standard unit of heredity. He came across this discovery by crossing different breeds of peas.
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Meischer proposed the concept of DNA in 1868. His theories were not confirmed until years later, but this was still a monumental step in the history of GMO's.
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Monsanto, one of todays top GMO producing companies, was founded in 1901. Monsanto didn't start producing GMO until years after it was created.
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Oswald Avery confirmed DNA truely was the carrier of molecular information. His discovery impacted the importance of DNA in organisms.
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James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double helix formation of DNA. This discovery gave scientists the ability to alter the genetic structure of organisms.
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Cohen and Boyer discovered gene spilcing. This is a technique used to chemically cut and splice strands of DNA.
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Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer founded Genentech in 1976. Genentech was the first company founded on the alteration of genetics.
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Flavr Savr tomatoes showed up on the food stands in America in 1990. These tomatoes were genetically modified to delay in ripening.
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In 1996 GMO entered the European food stands. This began the huge controversy over GMO's. Europe did not believe they were safe!
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Even though GMO's were discouraged in Europe they continued to flourish in the United States. Today the majority of our foods contain GMO's.
