An Australian company wants to grow and sell genetically modified (GM) purple tomatoes. These tomatoes get their color by changing their DNA using genes from a purple flower. While they’re already sold in the UK and US, they still need approval from Australia’s Gene Technology Regulator. So far, only a few GM crops like cotton and bananas have been approved. Scientists say the tomatoes are safe, but more tests are needed before they can be grown in Australia.
Vocabulary:
• genetically (adverb): relating to genes or heredity
• modified (verb/adjective): changed or adjusted
• regulator (noun): a person or body that checks and controls something officially
• DNA (noun): the material inside cells that carries genetic information
• approval (noun): official permission or agreement
• characteristic (noun): a feature or quality of something
• crop (noun): a plant grown for food or other use
• technology (noun): the use of science in industry, farming, etc.
• partner (verb): to work together with someone
• available (adjective): ready for use or to be bought
Source: Behind the News