What do genetically modified organisms (GMOs) contain that allows them to produce new proteins?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are engineered to include DNA from another organism, which enables them to produce new proteins that they wouldn't typically generate. This process often involves incorporating specific genes from one species into the genome of another, allowing for the expression of traits such as resistance to pests, improved nutritional profiles, or enhanced growth rates.

The inserted DNA serves as a blueprint for the synthesis of proteins, guiding the cellular machinery to produce substances that can benefit agricultural practices or improve human health. In contrast, while nuclear DNA and plasmid DNA are essential components of genetic information in organisms, and RNA plays a role in protein synthesis, it is the foreign DNA from another organism that directly imparts new capabilities and characteristics to the GMO.