[Controversial issue in biotechnology--students' opinions].

: Discovery of DNA structure gave the chance for creation organisms, that are called genetically modified organisms (GMO). Birth of Scottish sheep called Dolly in 1996 can be treated as a turning point in GMO issue. Next years have brought development of genetic techniques that help to insert genes that usually come from a different species and create organisms with modified features. The aim of such work is gaining or emphasis on specific desirable features, that leads to better quality of product. Such genetic changes can be controlled only in limited scope. This problem makes GMO-issue vivid and there are many opponents and proponents. The aim of our study was an assessment of knowledge connected with GMO and tendency to buy genetically modified food instead of natural one. 745 students from medical departments in south Poland took part in survey. Questionnaire was originally constructed and validated. Terms connected with biotechnology and GMO were, in general, well known. Only the term "genetically modified animals" for 50% of surveyed individuals were unknown. The majority does not prefer GMO food and does not assess GMO influence on humans health and natural environment positively. Moreover, interviewed people do not feel satisfied with the knowledge about GMO, that they have obtained from school or university.