Genetically Modified Foods (GMO)

What is a Genetically Modified Food? Genetically Modified (GM) Foods Foods with an added gene sequence Foods with a removed gene sequence Animal products from animals fed GM foods Products produced by GM organisms

Why are foods genetically modified? Genetic engineering offers a rapid and precise method of altering organisms as compared to traditional methods that are slow and inaccurate.

Foods that are Genetically Modified Vegetables Tomatoes Rice Potatoes Cheese Meat

How do we genetically modify foods? The components of DNA are the same for all organisms Sequences that code for proteins can be moved from one organism to another

How can DNA be moved from one organism to another? Find an organism with the desired trait Isolate the gene sequence that codes for the desired trait Insert the gene sequence into the genome of the plant cell Allow the genetically altered cell to grow into a plant Allow the plant to propagate

How can DNA be moved from one organism to another? A vector can carry DNA. Viruses & Bacteria can also transfer genes

Benefits of Genetically Modified Food Reducing World Hunger Developing crops that can grow in poor soil Reduce strain on nonrenewable resources Developing drought resistant crops Developing salt-tolerant crops Developing crops that make more efficient use of Nitrogen and other nutrients

Benefits of Genetically Modified Food Reduce use of pesticides and herbicides Developing pest resistant crops Better for the environment Costs less for farmers

Benefits of Genetically Modified Food Improved Crop Quality Developing frost resistant crops Developing disease resistant crops Developing flood resistant crops Improved Nutrition Quality Developing foods designed to meet nutritional goals

Who makes sure GM foods are safe? Government Agencies regulate GM foods GM foods in the United States are required to be labeled ONLY if the nutritional value is changed or a new allergen is introduced

Possible Risks of Genetically Modified Food Insects might develop resistance to pesticide producing crops Herbicide-tolerant crops might cross-pollinate weeds, resulting in “super weeds”

Possible Risks of Genetically Modified Food Gene products may be allergens or introduce new allergens, affecting human health There may be unintended harm to wildlife and beneficial insects

Homework Assignment due Monday Write a short (1 page typed) essay describing your views about the genetically modified foods debate. Use the following websites as resources for additional information www.junkscience.com www.greenpeace.org What is the deal with genetically modified foods? Investigate the two sides of the argument: Are they as harmful as they are made out to be? OR Are they necessary for human survival?