Genetically modified food

The genetic modification Change of the genes of a plant in a laboratory Change of the genes of a plant in a laboratory Insertion of chemical units which carry the information of special characteristics Insertion of chemical units which carry the information of special characteristics

Aim Due to genetical modification the DNA of a cell changes Due to genetical modification the DNA of a cell changes Controlled change of the DNA  aim: gaining a desired gene combination  e.g. better harvest Controlled change of the DNA  aim: gaining a desired gene combination  e.g. better harvest

General Mutation mainly of corn, soy beans, cotton and oil seed rape Mutation mainly of corn, soy beans, cotton and oil seed rape Requirement to label genetically modified food in the EU Requirement to label genetically modified food in the EU Only small amouts of genetically modified food in the EU  exception: genetically modified corn Only small amouts of genetically modified food in the EU  exception: genetically modified corn Introduction of genetically modified plants to USA, Argentina, Brasil, Canada, China and India Introduction of genetically modified plants to USA, Argentina, Brasil, Canada, China and India

ProsContras Faster growth Loss of genetical biodiversity Insensitivity against vermin, pesticides and weed killer Unwanted production of weed Improved quality of food Negative effects on the environment Insensitivity to illnesses Possible disadvantages for the health of the users Bigger harvest Blockage of ecological balance Improving of the plant‘s nutrient supply Bringing about new toxins, causing new allergies Diminishing use of fertilizers Damage to useful insects and soil organisms

Better growth even under unfavourable terms Dependence of expensive seeds which must be imported in developing countries Better harvest Possible illnesses More food Destruction of the world and its ecological balance