Şebnem KARAKİRAZ Dept. Of Food Engineering ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS FDE 101

WHAT IS GMO? FDE 101 The term GM foods or GMOs (genetically- modified organisms) refers to process of transferring or vaccination desirable feature in an organism to other organisms.GMOs can be a plant, animal, or microorganism. Scientists expolered to put genes to another organisms by isolating DNA 25 years ago.This transfer is possible with using genetic engineering techniques. Genetic engineering purposes to create crossing species that can not grow in nature.

FDE 101 vectors. Firstly the gene which is wanted to transfer is removed by cutting from the first organism’s DNA.Then this useful gene is applied to the target organism’s DNA by viral vectors.

FDE 101 GMO products known as Frankenstein foods appear in the form of cottons with scorpion genes, potatoes with chicken genes or fishy tomatoes. First transgenic product is the Flavr Savr tomato which has the long- shelf-life. GMOs are produced in USA, Argentina, Canada and China, mostly.

FDE 101

The reasons for occuring GMOs FDE 101 Products may be more resistant to drugs and pests. Properties like taste,durability and nutrition may be cultivated. More copious products may be obtained. GMO may be the respond to supply the growing need for food in the world.

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs More resistant products to the bad conditions. Storage and shelf-life can be extended. Increment of nutrition values of plants. Growing of a plant under very different conditions can be provided. GMOs can remedy to the hunger problem in the world a little bit. The reduction in the use of pesticides.

DISADVANTAGES OF GMOs FDE 101 These disadvantages can be categorized by; Human health risks Enviromental hazards Socio-economic problems

Human health risks FDE 101 Potential food allergenicity (peanuts and soybeans) Carcinogenicity risks (corn,soybean and cotton) The formation of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms Reduction in nutrition values Birth defects and shorter life spans

Environmental hazards FDE 101 Soil and water pollution Gene transfer to non-target species Reduction in effeciencies of pesticides Transforming in micro-organisms in harmful way Faunal exchange Disruptions in the food chain Destruction of beneficial insects

Socio-economic problems FDE 101 Patent enforcement (that means to be supplied the suicide gene seed from any company every year) Expensiveness of products Difficulty in the marketing of standard products because of growing of GM crops External dependence in terms of seed and drug

POLICIES TO PREVENT GMOs In uncontrolled areas, the planting of GMOs should not be allowed. An effective control system should be established at customs and in the domestic market. The countries should create their own infrastructure system for transgenic products.

References FDE food-crops-a gdo_g.htm