1. Genetically Modified Foods (GM or GMO foods)

2. What is a Genetically Modified (GM) Food? Foods that contain an added gene sequence Foods that contain an added gene sequence Foods that have a deleted gene sequence Foods that have a deleted gene sequence Animal products from animals fed GM feed Animal products from animals fed GM feed Products produced by GM organisms Products produced by GM organisms

3. Common GM Foods  Vegetables  Corn  Soybeans  Tomatoes  Potatoes  Rice  Cheese  Meat

4. How is genetic modification possible?  The components of DNA are the same in all organisms.  Sequences that code for proteins can be moved from one organism to another.

5. 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

6. How can DNA be moved from one organism to another? ► Allow the genetically altered cell to grow into a plant ► Allow the plant to propagate

7. How can DNA be moved from one organism to another?  A vector can carry DNA. The vector can be a pellet from a gene gun. Viruses and bacteria also can be utilized to transfer genes.

8. Possible Benefits of GM Foods  Easing of world hunger  Development of crops that can be grown in marginal soil  Critics say this benefit is used to market GM crops, since the companies are not working to alleviate hunger

9. Possible Benefits of GM Foods  Reduced use of pesticides and herbicides ► Development of pest resistant crops ► Reduced herbicide use is better for the environment and reduces costs for farmers

10. Possible Benefits of GM Foods  Improved crop quality  Development of frost resistant crops  Development of disease resistant crops  Development of flood resistant crops  Improved nutritional quality  Development of foods designed to meet specific nutritional goals

11. Possible Risks for GM Foods  Certain gene products may be allergens, thus causing harm to human health  There may be unintended harm to wildlife and beneficial insects Photo courtesy of T. W. Davies, Cal. Acad. of Sciences.

12. Possible Risks of GM Foods  Insects might develop resistance to pesticide- producing GM crops  Herbicide-tolerant crops may cross- pollinate weeds, resulting in "superweeds“  May increase herbicide use because of pesticide tolerant GM crops

13. Should GM foods be labeled?  Government agencies regulate GM foods  GM foods in the United States are not required to be labeled.

14. Who is growing (and eating) GM crops? In 2003, countries that grew 99% of the global transgenic crops were the United States (63%), Argentina (21%), Canada (6%), Brazil (4%), China (4%), and South Africa (1%). South AfricaSouth Africa

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