1. Genetically Modified Food
By Raven Webber

2. Definition:
Foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in any way that isn’t natural.
What is inserted into a GM plant:
The plants are inserted with DNA fragment containing one or a few genes, which contain the DNA sequence information encoding specific proteins, along with DNA segments that regulate production of the proteins. The inserted fragment also sometimes contains a marker gene to easily identify plants that have incorporated the transferred genes, also known as transgenes, into their chromosomes.
Process:
Genetically engineered organism’s are generated and tested in a laboratory for desired quality.
Ex: The most common modification is to add one or more genes to an organisms genome.
Once satisfactory strains are produced, the producer applies for a “field release”, regulatory approval to field-test them.
A field testing involves cultivating the plants on farm fields or growing animals in a controlled environment.
Once approved, specimens are cultivated and sold to farmers and the farmers can cultivate and grow the new strain.

3. Primary use:
Fruits and vegetables
Papaya was genetically modified to resist the ringspot virus (a deadly virus) without it todays papaya industry would be collapse. *80% of papayas today are genetically engineered*
Genetically modified potato contains 10 modifications to prevent bruising and produce less acrylamide when fried.
Corn
Genetically modified corn to tolerate various herbicides and to express a protein from Bacillus thuringiensis that kills certain insects.
Soy
Genetically modified soybean has been modified to tolerate herbicides and produce healthier oils.

4. Other uses:
Animal feed
Animal feed is composed of leftover crops including GM crops.
Livestock
Genetically modified livestock are organisms from the group of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, birds, horses and fish kept for human consumption, whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

5. Effectiveness:
Commercial sale of genetically modified foods began in 1994 and since then they continue to be sold and are widely adopted.
In 2009, GM crops were being grown on 10% of the Earth’s arable land.
Although the major concerns, this technology is still being used and is still doing exactly as its supposed to.

6. Potential Benefits:
Better taste
Increased nutrients
Resistance to disease and pests
Faster output of crops
Environmental friendly (plants and animals conserve water, soil and energy

7. Controversies:
The major concerns relate to potential environmental and health risks.
Unexpected risks have not materialized so far, and those risks that do exist seem to be manageable.
Ex: Loss of biodiversity, extinction of species (human, plant or animal) worldwide, and also the local reduction or loss of species in a certain habitat.
Governments have responsibility for ensuring that foods are safe for consumption and that new agricultural inputs do not damage the environment or harm agricultural production.
Most countries require GM products be approved before they may be grown, consumed, or imported.

8. References:
Genetically Modified Food. (2003, November 5). Retrieved from Wikipedia:
Qaim, M. (2010, April 10). The Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops—and the Costs of Inefficient Regulation. Retrieved from Resources for the future:
Vaesa, J. (2013, January 5). Genetically Modified Organisms: Pros and Cons of GMO Food. Retrieved from Decoded Science: