1. Bellwork: Should a vegetarian be concerned about eating a GM plant that contains DNA from a pig?

2. Ethics and impacts of biotechnology
Section 15.4

3. What privacy issues does biotechnology raise?
Most GM research is done by private biotechnology companies
Everything is driven by profit and shareholders
Their discoveries and innovations are protected by patents
A patent is a legal tool that gives a company or person the exclusive right to profit from its innovation for a number of years

4. Patenting Patents do not just apply to inventions
Molecules and DNA sequences can be patented
1/5th of the human genes known in the human genome are now patented
Lab techniques like PCR have also been patented
Idea behind patents is to spur discovery and reward success
Sometimes they can have an adverse effect, and limit innovation
Who owns the rights to your own DNA?
How much privacy are you entitled to?

5. Genetic ownership
Anyone enlisting in the US military are required to give a sample of DNA
What should the government be able to use this DNA for?
A database to use for criminal investigations? Paternity suits? Health insurance coverage?
Genetic information nondiscrimination act passed in by US congress
Idea is that least to more effective use of personal genetic information without risk of it backfiring in individuals

6. Advantages of GM foods
Companies producing seed for GM plants say they are safer and better than other crops
They produce higher yields
They lower food costs
Little to no insecticide is required
Scientific studies show there is no scientific support for concerns about safety of GM food , and that GM food is safe to eat

7. The downside of GM food
No long term studies of hazards associated with GM foods have been made
Even in GM foods are safe, there are concerns as to the effect of the shift to GM farming on
Insect resistant plants may effect beneficial insects, and have large effects on the overall food chain
Patents and costs involved with GM crops may force small farmers out of business
Especially in developing world
In the US GM and non GM food are treated equally
No special tests are required on GM foods
No specific labeling is required

8. How regulated should genetic modifications to humans and other organisms be regulated?
Just because we have the technology to modify an organism, is this something we should be doing?
Should we stop at curing disease?
Should humans be able to alter a persons appearance?