 ‘Recombinant DNA Technology’ is when we combine genes from different organisms, in which the resulting organism is considered to be genetically modified.  Genetically Modified (GM) can also be referred to as Genetically Engineered (GE), or Transgenic.

PROS CONS  Increased nutritional value, higher yields, & stress tolerance for crops.  Longer shelf time.  Greater resistance for diseases, pests, and herbicides.  Higher profit for farmers.  Reduced chemical usage.  Increased food security in rural countries.  Potential human health risks.  Possible severe allergic reactions.  No mandatory labeling in the U.S.A.  Tampering with Nature.  Fewer crop diversity.  Possible uncontrolled growth.  Unknown effects on other organisms.

 There are many health risks associated with genetically modified crops, some known risks are:  The transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between organisms, may render drugs useless.  May increase what some say is the link between behavioral disorders in children to the foods they have eaten.  Could cause a boost of asthmatic children born in the US.  Unknown long term effects of insect repellant plants on human life.

 In many other countries the people are fighting against genetically modified foods.  As in china where there are many protests on the mater of the effects of transgenic crops  And in Europe were the public is fighting for “GM free zones”

Countries The USA grew 53% of 252 million acres, of genetically modified crops in the year These numbers have been increasing in the past four years, with an exponential rate in third world countries.

 The Federal Drug Administration and Biotech Industry require no testing on new Genetically Modified organisms, claiming they are just like other foods.  Through cross pollination some companies claim to own the rights to others crops.  Few large companies will dominate the industry.  Adding nutrients to food.

 The largest transgenic seeds on the market now is Round Up ready corn and canola.  These are plants that do not die when sprayed with Round Up.  They are also pest repellent.  Flavor Saver tomatoes were pulled off the market in the late 90’s but it is unknown if they are for sale again.  The flavor savers were meant to taste better and last longer but ended up tasting strange, and people did not like them.

A POLL ON WHICH TYPE PEOPLE WOULD RATHER BUY

 “What are Genetically Modified (GM) Foods?” Geneomics.energy.gov. Human Genome Project Information, 5 Nov Web. 13 Nov  Herbert, Martha. “Genetically Altered Foods: We Are Being Exposed to One of the Largest Uncontrolled Experiments in History” Chicago Tribune 3 Sept. 2010, Print.  “One delegate’s view of the European conference on GM-free regions.” CropGen.org. Crop Gen, 29 Sept Web. 13 Nov  Klinkenborg, Verlyn. “Why I Still Oppose Genetically Modified Crops.” e360.yale.edu. Yale environment 360, 17 Sept Web. 13 Nov  Jio, Li. “In China, No Meeting of the Minds on GM Crops.” News.ScienceMag.org/ Science Insider, 15 Oct Web. 13 Nov  “Effects of Genetically Modified Food” YouTube.com. 16 Dec Web. 16 Nov. 2010,  “Genetically Modified Foods” YouTube.com. 12 Feb Web. 16 Nov. 2010,  Langer, Gary. “Behind the Label” ABCNews.Go.com 19 June Web. 18 Nov