Genetically Modified Organisms By Patrick Hurley

Genetically Modified Organisms Definition: A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic structure has been altered by incorporating a gene that will express a desirable trait, often termed gene splicing. Definition: A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic structure has been altered by incorporating a gene that will express a desirable trait, often termed gene splicing.

Examples Pesticide Resistant Rape Plants- Allows crop to resist pesticide exposure and survive. Pesticide Resistant Rape Plants- Allows crop to resist pesticide exposure and survive. Sweet Corn- Produces a poison that kills harmful insects. Sweet Corn- Produces a poison that kills harmful insects. Golden Rice- Contains more A-Vitamins Golden Rice- Contains more A-Vitamins Long-lasting Tomatoes- Does not rot as quickly (first available GMO 1994). Long-lasting Tomatoes- Does not rot as quickly (first available GMO 1994).

Where are GMO’s grown? 4 countries produce 99% of GMOs 4 countries produce 99% of GMOs USA- 68% USA- 68% Argentina- 22% Argentina- 22% Canada- 6% Canada- 6% China- 3% China- 3%

Europe’s GMOs Since June 2002 Europe has allowed 3 GMO Crops: Soy Beans- Resistant to crop spray Sweet Corn- Produce insecticides Rape Plants- Does not produce pollen

Fun Fact In million Ha were under cultivation for GMOs. This includes food and non-food crops. In million Ha were under cultivation for GMOs. This includes food and non-food crops.

Safety There is no evidence to support that GMOs are dangerous for human consumption There is no evidence to support that GMOs are dangerous for human consumption Test feeds have been conducted on animals Test feeds have been conducted on animals It is estimated that Americans eat 65% GMO food It is estimated that Americans eat 65% GMO food

Pros Use less spray Use less spray Grow larger crops Grow larger crops Environment no longer exposed to large amounts of chemicals Environment no longer exposed to large amounts of chemicals Gives starving people more nutrition in a staple crop (rice) Gives starving people more nutrition in a staple crop (rice) Lengthier transport time Lengthier transport time

Cons Pest could become resistant Pest could become resistant May harm beneficial insects (Bt Corn) May harm beneficial insects (Bt Corn) Fear that poor countries are becoming too dependent on Western culture Fear that poor countries are becoming too dependent on Western culture Fear that large companies will own the rights to all the good crops Fear that large companies will own the rights to all the good crops

Questions? Sources