Genetic modification (GM) Changing the genes of a living thing, often by adding genes from another living thing. Gene Jury

Did scientists add a spider gene to goats to make web silk in goat’s milk? Changing Gene Challenge TRUE or FALSE TRUE! TRUE! It is amazingly strong and light, it is called BioSteel.

Did scientists add genes from mice and bacteria to pigs, so the pigs poo was less polluting? Changing Gene Challenge TRUE or FALSE TRUE! TRUE! The Enviropig is in Canada/US now, its waste is much less polluting to the environment. The meat from the Enviropig may be in their shops soon.

Changing Gene Challenge Did scientists add a gene to make these tiny babies? TRUE or FALSE FALSE! An artist called Camille Allen made the babies out of clay. FALSE

Did scientists create a GM hen that lays eggs that help fight cancer? TRUE or FALSE BUT the company that funded the research went bust in Making GM animals is very costly and time-consuming! TRUE! GM hens produce human interferon anti-viral and anti-cancer drug.

Do you know of any medicines produced by GM creatures ? ATryn blood clotting factor Synthetic human insulin for diabetics Hepatitis B vaccine made by GM yeast since 1986

Would you use a GM medicine or vaccine? Only if it was made by a microorganism Only if I was seriously ill Yes A B C No Not sure D E

Did scientists add a jellyfish gene to fish to make them glow green? TRUE or FALSE Changing Gene Challenge TRUE! GloFish are sold as pets TRUE! ? image from GloFish.com

Changing Gene Challenge Did scientists add a gene to make this chicken half male, half female? TRUE or FALSE Sam is a half female/half male chicken that was born naturally! FALSE

Are these FlavrSavr GM tomatoes available in US supermarkets now? FlavrSavr tomatoes first GM food in US shops, Taste better and US customers loved them.. BUT the tomatoes were soft and easily damaged. The supermarkets stopped buying them. They have not been grown or sold since 1998 TRUE or FALSE FALSE!

Would you eat GM tomatoes if they sold them in Scotland? A Yes B No C Not sure D Only if they were cheaper!

Half of the world’s cotton is GM. Around half of you are probably wearing GM pants! TRUE or FALSE TRUE! GM cotton has a gene that helps it resist the bollworm pest. Some of you are wearing GM pants % of crop GM

If GM can do all these things, why are GM crops not grown in the UK? Modified genes can escape, into wild plants and animals Pollen from some GM plants can harm insects like bees Safety Are GM foods safe to eat? UK media plays on fears. GM seeds and animals and genes are patented (Copyright) It is interfering with nature. Do we really need it?

In the UK GM is used extensively in labs and in food processing. It is possible that the UK government want to try GM crops in the future.

What do you think? When is GM ok?

GM: Changing Genes