GMOs ( Genetically Modified Organisms )

GMO S Slide show done by students of Lycée Robert Wlérick- Mont de Marsan - France Project Comenius HELP – 2012/2014

 Definition  GMOs examples  The fluorescent mice  Risks  Benefits  Disadvantages  GMOs in France  Lack of perspective  Conclusion Summary

Definition  GMOs are living organisms whose genectic property was modified by humans to give them new properties.

GMO Examples  Golden rice  Long preservation tomatoes  Corn insecticide  Resistant rapeseed pesticide

Fluorescent mice  Knockout mice are domestic mice that have been genetically modified to inactivate a gene in embryonic stem cells they are derived from. They are pluripotent stem cells, therefore are all identical.

Risks  1. Toxic risk associated with the ingestion of pesticides by the consumer

Risks  3. Microbiological risk with a possible worsening of the antibiotic resistance  4. Toxin production and allergenic effects of GMOs for the body

Health benefits  The introduction of a modified drug in the bone marrow cell gene has enabled children with immune deficiency to restore a completely normal and functional immune system. They are cured and live a normal life.

 GMOs also allow plant to better withstand the rigors of the weather and thus survive in areas too dry for them Health benefits

 The wealth of some molecules allows their use preventively ("golden rice" very rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of blindness in developing countries) or for therapeutic purposes Health benefits

Lack of perspective  GMOs are too recent to measure all its risks. Some opponent groups are demanding its ban on the "principle of security”. We mustn’t use Humans as Guinea pigs.

Disadvantages  the risk of contamination by transgenic pollen between varieties  polluting the environment

GMOs in France  The cultivation of GMOs in France is authorized in principle by the E U but should not be used because of national prohibition. Greenpeace reveals the map of transgenic maize Superficie en ha

Conclusion  The GMOs are an advantage for the economy because they are less expensive than the traditional growings, and easier to maintain, but this solution does not suit everybody, because of the risks for the health and for the environment, and because of the lack of knowledge about it.