1. Genetically Modified Foods (GMO)

2. What is a Genetically Modified Food?
Genetically Modified (GM) Foods
Foods with an added gene sequence
Foods with a removed gene sequence
Animal products from animals fed GM foods
Products produced by GM organisms

3. Why are foods genetically modified?
Genetic engineering offers a rapid and precise method of altering organisms as compared to traditional methods that are slow and inaccurate.

4. Foods that are Genetically Modified
Vegetables
Tomatoes
Rice
Potatoes
Cheese
Meat

5. How do we genetically modify foods?
The components of DNA are the same for all organisms
Sequences that code for proteins can be moved from one organism to another

6. How can DNA be moved from one organism to another?
Find an organism with the desired trait
Isolate the gene sequence that codes for the desired trait
Insert the gene sequence into the genome of the plant cell
Allow the genetically altered cell to grow into a plant
Allow the plant to propagate

7. How can DNA be moved from one organism to another?
A vector can carry DNA.
Viruses & Bacteria can also transfer genes

8. Benefits of Genetically Modified Food
Reducing World Hunger
Developing crops that can grow in poor soil
Reduce strain on nonrenewable resources
Developing drought resistant crops
Developing salt-tolerant crops
Developing crops that make more efficient use of Nitrogen and other nutrients

9. Benefits of Genetically Modified Food
Reduce use of pesticides and herbicides
Developing pest resistant crops
Better for the environment
Costs less for farmers

10. Benefits of Genetically Modified Food
Improved Crop Quality
Developing frost resistant crops
Developing disease resistant crops
Developing flood resistant crops
Improved Nutrition Quality
Developing foods designed to meet nutritional goals

11. Who makes sure GM foods are safe?
Government Agencies regulate GM foods
GM foods in the United States are required to be labeled ONLY if the nutritional value is changed or a new allergen is introduced

12. Possible Risks of Genetically Modified Food
Insects might develop resistance to pesticide producing crops
Herbicide-tolerant crops might cross-pollinate weeds, resulting in “super weeds”

13. Possible Risks of Genetically Modified Food
Gene products may be allergens or introduce new allergens, affecting human health
There may be unintended harm to wildlife and beneficial insects

14. Homework Assignment due Monday
Write a short (1 page typed) essay describing your views about the genetically modified foods debate. Use the following websites as resources for additional information
What is the deal with genetically modified foods?
Investigate the two sides of the argument:
Are they as harmful as they are made out to be? OR
Are they necessary for human survival?