1. Genetically Modified Organisms
Beneficial or Dangerous?

2. What are GMO’s?
Organisms whose genetic structure has been changed to give them characteristics that are seen as desirable.
A genetically modified organism is a plant, animal or microorganism whose genetic code has been altered, subtracted, or added (either from the same species or a different species) in order to give it characteristics that it does not have naturally.

3. What does this mean?
Scientists can now transfer genes between species that otherwise would be incapable of mating, for example, a goat and a spider.
This is what we call trans-genesis.
Little is known about the long-term effects of such manipulations on both humans and the environment.
And while some see GMOs as the way to the future, others believe that scientists have gone too far, tinkering with the essence of life.

4. How common are they?
In 2003, about 167 million acres (67.7 million hectares) grown by 7 million farmers in 18 countries were planted with transgenic crops
The principal ones being herbicide- and insecticide-resistant soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola.
On the horizon are:
Bananas that produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as hepatitis B;
Fish that mature more quickly;
Fruit and nut trees that yield years earlier
Plants that produce new plastics with unique properties.

5. How Common Are They?
The soybean is by far the world's most cultivated transgenic plant, followed by corn, cotton, and canola.
All tomatoes sold today are transgenic, with a gene that allows them to withstand colder temperatures. (Gene is from an Arctic Char fish)
Although these practices primarily provide food for animals, a large percentage also lands on your plate!

6. Labeling …
In Europe, the labeling of GMOs is obligatory, and caution prevails. Products are labeled, and it is left to the consumer to make their choice.
In Canada and the United States, the labeling of GMOs is optional
Companies can choose whether to disclose that their products are transgenic or not.

7. Where are they grown?
In 2003, countries that grew 99% of the global transgenic crops were the United States (63%), Argentina (21%), Canada (6%), Brazil (4%), and China (4%), and South Africa (1%).
Although growth is expected to plateau in industrialized countries, it is increasing in developing countries.

8. Possibilities & Drawbacks of GMO’s

9. But what if insects developed immunity to pesticides?
Agriculture
Agricultural products with a higher yield
Insect and herbicide resistant
Fruits and vegetables that grow in dry environments and are cold resistant.
But what if insects developed immunity to pesticides?

10. But what if transgenic salmon escaped into the ocean?
Food Production
Tomatoes that do not rot.
Salmon that fatten up quickly.
Pigs with less fat and better nutritional value.
But what if transgenic salmon escaped into the ocean?

11. But what if original tree species ceased to exist?
Forestry
Fast-growing trees whose fibre is of higher quality
Less difficult to process
Resistant to harmful insects, illnesses and environmental stresses.
But what if original tree species ceased to exist?

12. But what if these medications had unsuspected side effects?
Health
Rice enriched with vitamin A.
Bananas as vaccines.
Sheep whose milk contains insulin.
Alfalfa that produces hemoglobin.
But what if these medications had unsuspected side effects?

13. But would you still need GMOs if you stopped polluting?
Environment
Fish that detect pollutants in the water.
Plants that create biodegradable plastics.
PCB-decomposing bacteria.
Sugar beets that produce gas.
But would you still need GMOs if you stopped polluting?

14. But what if you could modify the human being?
Research
Mice with human diseases to test vaccines and medications.
Fruit flies to study the structure and function of genes.
Fluorescent fish to understand human development.
But what if you could modify the human being?

15. Drawbacks - Safety Potential human health impact: Allergens
transfer of antibiotic resistance markers
unknown effects
Potential environmental impact:
unintended transfer of transgenes through cross-pollination
unknown effects on other organisms (e.g., soil microbes)
loss of flora and fauna biodiversity

16. Drawbacks - Ethics Violation of natural organisms' intrinsic values
Tampering with nature by mixing genes among species
Objections to consuming animal genes in plants and vice versa
Stress for animal

17. So… Where do you stand?