GMO

WHAT IS GMO

• Genetically Modified Organism, any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
• Genetic modification involves the mutation, insertion, or deletion of genes, to change the organism.

WHAT IS IT USED ON

• Mainly used on food and animals.
• To produce products intended for human therapeutic use
• To improve animal health
• To create new colours in plants.
• To add nutritional value to foods

GMF

HOW AND WHAT HAPPENS

• Genetically modifying a food involves altering its genetic material by adding, changing or removing certain DNA sequences in a way that does not occur naturally.
• Changes to an organism's genetic makeup can be transmitted to the next generation.

EXAMPLE

• Golden Rice: a genetically engineered (GE) rice variety that has been developed by industry to produce pro-vitamin A

IMPACT ON NATURAL EVOLUTIONARY PATHWAY

• Toxic to harmless non-target species
• Toxic to beneficial insects
• A threat to soil ecosystems

PROS

• They are more resistant to pests
• They provide a sustainable way to feed people in countries without access to nutrition-rich foods.
• They have higher levels of nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and folate.

CONS

• They can present significant allergy risks to people

MY OPINION

• I don't claim that GMO foods are not to be consumed, but believe that they should be clearly labelled and properly thought about.
• I believe that students and others should be taught about GMO's to better their present and future choices about healthy foods
• I personally would rather not have foods that are GMO's as I believe it would be healthier to have organic foods.

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