Genetically Modified Organisms

1. Genetically Modified Organisms By Patrick Hurley

2. Genetically Modified Organisms • Definition: A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic structure has been altered by incorporating a gene that will express a desirable trait, often termed gene splicing.

3. Examples • Pesticide Resistant Rape Plants- Allows crop to resist pesticide exposure and survive. • Sweet Corn- Produces a poison that kills harmful insects. • Golden Rice- Contains more A-Vitamins • Long-lasting Tomatoes- Does not rot as quickly (first available GMO 1994).

4. Where are GMO’s grown? • 4 countries produce 99% of GMOs USA- 68% Argentina- 22% Canada- 6% China- 3%

5. Europe’s GMOs Since June 2002 Europe has allowed 3 GMO Crops: Soy Beans- Resistant to crop spray Sweet Corn- Produce insecticides Rape Plants- Does not produce pollen

6. Fun Fact • In 2001 52.6 million Ha were under cultivation for GMOs. This includes food and non-food crops.

7. Safety • There is no evidence to support that GMOs are dangerous for human consumption • Test feeds have been conducted on animals • It is estimated that Americans eat 65% GMO food

8. Pros • Use less spray • Grow larger crops • Environment no longer exposed to large amounts of chemicals • Gives starving people more nutrition in a staple crop (rice) • Lengthier transport time

9. Cons • Pest could become resistant • May harm beneficial insects (Bt Corn) • Fear that poor countries are becoming too dependent on Western culture • Fear that large companies will own the rights to all the good crops

10. Questions? Sources www.ohioline.osu.edu www.bionetonline.org