Genetically modified food

1. Genetically modified food By Zani Alam

2. What is a genetically modified organism? When a gene from one organism is moved and inserted into another, the result is a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is also referred to as ‘transgenic’.

3. How? When a scientist genetically modifies a plant, they insert a foreign gene in the plant's own genes. This might be a gene from a bacterium resistant to pesticide, for example. The result is that the plant receives the characteristics held within the genetic code. Consequently, the genetically modified plant also becomes able to withstand pesticides.

6. Some examples Frost tolerant strawberry The gene from a fish that lives in very cold seas has been inserted into a strawberry, allowing the fruit to be frost-tolerant. Long-lasting tomatoesThe genetically modified tomato produces less of the substance that causes tomatoes to rot, so remains firm and fresh for a long time. Insecticide sweet corn Scientists have genetically modified sweet corn so that it produces a poison which kills harmful insects. This means the farmer no longer needs to fight insects with insecticides.

7. Some Foods that have been modified • Maize (corn) • Wheat • Rice • Oilseed rape (canola) • Soybean • Alfalfa

8. Some of the animals created with these techniques • Mice • Rats • Cows • Sheep • Goats • Pigs • Dogs • Cats • Rabbits.

9. Why would we want to modify an organism? • Crops • Enhanced taste and quality • Reduced maturation time • Increase the shelf life • Increased nutrients, yields, and stress tolerance • Improved resistance to disease, pests, and herbicides • New products • Animals • Increased resistance, productivity, hardiness, and feed efficiency • Better yields of meat, eggs, and milk • Improved animal health • Society • Increased food security for growing populations

10. Some arguments for • Greater production of food especially for developing countries would allow these countries. • Better quality foods are produced. • Less chemicals on crops is better for the environment so for example if cotton can be bred that needs fewer sprays it saves money and prevents the spray drifting into the neighbouring bushland. • Vaccines can be produced in plants for better human health outcomes.

11. Some arguments against • The new gene may cause allergic reactions in people. • Genetically identical plants and animals leads to a loss of biodiversity. • There has not been enough research on the effect of inserting a gene from one species to another. • The new species may escape into the wild populations and super weeds could be formed by the cross-fertilisation of wild species and transgenic species. • Even one gene could causes major changes in an organism. • Business has control of the products being produced and their motive is profit which may not be in the best interest of poor farmers.