Recombinant DNA Technology is when we

combine genes from different organisms, in

which the resulting organism is considered to
be genetically modified.

Genetically Modified (GM) can also be referred

to as Genetically Engineered (GE), or
Transgenic.

PROS

Increased nutritional value,

higher yields, & stress
tolerance for crops.
Longer shelf time.
Greater resistance for
diseases, pests, and
herbicides.
Higher profit for farmers.
Reduced chemical usage.
Increased food security in
rural countries.

CONS

Potential human health risks.

Possible severe allergic
reactions.
No mandatory labeling in the
U.S.A.
Tampering with Nature.
Fewer crop diversity.
Possible uncontrolled growth.
Unknown effects on other
organisms.

There are many health risks associated with

genetically modified crops, some known risks
are:
The transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between organisms,
may render drugs useless.
May increase what some say is the link between behavioral
disorders in children to the foods they have eaten.
Could cause a boost of asthmatic children born in the US.
Unknown long term effects of insect repellant plants on human
life.

In many other countries the people are fighting

against genetically modified foods.

As in china where there are many protests on the

mater of the effects of transgenic crops
And in Europe were the public is fighting for GM
free zones

Countries

The USA grew 53%

of 252 million acres,
of genetically
modified crops in
the year 2006. These
numbers have been
increasing in the
past four years, with
an exponential rate
in third world
countries.

Percentage of crops grown in

2006
U.S.A.

Argintina

Brasil

Canada

India

China

Paraguay

South Africa

Other

6%

3%
4%

1%
3%
2%

11%

53%
17%

The Federal Drug

Administration and Biotech
Industry require no testing on
new Genetically Modified
organisms, claiming they are
just like other foods.

Through cross pollination some

companies claim to own the
rights to others crops.

Few large companies will

dominate the industry.

Adding nutrients to food.

The largest transgenic seeds on the

market now is Round Up ready corn and
canola.

These are plants that do not die when

sprayed with Round Up.
They are also pest repellent.

Flavor Saver tomatoes were pulled off

the market in the late 90s but it is
unknown if they are for sale again.

The flavor savers were meant to taste better

and last longer but ended up tasting strange,
and people did not like them.

A POLL ON WHICH TYPE

PEOPLE WOULD RATHER BUY

Organically Grown

Genitically Modified
More
likely to
buy

5%
36%

Less likely
to buy
59%

No
difference

More
likely to
buy
37%
53%
10%

Less likely
to buy
No
defferance

What are Genetically Modified (GM) Foods? Geneomics.energy.gov.

Human Genome Project Information, 5 Nov. 2008. Web. 13 Nov. 2010.
Herbert, Martha. Genetically Altered Foods: We Are Being Exposed to
One of the Largest Uncontrolled Experiments in History Chicago
Tribune 3 Sept. 2010, Print.
One delegates view of the European conference on GM-free regions.
CropGen.org. Crop Gen, 29 Sept. 2010. Web. 13 Nov. 2010.
Klinkenborg, Verlyn. Why I Still Oppose Genetically Modified Crops.
e360.yale.edu. Yale environment 360, 17 Sept. 2009. Web. 13 Nov. 2010.
Jio, Li. In China, No Meeting of the Minds on GM Crops.
News.ScienceMag.org/ Science Insider, 15 Oct. 2010. Web. 13 Nov.
2010.
Effects of Genetically Modified Food YouTube.com. 16 Dec. 2009.
Web. 16 Nov. 2010, <www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjRX0NwuS04>
Genetically Modified Foods YouTube.com. 12 Feb. 2009. Web. 16
Nov. 2010, < www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTfuAbzAeB8>
Langer, Gary. Behind the Label ABCNews.Go.com 19 June 2010.
Web. 18 Nov. 2010.