WHAT IS GMO?

A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process where genes from
the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant
or animal. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans.
When a gene from one organism is purposely moved to improve or change another organism in a
laboratory, the result is a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is also sometimes called
"transgenic" for transfer of genes.

This technology is also referred to as "genetic engineering", "biotechnology" or "recombinant

DNA technology"

HOW IS IT MADE?
Gene insertion is done either by shooting genes from a gene gun into a plate of cells or by
using bacteria to invade the cell with foreign DNA. The altered cell is then cloned into a plant.

GM Crops
Most GM crops grown today have been developed to resist certain insect pests.
Some are to produce specific vitamins, resist plant viruses and even produce products for
medical uses.
Countries that grow GM crops include; Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, United States, Ukraine, and many more.

GMO PROS:
Lower risk of crop failure, and make crops better resistant to extreme weather.
Safe transport of seeds to people in countries without access to nutrition-rich foods.
Help reduce environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil erosion.
Supply more necessary nutrients and help fight worldwide malnutrition, according to The Food
and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. For example, vitamin A-enhanced rice, or
"golden rice," is helping to reduce global vitamin A deficiencies.
Scientists have engineered plants to produce vaccines, proteins, and other pharmaceutical goods
in a process called "pharming."

GMO CONS:
Pose significant allergy risks, according to a Brown University study.
eating them can lessen the effectiveness of actual antibiotics.
GMO seeds are used in 90 percent of corn, soybeans and cotton grown in the United States,
according to the Center for Food Safety.
To avoid eating foods that contain GMOs, look for labels that specify that fruits and vegetables
is "organic" or "USDA Organic."