COMPARING CROP PRODUCTION METHODS

Growing a GMO crop Growing a non-GMO crop

 Food that has been

genetically engineered in  Food that hasn't been
some way, usually in a genetically modified, or
laboratory, is known as non-GMO food, hasn't
GMO food.  They are both been altered or
 GM is a technique that conventionally engineered in any
includes introducing produced foods manner.
DNA into an organism's that provide  Food that isn't genetically
genome. New DNA is put important modified (non-GMO)
into plant cells to create a components to doesn't always follow the
GM plant. Typically, the our diets, same rules as organic
cells are cultivated in especially in food.
tissue culture and terms of our
subsequently transformed health.
into plants.
 BENEFITS OF GMO
CROPS
 Food that is more nutritious.
 Food that is more delicious.
 Plants that are disease- and
drought-resistant and use fewer
resources in the environment (such
as water and fertilizer).
 Pesticides are used less frequently.
 Increased food supply at a lower
cost and with a longer shelf life.
 Plants and animals that grow faster.
 Food with better qualities, such as
fried potatoes that release less of a
cancer-causing chemical.
 Medicinal foods with the potential to
be utilized as vaccinations or other  Foods that aren't as healthful as
medications.
RISKS OF GMO CROPS
 GMOs have the potential to induce
allergic responses. Because GMO
foods contain DNA from other
organisms, it's possible that the new
DNA will cause allergies in people
who aren't sensitive to the food in
the first place.
 Antibiotic resistance may be
exacerbated by GMOs. When GMO
scientists insert new DNA into plant
cells, they frequently include an
additional gene that confers
antibiotic resistance to the modified
cells. They can then kill any plant
cells that didn't effectively take in
the new DNA with an antibiotic.
 Genetic changes that are
unexpected or negative.
others.
 CRITICALLY THINKING IN PAIRS

STEP 1: After being grouped into pairs, you will be assigned in a position on
the use of GMOs in our food supply. Mark it below:

I am in favor of GMOs. I am against GMOs.

STEP 2: Find evidence to support your assigned position. List three (3)
pieces of evidence below in order, form highest to lowest quality. Your notes
on the two (2) pages of this worksheet will serve as your reference.

1st evidence: Every year, billions of edible animals are raised in the United
States on GMO-containing feed, with no indication of harm. According to a
2014 assessment published in the Journal of Animal Science, the genetically
altered feed actually improved animal health and growth efficiency.

2nd evidence: Farmers have been able to use less pesticides while boosting
yields by engineering insect resistance, which improves farmer and
environmental safety while cutting food costs and improving availability. Corn,
cotton, and soybean yields are estimated to have increased by 20% to 30%
as a result of genetic engineering.

3rd Evidence: A number of noteworthy advantages have been found. For

example, researchers in Pisa, Italy, found that genetically altered corn had a
much better yield than non-genetically modified cultivars and contains lower
levels of fungi-produced toxins in a review of 76 papers published in February
in Scientific Reports.
STEP 3: Formulate your argument to support the position you have been
assigned. Summarize it below in 1-2 paragraphs.

 Wider acceptance of genetic engineering, particularly in African and Asian

countries that have yet to embrace the technique, could significantly
enhance food supply in locations where climate change will increasingly
necessitate crops that can grow in dry, saline soils and withstand
temperature extremes. Despite the negative effects, GMOs do have some
beneficial effects. These unfavorable consequences may improve with
additional research, indicating that they can be avoided. Also, if you list
the beneficial benefits, there are several favorable consequences on our
bodies, particularly in our health. There are also some indications that it is
a great help to many countries, particularly in terms of food supply and
production.

STEP 4: With your partner, discuss your final positions on the use of GMOs
and the evidence for each position. Identify which portions of the position are
based on scientific research and which portions are based more on social
issues. List them below:

SCIENTIFIC ISSUES SOCIAL ISSUES

 Interbreeding/Genetic
 Impacts on the Ecosystem.
Contamination. GMOs that
Changes in a single species
have been introduced may
can have far-reaching
interbreed with wild-type or
consequences for the
sexually compatible relatives.
ecosystem. The risk of
Unless the unique trait gives a
ecosystem damage and
selection advantage to the
destruction is always present
recipient, it may be lost in wild
in single impacts.
kinds. However, wild types'
tolerance abilities may
develop, changing the native
species' ecological relationship
and behavior.
 SCIENTIFIC ISSUES SOCIAL ISSUES

 Augmented Selection Pressure  People's or the environment's

on Both Target and Nontarget
Organisms. Target and nontarget
species may face increased
pressure to adapt to the
introduced changes, similar to a
geological change or natural
selection pressure, resulting in
the evolution of distinct resistant
populations.
health is adversely affected.
Increased disease burden if the
recipient organism is a pathogenic
microorganism or virus, increased
weed or pest burden if the recipient
organism is a plant or invertebrate,
and adverse effects on species,
communities, or ecosystems are
among these.

STEP 5: Reach a consensus. The use of GMOs is a topic that combines

both social and scientific issues. Your consensus will be a combination of the
two (2) opposing views based on multiple lines of evidence. Below, formulate
a NEW position, which addresses the needs and wants of both sides of the
issue. (Note: The consensus could include multiple solutions. )

 For both concerns, my solution is to research it again and test it. It will be
a waste if we completely disregard or eliminate it. GMOs have a favorable
impact on many countries and people, and they also help with food
production. The negative impacts of GMOs must be addressed in some
way, such as conducting additional study and compiling a list of negative
impacts that can be eliminated if the negative impacts are resolved. Then,
after some investigation and testing, they can give to the people or society
if all of the negatives have been resolved. If this occurs, people will be
relieved of their worries and will have a sufficient quantity of food to assist
them in their daily lives.