PowerPoint Presentation

Genetically Modified OrganismsBy Michael WaldmanPhilosophy of the Environment

Organisms that have had their genomes modified by Genetic EngineeringGenetic Engineering uses methods such as the insertion of DNA from other organisms to produce desired traits (recombinant DNA)Many of these organisms are being integrated into Americas the food supply Genetically Modified Organisms

Some GMO crops grown in America are:Soybeans, Corn, Cotton, Zucchini, Canola, Papaya

Genetically modified Salmon was approved by the FDA

Gentically Modified Foods in Americas food supplyAlfalfa Sugar BeetsWheatFlaxSquashmany more

http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-crops-in-the-us/recent-trends-in-ge-adoption.aspx#.UoGMqfmshcY

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Maize (Corn)Can be modified to produce pesticide, to be resistant to the Glyphosate herbicide, Round-up, or stacked which contains both modifications. GMO starlink branded corn was only approved for Animal feed yet has been found in food for human consumption

GMO corn

The most widespread GM crop93% of soybean acerage in America was genetcially modified in 2010 (USDA Agricultural Statistics Boards)GM and non-GM soybeans are mixed during processing and harvest

GMO soybeans

Soy93% is genetically modifiedCorn86% is genetically modifiedSugar Beets95% are genetically modifiedCanola93% is Genetically Modified

Statistics

AquAdvantage salmonThe FDA found no significant impact of risk of the Genetically Modified fish (FDA)Atlantic salmon modified to produce growth hormone from pacific Chinook salmon The Salmon will be farmed on land as to not create competition for wild salmon

GMO Salmon

Round-Up ready crops allow the overuse of Glyphosate herbicide as it will not impact the plant. It is feared that GMO animals would out compete wild type animals if released. Cross Pollination with other crops could unknowingly spread GMOs

Enviornmental Impacts of GMOs

GMO corn has been linked to obesity and heart disease Allegations of health effects have been made against GMOsThey are more allergenicLower birth rateInfertility GMO corn causes higher rates of obesity and cancer in micePossible Health Effects of GMOs

Better growth rates to feed growing world populationDisease resistanceCold ToleranceGreater growth rates

Benefits of GMO foods

The agency is not aware of any information showing that foods derived by these new methods differ from other foods in any meaningful or uniform way.-FDA Statement of Policy FDA Policy

Little or no research has been done on humans, making any information available non-necessarily true in the case of humans. Consumer rightsDo consumers have the right to information on whether their foods are modified?Should these foods be sold if there might be negative health effects to consumers?

Ethical Issues

Allows for patenting of genomes in which most of the DNA is sequenced without humansGMOs are often deemed as bad simply because of their status as unnatural despite the lack of proof to their whether they are harmful or helpful. Appeals to natural, setting humans apart from nature and implying that there is a proper state

Philosphical views of GMOs

Aleksejeva, Inese. "Use Of Genetically Modified Organisms In Food Production And Future Challenges."Economic Science For Rural Development Conference Proceedings32 (2013): 113-119.Academic Search Premier. Web. 17 Oct. 2013Evenson, Robert E, and V Santaniello.The Regulation of Agricultural Biotechnology. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK: CABI Pub, 2004. Print.------ Evenson, Robert E, and V Santaniello.Consumer Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods. Wallingford, Oxon, UK: CABI Pub, 2004. Print.Howlett, Michael, and David H. Laycock.Regulating Next Generation Agri-Food Bio-Technologies: Lessons from European, North American and Asian Experiences. London: Routledge, 2012. Print.Parekh, Sarad R.The Gmo Handbook: Genetically Modified Animals, Microbes, and Plants in Biotechnology. Totowa, N.J: Humana Press, 2004. Print.Ruebelt, M. C., Lipp, M., Reynolds, T. L., Schmuke, J. J., Astwood, J. D., DellaPenna, D., Jany, K. (2006). Application of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to interrogate alterations in the proteome of gentically modified crops. 3. assessing unintended effects.Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,54(6), 2169-2177. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf052358