to gm or not to gm? by: francesca trianni, ya’arah pinhas, cecilia hackerson and ben barczewski
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To GM or Not to GM? By: Francesca Trianni, Ya’arah Pinhas, Cecilia Hackerson and Ben Barczewski. Background. 1953: Genetic code and structure of DNA discovered Early 1980’s: Genetically modified plants were first created Early 1990’s: First GM foods available to the public - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
To GM or Not to GM?By:
Francesca Trianni, Ya’arah Pinhas, Cecilia Hackerson and Ben Barczewski
Background
1953: Genetic code and structure of DNA discoveredEarly 1980’s: Genetically modified plants were first createdEarly 1990’s: First GM foods available to the publicPost 1990’s: GM crops have dominated U.S. agriculture
Benefits
Improved resistance to disease, pests, herbicides, cold, draught, salinity, and disease.
Monsanto & Herbicides“Quality traits” such as flavor, aesthetics, and shelf-life
FLAVR SAVR TomatoNutrition
Golden Rice - enhanced Vitamin A
Environmental ImpactsOverall Benefits:
Increased yield, and profitabilityMore food = less hungry peopleMore nutritional food = less malnourished peopleIncreased global food security
Threats to Biodiversity
Transgenic Organisms without cultivationGene FlowIndirect Effects
Loss of biodiversity and alteration of soil ecosystems
Changes in Viral DiseasesEvolution of Resistance
Policy
Three Regulatory AgenciesFDA, USDA, EPA
StarLink Case StudyGovernment’s Role in regulating food safety
Proposed LegislationGenetically Engineered Safety Act-H.R. 6635Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act-H.R. 6636Geneticaly Engineered Technology Farmer Protection Act-H.R. 6637
Future
Three possible future scenarios“Rosy Future”“Continental Islands”“Biotech Goes Niche”
ConclusionsBy 2050 population will reach 9 to 13 billionImportant to balance sustainability with growing enough foodBiotech could be a valuable resource to accomplish thisCaution needs to be used to mitigate negative effects