Gentically Modified Organisms
By Zach Elliott
What are GMOs?
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.
Interesting Facts about GMOs
-From butter to meat, nearly all animal products sold in the U.S. come from livestock fed with GMOs. More than 95 percent of food-producing animals in the country consume G.E. ingredients.
-About 90 percent of four major crops in the U.S.—corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets—grow from genetically engineered seeds.
-Seeds that have been subjected to GMOs are resistant to weeds, but weeds growing in the same areas become exposed to GMOs. Over time, the weeds become resistant as well, causing farmers to use stronger chemicals, which affect the safety of the crops that people consume. More chemicals can lead to more health problems derived from the food we eat.
-About 90 percent of four major crops in the U.S.—corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets—grow from genetically engineered seeds.
-Seeds that have been subjected to GMOs are resistant to weeds, but weeds growing in the same areas become exposed to GMOs. Over time, the weeds become resistant as well, causing farmers to use stronger chemicals, which affect the safety of the crops that people consume. More chemicals can lead to more health problems derived from the food we eat.
GM Salmon
An organic salmon compared to a genetically modified salmon.
GMO labeling
Nearly 91% of Americans want GMO's to be labeled.
Are GMO's safe?
Roughly 61 countries consider GMO's not safe but their is no research proving they are harmful to humans. Some of these countries have completely banned GMO's or have required labeling of GMO's.
How are GMO's helping?
One example is the golden rice it was created to help with a vitamin A deficiency in most foreign countries where rice is consumed for all three meals. These countries would be mostly developing countries that do not have suitable farming ground to grow other crops. The golden rice was created to help these people who are lacking in vitamin A and to make sure they got their vitamin A requirements.