Genetic Engineering

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Genetic Engineering

• Ms. Watson
• Principles of Engineering classes

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What is Genetic Engineering?

• Selective Breeding
• Transgenic Manipulation
• Taking a gene out of one plant or animal and
  putting it into the DNA of a different plant or
  animal
• Gives the second organism the desirable
  characteristic found in the first organism
• Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs

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How long has this been going on?

• Scientists have had the technology since the
  1970s
• GM fish were created in 1990
• GMO soybeans have been on the market since 1995

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How do I know if its a GMO?

• 81 of soybeans
• 40 of corn
• 73 of cotton
• 70-75 of all processed foods contain GMOs

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How do I know if its a GMO?

• More than 50 GM products have been evaluated by
  the FDA and found to be safe
• Canola oil, Cottonseed oil, Papaya, Potatoes,
  Squash, Sugar beets, Tomatoes
• Some companies try not use GMOs
• Shopping Guide
• GM fish are being considered
• GM research

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How do I know if its a GMO?

• Foods containing GMOs are not labeled in the US
• The EU will be adopting a label shortly
• 100 Organic means no GMOs, regulated by the
  USDA

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Pros Cons

• Reduces pesticide use
• Increases production of food
• Can be cheaper than organic food
• They are chemically identical

• May cause species extinction
• Increase food allergies
• Not labeled-dont know if they make people sick
• Can create pesticide resistant bugs and weeds

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Presentations

• Are genetically engineered foods destroying our
  environment?
• Are genetically engineered foods the cure for
  world food issues?
• What the consumer needs to know about genetically
  engineered foods?
• Should genetically engineered food be labeled and
  why?

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For more information

• Ohio State University http//ohioline.osu.edu/gmo/
  faq.html
• True Food Network http//www.truefoodnow.org/
• Harvest of Fear by PBS http//www.pbs.org/wgbh/har
  vest/
• Food and Drug AdministrationBiotechnology
  http//www.cfsan.fda.gov/lrd/biotechm.html