What are GMOs?

• GMOs, or genetically modified organisms are organisms whose genetic

material has been altered using genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is
the modification of an organism's phenotype by altering its genetic make-
up. Genetic engineering is primarily performed by simple mating or gene
recombination.
◦ Genetically modified crops (GM crops)

are those engineered to

introduce a new trait into the species.
 Reduced use of pesticides and herbicides.

Benefits of GMO
Decrease Non-target collateral damage
Enhanced Nutritional Profiles
GMO Crops Keep Food Costs Low
GMO RISKS
1. Environmental Risks
 Genetic Contamination/Interbreeding
 Competition with Natural Species
 Increased Selection Pressure on Target and Nontarget Organisms
 Ecosystem Impacts
 Horizontal Transfer of Recombinant Genes to Other Microorganisms
 HGT is the acquisition of foreign genes (via transformation,
transduction, and conjugation) by organisms in a variety of
environmental situations.
2. Health Risks
3. Animal Welfare
4. Poor Communities
Conjugation is the horizontal transfer of DNA from one cell to another
directly.

Transformation (in the context of HGT) is the direct uptake of

exogenous DNA by bacteria from their environment.

Transduction is the transfer of DNA horizontally from one bacterial cell to

another via a bacteriophage (phage) intermediate.
GMOs Used In Products Below
Baby Foods Frozen Pizza, Potatoes
Baked Goods and Waffles
Bread Products Heat & Serve Meals
Meal Mixes & Sauce
Breakfast Foods, Bars &
Packets
Cereals
Meatless Chik Nuggets
Chocolate Muffins, Pancake Mix,
Condiments Pasta Sauce Packets
Cookies Power Bars
Crackers Rice & Sauce Packets
Dairy Alternatives and Drink Soda & Juice Drinks
Mixes Soup
Frozen Dinners Tomatoes & Sauces