Transcript Genetically modified food

Genetically modified
food
The genetic modification
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Change of the genes of a plant in a
laboratory
Insertion of chemical units which
carry the information of special
characteristics
Aim
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Due to genetical modification the
DNA of a cell changes
Controlled change of the DNA  aim:
gaining a desired gene combination
e.g. better harvest
General
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Mutation mainly of corn, soy beans, cotton
and oil seed rape
Requirement to label genetically modified
food in the EU
Only small amouts of genetically modified
food in the EU  exception: genetically
modified corn
Introduction of genetically modified plants
to USA, Argentina, Brasil, Canada, China
and India
Pros
Contras
Faster growth
Loss of genetical
biodiversity
Insensitivity against vermin,
pesticides and weed killer
Unwanted production of
weed
Improved quality of food
Negative effects on the
environment
Insensitivity to illnesses
Possible disadvantages for
the health of the users
Bigger harvest
Blockage of ecological
balance
Improving of the plant‘s
nutrient supply
Bringing about new toxins,
causing new allergies
Diminishing use of fertilizers
Damage to useful insects
and soil organisms
Better growth even under
unfavourable terms
Dependence of expensive
seeds which must be
imported in developing
countries
Better harvest
Possible illnesses
More food
Destruction of the world
and its ecological balance