GM Foods

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Objective Analysis
Genetic Modification is a process in genetic material is altered with methods that do not occur naturally. This process is now possible on plants using Biotechnology, which are called Genetically Modified Crops also know as GM crops. GM crops have the same results as traditional breeding but that is achieved over a much longer time span. In this process, specific individual genes are transferred from one organism to another. These genes may come from a non-related species, for example, a gene from a fish that lives in the very cold seas being injected into a strawberry so it can survive the frost during winter.
There are many reasons as to why crops are modified; it makes them resistant to insects, more tolerant to herbicides. GM crops are designed in one of two ways: They either produce a pesticide within their tissue, or they are resistant to a pesticide like Roundup (manufactured by Monsanto Corp.).
The most common crops modified include Maize, Soybeans, Oilseed rape (Canola), Chicory, Squash and Potato.
A research study conducted by a group of scientists in America shows that Tobacco and Arabidopsis Thaliana are the most genetically modified plant due to well developed transformation methods, easy propagation and well studied genomes.
GM crops are generated in a laboratory by altering their genetic make. This is usually done by adding one or more genes to a plant’s genome using genetic engineering techniques.
There are various types of Genetic engineering in plants. Transgenic plants have genes inserted into them that are derived from another species. Cacogenic plants are made using genes found within the same species or a closely related one, where easy plant breeding can occur.
After several experiments ...

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...: Harmful or Helpful?. [online] Available at: http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php [Accessed: 23 Mar 2014].

 Healey, J. 2004. Genetic modification. Balmain, N.S.W.: Spinney Press.

 Isaaa.org. 2014. Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops in 2012 - Pocket K | ISAAA.org. [online] Available at: http://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/16/ [Accessed: 23 Mar 2014].

 LiveScience.com. 2014. GMOs: Facts About Genetically Modified Food. [online] Available at: http://www.livescience.com/40895-gmo-facts.html [Accessed: 23 Mar 2014].

 Who.int. 2014. WHO | Food, Genetically modified. [online] Available at: http://www.who.int/topics/food_genetically_modified/en/ [Accessed: 1 Apr 2014].

 Wikipedia. 2014. Genetically modified crops. [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_crops [Accessed: 23 Mar 2014].

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