Understanding GMOs and Organic Foods

Biotechnology

Use of living systems to develop useful products.

Artificial Selection

Human modification of species by selective breeding.

Plant Breeding

Breeding species with desired traits in laboratory settings.

Genetic Engineering

Modification of genetic material by artificial means.

Transgenics

Organisms with genes from different species.

Genome Editing

Using nucleases to alter genetic sequences.

CRISPR (CAS9)

A common nuclease for genome editing.

Bt Crops

Crops with bacterium gene for insect resistance.

Golden Rice

Rice modified to contain vitamin A precursor.

Modified Papaya

Papaya resistant to ring spot virus.

Cassava

Root plant altered for disease resistance and nutrition.

Transgenic Animals

Animals with modified genes for faster growth.

Super Weeds

Weeds that gain resistance from GMO cross-pollination.

Super Bugs

Insects that develop resistance to GMO insecticides.

Health Risks

Unknown long-term health effects of GMOs.

Monopolies in GMO Industry

Companies controlling GMO seed markets, e.g., Monsanto.

Organic Foods

Foods produced without GMOs or synthetic chemicals.

USDA Organic Standards

Regulations defining organic food production.

Plant Biotechnology History

Humans have modified plants for ~10,000 years.

Hybrid Crosses

Breeding between species that may not occur naturally.

Nutritional Value

Quality of food in terms of essential nutrients.

Crop Yield

Amount of crop produced per unit area.

Seed Productivity

Efficiency of seeds in producing viable crops.

Fumonisin

Cancer-causing toxin produced by corn fungus.

Environmental Impact

Effects of GMOs on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Cross Contamination

Mixing of GMO and non-GMO crops via pollen.

Cyanide in Cassava

Toxin in cassava requiring proper preparation.

In-vitro Breeding

Breeding conducted in controlled laboratory environments.

Nutritional Deficiency

Lack of essential nutrients in diets, e.g., amino acids.

GMOs

Genetically modified organisms, not allowed in organic foods.

Organic Seal

Indicates 95-100% organic ingredients in products.

Hormone Implants

Given to animals to enhance growth and production.

Types of Hormones

Includes sex hormones and growth hormones in livestock.

Negatives of Hormone Use

Potential health risks and animal welfare concerns.

Benefits of Hormone Use

Lower costs and faster production of meat/milk.

Cattle Without Hormones

15 million more cattle needed for production.

Growth Hormones in Poultry

Banned; size increase due to artificial selection.

Antibiotic Use

Preventative use in farm animals, not for treatment.

Positives of Antibiotics

Treats disease and enhances growth efficiency.

Antibiotic Resistance

Risk of resistance development in humans and animals.

Germ-Killing Radiation

Uses UV rays to reduce microbial growth in food.

Fertilizers

Chemicals providing nutrients to plants, essential for growth.

Types of Fertilizers

Includes synthetic and natural fertilizers.

Negatives of Fertilizer Use

Can cause soil depletion and nitrogen pollution.

Eutrophication

Algae blooms from fertilizer runoff harm aquatic life.

Pesticides

Over 400 chemicals used to eliminate pests and weeds.

Herbicides

Chemicals specifically targeting unwanted plant growth.

Insecticides

Used to kill insects damaging crops.

Pesticide Residues

Chemical remnants left on food post-application.

Human Health Issues

Pesticides linked to cancer and hormone imbalances.

Pesticide Safety

Use protective gear when applying pesticides.

Clean 15

Fruits and vegetables with minimal pesticide residues.

Dirty Dozen

Produce with high pesticide residue levels.

Organic Food Costs

Often more expensive than conventional options.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming that protects environment and human health.

Local Farms

Often more sustainable than large-scale operations.

Moderation Principle

Small toxin amounts manageable by the human body.