Nature Presentations

PRESENTATION

Genetic Modifications

Pietro Colleoni, Nicolò Acerbis e Lorenzo Lupo

What is Genetic Modification?

• Genetic modification is a process that uses laboratory based technologies to alter the DNA of an organism.
• Genetic modification may involve adding a gene from one species to an organism from a different species to produce a desired trait.
• Genetic engineering has applications in medicine, research, industry and agriculture.
• It can be used on a wide range of plants, animals and microorganisms. (CropLife)

Which brands use GM animals and plants?

GM products are used in many brands and fast food chains:

Brands

Fast Food

How much did the use of generic modification increase throughout the past years?

Click here

+info

On what is genetic modification mostly used in food industry?

Animals

Plants

Pros and Cons of GM products and solution

Cons

Pros

Overall, the solution is to lower the use of genitic modification in crops and animals, as this process of manipulation of DNA damages the environments and the habitats in the planet. Genetic Modifications strengthen certain species of plants and animals useful for marketing. This creates advantages and disadvantages in nature leading. Therefore customers should buy non GM vegetables, fruits, meats, fishes. GM crops and animals increase marketing and higher money income, but further damage our Earth.

Bibliography

CropLife. ‘10 facts about genetically modified (GM) crops)’. CropLife, 20 November 2024. https://www.croplife.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Gm-Factsheet2.pdf Cban. ‘Environmental Impact’. Cban, 20 November 2024. https://cban.ca/gmos/issues/environmental-impacts/#:~:text=Biodiversity%20Loss%3A%20The%20use%20of,monarch%20butterfly%20in%20North%20America. Barrel, Amanda. ‘ Genetically modified food: What are the pros and cons?’. MedicalNewsToday, 20 November 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324576 GMO answers. ‘Questions and answers on GMO’. GMO answers, 20 Novembre 2024. https://gmoanswers.com/ask/what-countries-have-banned-gmos

Why is the gm increasing in Time?

Farmers can use less spray pesticides when they plant GMO crops. This saves farmers money and reduces the amount of pesticides that end up on crops. When farmers use herbicide-tolerant crops, they reduce the need to till the soil to control weeds

GM in Animals

Genetic modification (GM) in animals is used for several important purposes, including: 1)Disease Resistance: Genetically Modified animals can be engineered to resist specific diseases, reducing the need for antibiotics and enhancing the overall health of the animal. 2) mproved Growth Rates: Genetic modifications can lead to faster growth and better feed efficiency, allowing animals to reach market weight more quickly and allowing producers to have an increased profit. 3) Sustainability: GM animals can enhance resource efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing land use in agriculture, increasing the use of sustainable practices. (Cban)

Pros

-Many GM crops are engineered to contain higher levels of essential nutrients, which can significantly improve their benefits and help people stay healthy. By choosing these products, consumers can directly contribute to improved health outcomes. -Gm crops often produce more yield, which can be crucial in addressing food shortages in a world with a rapidly growing population. As a result, purchasing GM products can play a role in supporting global food security and ensuring that food remains affordable, particularly in regions facing economic crisis. -Many genetically modified crops are designed to be more resilient to environmental stresses such as drought, pests, and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This promotes sustainable farming practices. By buying GM products, consumers can support agricultural methods that aim to conserve resources, reduce. (Barrel, Amanda)

Here are some well-known brands that use genetically modified (GM) ingredients in their products: 1) PepsiCo - Uses GM corn and soy in snacks like Doritos and Fritos. 2) Coca-Cola - Sodas may contain high fructose corn syrup derived from GM corn. 3) Nestlé - Uses GM ingredients in various products, including cereals and baby foods. 4) Kellogg's - Uses GM crops in cereals and snack bars. (CropLife)

GM in Plants

Genetic modification (GM) in plants is used for several purposes, including:1) Increased Yield: GM plants can be modified to produce higher yields by improving growth rates and improving resistance to diseases and pests. 2) Pest Resistance: Genetic modifications can make plants resistant to specific pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. For example, Bt cotton and Bt corn produce a protein that is toxic to certain insects. 3) Nutritional Enhancement: Genetic modification can enhance the nutritional elements within crops. An example is Golden Rice, which has been engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. (Cban)

Many fast food brands use genetically modified (GM) ingredients, primarily in their food items that contain corn, soy, and certain other crops. Here are some examples:1.) McDonald's and Burger King -Both use GM soy and corn in various products, including their cooking oils and bread. -Employ GM ingredients in items like buns and some sauces. 2) Pizza Hut: -Uses GM ingredients in dough and sauces that contain corn or soy derivatives. 3) KFC -Uses chicken which are GM and their dough is made out of GM products. Overall, it is possible to notice how some of the most famous fast food brands use GM products in their dishes. (CropLife)

Cons

1) GM crops can potentially crossbreed with wild plants, leading to ecological consequences that might not be desired, such as the spread of modified traits to non-GM species. 2)Some people worry about the long-term health effects of consuming GM foods, despite scientific approval that they are safe. 3) Large companies that produce GM seeds can dominate the market, reducing agricultural biodiversity and limiting access for small-scale farmers. (Barrell, Amanda )