Re: Basic GMO explanation

**"* A* <j*@aquapic.com>**

Teri asked about GMOs

Genetically Modified Organisms include a very wide range of crops and 
animals, with very wide range of modifications (some small, some very 
significant), done for a very wide range of reasons (some done for 
the public benefit, others to raise money for large corporations).

There was expectedly some reticence to take such new technology on 
board, as it could achieve larger changes in a shorter time span than 
existing methods of cross-breeding or forced mutations. Once created 
and released into the wild, the genes are out there and can't be put 
back in the bottle. In some cases sterile organisms have been 
developed with the aim of reducing this risk, though some risk may 
remain.

Some GMOs have enormous potential benefit e.g. Golden Rice which 
seeks to overcome Vitamin A deficiencies. This one is still 
undergoing regulatory trials for safety.

Other GMOs have been developed to make crops resistant to specific 
herbicides - this will obviously increase sales of such herbicide, 
which (understandably) not everyone thinks a good thing.

In horticultural circles, we might be able to create entirely novel 
colour variations. This might be considered of low ecological 
significance. However, an ability to create varieties able to survive 
in different climates from the original species might have 
considerable consequences if the plant proves invasive.

Some groups wish to continue to fight to prevent any GMOs, including 
stopping research. Some scientists want to see GMOs rigorously 
tested, so that the best and safest can be put to good use. One 
current battle along these lines (in the UK) is discussed in this 
article: 

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21768-respect-the-need-to-experi
ment-with-gm-crops.html

The simple fact is that while some countries have heavily regulated 
or restricted GMOs and GMO research, other countries have gone full 
ahead with the technology, some with very limited regulation. GMOs 
are now in the world whether we like them or not.

I think schoolchildren need to be made aware of the complexities in 
the issue, and both the potential advantages and disadvantages.

James Allison
Cheltenham UK

> From: Teri Chace <terichace@aol.com>
> Subject: [GWL] basic GMO explanation?
> 
>  Hello, all:
> 
> Can anyone recommend, or has anyone written, a short summary
> explanation of what GMOs are--and why many think they are "bad"? I am
> seeking this info in preparation for a brief presentation to a tough
> audience of approx. 21--my 10th-grade son's Biology class at the local
> public high school. 
> 
> With permission, I would send them home with a printout/xerox of an
> article to read and share with their families.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> 
> Teri Dunn Chace

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