Graphic Organizer

1. GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
(GMOs)
What is a GMOs?
* A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a plant, animal,
microorganism whose genetic make up has been modified in
a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic
technology. This creates combinations of plant, animal,
bacteria and virus genes that do not occur in nature or
through traditional cross breeding methods.
WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF GMOs TO OUR SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENT?
SOCIAL :
GM crops could impact food availability by
providing seeds which are resistant to adverse
climate conditions
ECONOMIC :
The results of the study suggest that adopters of
GMOs saw higher average household income,
yields, and gross margins after adoption
ENVIRONMENT :
GM crops technology can result in a net
increase in herbicide use and there is concern
that the use of GM crops may negatively impact
the agriculture ecosystem.
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF GMOs
SOCIAL:
POSITIVE IMPACT:
* Solve many of the world’s hunger
* Help protect and preserved the environment
* Reduce their environmental footprint
NEGATIVE IMPACT:
* Potential harm to human health
* May cause allergic reactions because of their
altered DNA
* Negative impact on traditional farming
practice
ECONOMIC :
POSITIVE IMPACT:
* Greater food security
* Lead to increased inequality among farmers
* Medical benefits to the world’s growing
population
NEGATIVE IMPACT:
* Excessive corporate dominance
* The “unnaturalness” of the technology
* The potential cost of the GM seeds (“ pay
more money for seeds “)
ENVIRONMENT :
POSITIVE IMPACT:
* Less use of pesticides
* Faster growing plants and animals
* Growing GMO crops helped decrease CO2
emissions
NEGATIVE IMPACT:
* Potential impact on non-target species
* Potential for increased weediness
* Negativity impact the agriculture ecosystem