Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic characteristics have been altered using genetic engineering techniques. GMOs are commonly found in food crops like corn and tomatoes. There are two main methods to create GMOs - inserting genes using a gene gun or viral implantation. Supporters argue that GMOs increase crop yields and sustainability, while critics argue they are unnatural and may pose unknown health risks. The document concludes that while GMO research should continue, GMOs should be labeled in stores to allow consumers to make informed choices about potential allergens or health impacts.

1. Genetically
Modified
Foods.
By, William Foschi.

2. What are GMO’s?
 GMO’s are Genetically Modified Organisms.
 By the definition of the American Heritage Medical Dictionary
says; “Genetically Modified Organism is an organism whose
genetic characteristics have been modified by the insertion of a
modified gene or a gene of another organism using the techniques
of genetic engineering.”
 GMO’s are now most commonly seen in our food produce such as
widely used produce like corn and tomatoes.

3. How are GMO’s made?
 GMO’s are made through by inserting selected genes into a
cell. Two common ways of doing this are:
 The gene gun. This is a device that fires particles of gold coated
with the desired DNA into a cell or cells. The DNA can then be
spliced into the cell’s DNA
 Viral implantation. This is a more subtle way of inserting the
gene(s). By placing it inside a virus that will later distribute the
DNA into a host cell.

4. Why GMO’s are good
 Crops can be preserved longer
 Crops can produce faster and more produce
 There is less maintenance required for the food
 A more sustainable food supply with Earth’s largely growing
population
 Less cost
 The modified organisms are experiencing helpful mutations
 Less land needs to be cleared

5. Why GMO’s are bad
 Tampering with nature
 Invading an organism’s natural inheritance
 Allergies to GMO’s have developed in some people
 Reduce antibiotics’ effects in the body
 Suspected to be cancer causing
 Many unknown health risks are still to be found
 People will have difficulty growing all natural produce
because the modified produce might have delivered its genes
to that seed.

6. Should GMO’s be labeled in stores?
 Yes, they should be labeled because though they do offer great promise in
research, they yield a danger to one’s health. Just like how certain
products must be labeled if the product was processed with nuts,
shellfish, etc. This provides an indication as to whether the individual can
consume the product safely. While just spending a little extra on the
print, a company that produces GMO’s saves potential millions of dollars
from law suits. However, support for the GMO product shouldn’t be
pulled entirely. With massive life-saving technology, research must be
continued on animals and plants before it is released to the public.

7. Bibliography
 "Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms." Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms --
HGP Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues. United States Department of Energy Office of
Science, 7 May 2012. Web. 7 Jan. 2013.
<http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.sht
ml>.
 Paul, Diehl. "What Are GMOs?" About.com Biotech / Biomedical. About.com, 2013. Web.
7 Jan. 2013. <http://biotech.about.com/od/faq/f/GMOs.htm>.
 United States. Food and Drug Administration. Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition. Bioengineered Foods. By Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D. Food and Drug
Administration, n.d. Web. 09 Jan. 2013.