Genetically modified foods are foods that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering. The process involves manipulating the DNA by identifying specific genes, copying them, and inserting them into other organisms. This is done to plants and animals by removing genes from bacteria and replacing them, or by injecting millions of copies of genes into fertilized eggs. Foods are modified by injecting genes or chemicals to make bananas larger or riper longer. While modification increases crop yields, it can also cause health concerns from potential allergic reactions to new ingredients. Most processed foods in the US contain genetically modified corn, soybeans, or cotton. Researchers are exploring new techniques like MAS to further boost agricultural production.

1. Genetically Modified Foods
By: Brian McElveen

2. Genetically Modified Foods
• Genetically Modified Foods= Food items that
have had their DNA changed through Genetic
Engineering.

3. Manipulating the DNA
• The whole process of genetic modification consists of
manipulating the DNA.
• Manipulating the DNA= Allows certain genes to be
identified, copied and brought into other organisms
in more specific ways.

4. Main types of Modified Organisms
• Foods
• Plants
• Animals
• Bacteria

5. Modifying Plants & Animals
• To modify plants and animals the plasmid is taken
out from the bacteria and the clone gene is replaced
with a restriction enzyme.
• For animals this is done by injecting millions of
copies of the gene into the nucleus of a fertilized egg.

6. Modifying Foods
• To modify foods certain genes and chemicals are injected into
the food such as bananas to make it larger, and for it to stay
riper longer.
• This method is called Cisgenesis, which genes are artificially
transferred between organisms. This process is also used in
plants.

7. Modifying Bacteria
• Plasmids are used to modify them.
• The plasmid is cut open by a restriction
enzyme and mixed with a certain gene.
• DNA ligase is used to stitch the certain gene
into the plasmid.

8. Disadvantages
• Health Concerns
• Allergic reactions are most common because people can react
to the ingredients used.
• Eggs, wheat, fish, tree nuts, peanuts and soybeans are most
common.
• FDA has set rules so that all modified foods containing these
ingredients must have labels.

9. Modification in use Today
• In the United States 60 to 70% of food products in
stores contain genetically modified food ingredients.
• 25% corn, 38% soybean, and 45% of cotton are the
most commonly planted modified foods in the U.S.

10. Modification for the Future
• Researchers have been looking for new methods to
make the crop production larger.
• Newest technique found is called Marker Assisted
Selection. (MAS for short)
• MASS join normal genetics and molecular biology.
• Allows the selection of genes that control a specific
trait, such as color, and meat quality.