What is a GMO?

What is a GMO?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms in which the genetic material has been modified with the help of molecular biological methods in a way that is naturally not possible through crossing or natural recombination (GenTG, Directive 2001/18 / EC).

Which products are genetically modified?

The most important genetically modified crops worldwide are currently maize, soybeans, cotton and rapeseed. Many of these plants are used as feed. In the food chain, on the other hand, usually only processed products from these plants are used.

What is GMO Free?

The terms GMO-free, GMO-free or (incorrectly) GMO-free are used to designate products that are free from genetically modified organisms and were also produced without their help.

Why are animals genetically modified?

Other research aims to genetically modify animals so that they can be kept more easily. This is to be achieved by making them resistant to viruses or parasites or by no longer growing horns.

Why are plants genetically modified?

Plants can be genetically modified in such a way that they are less susceptible to pests. The aim is to increase the yield of the harvest. One thing is clear: if plants can defend themselves against harmful organisms, the farmer has to use less pesticides.

How does genetic engineering work in plants?

In the first generation GM plants, the function of certain genes was changed by antisense technology or overexpression (amplification). Other crops have genes built into them that cause tolerance to herbicides or resistance to insects and which come from other organisms.

How does genetic engineering work?

Genetic engineering refers to targeted interventions in the genome of living beings, through which the DNA is changed. This creates so-called genetically modified organisms (GMOs). If the GMOs are plants, one speaks of green genetic engineering.

How is genetic engineering used in agriculture?

Green genetic engineering: genetic engineering processes in agriculture that are used for plant breeding and animal breeding. Red genetic engineering: Genetic engineering methods in medicine for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic processes as well as for the production of drugs for humans and animals.

How does genetic engineering work in food?

With this procedure, no foreign genes are built into the genome, but rather the existing genome is changed in a targeted manner. Food that has been produced using these new processes must therefore be labeled in the same way as other genetically modified products.

Where is genetic engineering used?

Genetic engineering as part of biotechnology has long been part of our everyday life. Whether in the health sector, in plant breeding or in industrial production – genetic engineering methods are widely used.

How dangerous are genetically modified foods?

So far, research has not been able to provide any evidence that the consumption of genetically modified foods is harmful to human health. However, there is still uncertainty as to whether the pesticides and antibiotics used in its manufacture are toxic.

What consequences do genetically modified foods have on humans?

Genetically modified foods: unexplained health risks. In connection with genetically modified foods, two health risks are primarily discussed: the development of new allergies and further antibiotic resistance.

What are the dangers of genetic engineering?

Contamination, resistance, loss of biodiversity, market concentration, patents, pesticides and much more: the list of negative consequences of the use of genetic engineering in agriculture is long. About 10,000 years ago, people began to plant plants systematically.

Why is genetic engineering banned in Germany?

Bad political climate for GM maize and the like. The cultivation of genetically modified maize MON810 has been banned in Germany since 2009. A year earlier, farmers had cultivated more than 3,000 hectares with pest-resistant maize from the seed giant Monsanto.

Why is genetic engineering important?

With genetic engineering, we can develop new varieties faster and better that are resistant to flooding, drought, salinisation or new pests and also deliver higher yields.

Why are bacteria important for genetic engineering?

In addition, bacteria have a short generation time, that is, the time it takes for the individuals in a population to double is short. A particularly great advantage for genetic engineering is that bacteria can be genetically manipulated and thus the incorporation of foreign DNA is possible.

Is genetic engineering allowed in Germany?

No genetically modified plants have been grown commercially in Germany since 2012. There is no such thing as the “GM tomato”. According to European law, a genetically modified plant must meet strict conditions in order to be approved for commercial cultivation.

Why is Bt maize banned in Germany?

Plots with conventional maize are at different distances from the genetically modified maize. The cultivation of Bt maize is only permitted in the EU if it does not affect agriculture, which operates “without genetic engineering”.

Should genetic engineering be banned?

54% of EU citizens believe that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a safety risk for them and their families (only 30% do not share these concerns). This fact alone should be enough to ban GMOs in the fields and in food across the EU.

Why is genetic engineering so controversial?

An antibiotic resistance gene is built into the genome of some genetically modified plant varieties. There is therefore a fear that this gene will pass to bacteria in the intestine and make the microbes resistant to antibiotics. New methods are supposed to make antibiotic resistance genes superfluous.