Get In The Mood For GM Food

Innovators

 

GM Squash:

     Asgrow Seed Company, the agricultural division of The Upjohn Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan, became the second company to ask the USDA to rule on the status of a genetically engineered crop. This product was altered to protect against aphids transferring watermelon mosaic virus-2 (WMV-2) and zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) when they feed upon plants. Asgrow scientists used a method of gene transfer called Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation to produce the new squash. Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a bacterium that can be used to transfer genes into the chromosomes of plant cells. The two viruses WMV-2 and ZYMV were introduced into the bacteria and when inserted into the plant, a vaccination against the virus was produced. This new product would allow farmers everywhere to have the option of a more natural alternative to chemically- based pesticides. In addition, it allowed them to keeping their crops protected from harmful critters.

 

GM Tomato:

     Calgene Inc. created the first genetically modified tomato, known as the Flavr Savr tomato. Reducing the amount of PG (polygalacturonase) in a tomato slows the process of the breaking down of the cell wall and produces a firmer fruit for a longer amount of time. Calgene's scientists isolated the PG gene in tomato plants which gives fruits their firmness. The gene was converted into a reverse image of itself called an antisense orientation. Scientists called this "reversed" tomato gene the Flavr Savr gene and reintroduced it into the plants. It has undergone more than four years of comprehensive pre-market tests that examined the nutritional value, potential toxins, processing and horticultural traits, fungal resistance, softening rate, and other characteristics. In addition, Calgene Inc. voluntarily submitted its safety data for rigorous review by an external panel of nationally recognized food safety experts. Their studies demonstrated that the Flavr Savr tomato is as safe and nutritious as any other fresh tomatoes.

  

GM Corn:

     Corn seed trait combination adoption continues to grow and develop. Today, researchers use breeding techniques and technology tools such as genomics, crop analytics and molecular breeding. Monsanto offers corn farmers the ability to control weeds and pests with a single seed through a process known as "trait stacking." This technique is the use of genes from one plant inserted into another to produce a more useful crop.The use of GM corn would have a great impact on foods today because so many products contain corn in their ingredients.


 

This free website was made using Yola.

No HTML skills required. Build your website in minutes.

Go to www.yola.com and sign up today!

Make a free website with Yola