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=Wiki Post # 1: Genetically modified food =  **Genetically modified foods are something Canadians should be aware of because most of the food we buy in grocery stores are genetically modified**.

Genetically modified organisms (also known as GMOs) refer to plants that are made for human or animal consumption. GMOs have either had its genes (DNA) changed to act in an unnatural way or contain genes from another organism. Basically, these plants can be changed to have more desirable traits for growth and consumption. Typically, the enhancement of theses desired traits have been created through breeding, but some plant breeding methods can take a lot of time and do not work all of the time. Instead, genetic engineering is used. Genetic engineering is changing the structure of genetic material in a living organism. It creates and uses a recombinant DNA (Which is fake DNA that has been made by combining genes from different organisms.) Next it creates bacteria that can help replicate these genes very quickly and accurately.




 * In this picture it shows the process in which corn can be genetically modified. Restriction enzymes select the specific genes and is cut out. This specific gene is now inserted into the corn, which is now put into the plasmid to be replicated. Next these genes are now inserted into the corn and the corn is now considered to be genetically modified food. **

In Canada GMOs are not labeled. This is because the labelling process would be very difficult because foods that are genetically modified are used to make other foods Using corn as an example, it can be used as an ingredient is many other foods such as cereal, yogurt, frozen entrees and canned soup. All of these foods would need to be labeled as having genetically modified ingredients. Knowing this, most foods Canadians buy at grocery stores have been genetically modified.


 * In other parts of the world like Europe, it is mandatory to label GM foods. **

Just because they are not labeled doesn’t mean they are completely dangerous. There are actually some advantages to GMO’s. It’s proven that these foods grow more quickly then normal crops giving the population more food. Also these food crops can be grown in places with poor climate, which also means more food. They also decrease the use of pesticides. And finally, genetically modified food are said to be high in nutrients and to contain more minerals and vitamins normally grown foods.




 * This map shows the number of countries that have chosen to grow genetically modified crops. **

Despite all of these advantages, there is also a fair share of disadvantages. The biggest threat caused by this food is that they can have harmful effects on the human body. It is believed that consumption of these genetically engineered foods can cause the development of diseases that are immune to antibiotics. Another concern is cross-contamination. Fields that grow GMOs may contaminate other fields that are close by. This may happen if the seeds from a GM crop blow into a neighboring field.

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 * Here are two Documentaries about genetically modified foods. The first one is not very exciting but contains a lot of good information. The second also contains alot of information but is a lot more entertaining **


 * Sources and Sites to check out: **

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[|http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Food-]

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