Genetically modified foods are foods that have been modified by scientists by changing or adding new genes. Scientists genetically modify foods to protect against pests, add nutrients, help foods thrive in different environments, and protect from disease. Common genetically modified foods include bananas, tomatoes, corn, and soybeans. The genetic modification process involves isolating a desired gene, inserting it into a transfer vector like a plasmid, transforming the plant by transferring the plasmid into the plant's chromosomes using Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacteria. While genetically modified foods aim to benefit agriculture, some argue they could spread unknown diseases, lead to pest resistance, transfer allergens, or interfere with nature.

1. Genetically Modified Food
By Jenna Pauly

2. What are GM Foods?
 Genetically modified foods, or GM foods: Foods that have been
modified by scientist and its genes have been changed or a new gene
was injected into it.
Example: A banana would not be the way it is today without genetic
modification. They would have seeds and oddly shaped.
Not Modified Genetically Modified

3. Why GM Foods?
We genetically modify food to:
 Protect against pests or pesticide
 Add nutrients that it may lack
 Help it thrive in different or harsher environments
 Protect it from disease
The banana is genetically modified to resist a bacterium called Xanthomonasmusacearum(
BXW) and given extra nutrients to help as a food source in places such as Uganda and East
Africa.
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2544893.htm Video about GM bananas

4. Types of GM Foods
Besides the Banana, other foods such as:
 Tomatoes
 Corn
 Soy beans
And others
Are also genetically modified. Most of the foods we consume are
genetically modified. About 60% of processed foods contain
genetically modified ingredients. How do they come to be modified?

5. GM Process
The Process for GM has 8 steps and begins with:
1. Isolation of the gene(s) of interest- A chromosome is used to identify
the gene(s) responsible for the desired trait in the organism. Example:
the Xanthomonasmusacearum
2. Insertion of the gene(s) into a transfer vector- The desired trait is put
into the plasmid.
3. Plant transformation-The plasmid contained inside A. tumefaciens
cells transfers the plasmids and new gene into the plants chromosomes.

8. GM Process
Visual of the
process
simplified

9. Cons of GM Food
Although GM foods may seem like a great idea to some people, to
others they feel its wrong.
 Might cause other species to have unknown diseases
 Insects could become nonresistant to the natural pesticides
 Fear that the transfer of genes between two unrelated species can transfer
allergens making people sick
 Some people believe GM is messing with nature and its wrong to mess with it

11. The End