AP Photo/Seth Perlman
Genetically engineered crops, also known as GE, transgenic or GMO crops—are created whenever genes from one species are spliced into the genome of another species. Genetic engineering is the process of breaking the natural boundaries that exist between species to produce new life forms that will produce a variety of desired traits. GMO technology permits alteration of living organisms in ways that Mother Nature never intended. Plants like corn have had Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) engineered into its genetic makeup to make it resistant to certain pests. While Bt is a naturally occurring pesticide, it would never find its way into corn seed without genetic engineering.
While proponents say GMOs don’t represent anything new because humans have used selective breeding for millennia to change crop genomes; nothing could be further from the truth. Traditional plant breeders select genes within the “genetic architecture” that the gene originally evolved and functioned. In contrast, genetic engineering ignores the surrounding genetic architecture and makes crossing corn with fish, petunias or any other organism possible. In addition to creating monocultures, genetic engineering may have other unintended consequences. Professor Miguel Altieri teaches agroecology at University of California at Berkeley and warns that GMOs could: spread genetically engineered genes to indigenous plants, increase toxicity which may move through the food chain, disrupt nature’s system of pest control, and create new weeds or virus strains.
To protect the enormous investment agro-chemical companies have made in genetic engineering they seek complete control over the seed. When a company inserts a gene from one species into another species, it can file for a patent on that life form. If a farmer replants seeds they have gathered from transgenic crops, they violate patent laws. To further thwart replanting of patented crops, corporations have developed “terminator technology.” This technology inserts genes to make a future crop sterile. Seeds produced from such plants will not germinate, which prevents farmers from replanting them. While champions of genetically engineered crops say these crops are necessary to feed a hungry world, one has to wonder how starving people benefit from sterile crops.
More information:
Its All About Money (GMO and Profits)
While many countries starve, agribusiness profits
Will the Hungry Profit from Biotechnology
Comments
This article contains a typical adjustment of truth. NO commercial crop (existing or in trial) contains a "terminator gene".
And, I wish you would explain why activists complain about the insertion of single genes but, on the other hand, also cheerfully accept high yielding crops (including on organic farms) which are not GM but which were created by chemically induced or x-ray induced mutagenesis that disrupts complete genomes (changing perhaps thousands of genes at a time).
The scientific ignorance demonstrated by the article is truly breathtaking
Alan,
Where can i find out more about mutagnesis?
More information about the science of terminator technology can be found on the Virginia Extension Cooperative website. Search for: Terminator Technology for Transgenic Crops.
Alan - Can you give me some specific info on what crops may be being used on organic farms that were "created by chemically induced or x-ray inducted mutagenesis?" Thanks.
@Sue
The document is a bit technical, but it might provide you with more info re. chemical and/or x-ray induced mutagenesis in crop seed production.
www.iancas.org/oct07.pdf
@Alan
Your post also contains a typical adjustment of truth. The terminator gene technology does indeed exist and is/has undergone field trials.
www.psrast.org/terminatprobl.htm
Your post smacks of the type of talk I see over at Monsanto's company blog. Any chance you're an employee?
@Glenn
Thank you for the links. The info they contain is very helpful!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!