Discussion Post
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.
Most GMO plants have been engineered to withstand the direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. However, new technologies are now being used to artificially develop other traits in plants, such as a resistance to browning in apples, and to create new organisms using synthetic biology. So, here are some questions to address in your discussion:
a) What are some specific GMOs that are currently in the environment?
b) Are GMOs safe? Should they be labeled?
c) What type of foods might contain GMOs?
d) What is the impact, if any, of GMOs on the environment?