GM food (genetically modified food)

Genetically modified foods (GM foods), also known as genetically engineered foods (GE foods), are foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.

GM foods are controversial. Some people have concerns around their long-term safety and also their environmental impact. Advocates of GM foods argue that they are easier and less costly for farmers to grow and that they enhance foods’ nutrients, flavour, and appearance.

Watch the video below and answer the question:

• What is the classic example of food that has been modified?

Listen to the video again and complete the notes using ONE WORD from the video:

Remember to identify keywords (e.g. 'Classic example) so you can keep track of the recording

About 10,000 years ago - people started cultivating plants for food

By mating plants together people could mold species to meet their _______needs

Classic example is corn - started as a _______ grass called teosinte

Ancient Mexican farmers transformed teosinte into corn

They manipulated the ______ of the teosinte plant - made at least 5 changes to genomes

Scientists call this process - artificial ________ - used on wheat, rice, almonds, bananas

With modern techniques changes can be made with speed and __________

Now, DNA can be snipped and transplanted into new plants and animals

When the DNA is from the same species = cisgenic (cis = _______)

When the DNA is from a different species = transgenic (trans = to ______)

Scientists have used GM on corn, tomatoes and cows

Is it safe? - All GM foods currently on the market have been _______

When you are ready, enter your answers in the sheet below: