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Biotechnology: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)'s)

Year 10 Science

FAO

Genetically modified (GM) crops are a new addition to crop varieties developed through traditional methods such as breeding, selection and mutation. Given their novelty, there are safety concerns among the public, scientists, and regulators, although the benefits outweigh the risks. Among the potential risks are pests becoming resistant, crops gaining weediness and GM foods posing safety issues to both human and animals and these are studied extensively.

National Geographic

A genetically modified organism contains DNA that has been altered using genetic engineering. Genetically modified animals are mainly used for research purposes, while genetically modified plants are common in today’s food supply.

Department of Health

This factsheet is an introduction to the regulation of GM crops in Australia. It is supported by a suite of factsheets with more detailed information for anyone with an interest in or concerns about GM crops.

Environmental Risk Assessment of the Products of Biotechnology.

The Hastings Centre

Many of the most challenging ethical questions of our time address interactions between human health and the environment: Opponents of GM crops, foods, and animals are concerned that they pose unacceptable risks to human health and the environment. Some people oppose all GMOs for religious or philosophical reasons because they view genetic engineering as “playing God.”

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a search engine that indexes scholarly literature, including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, abstracts, and other academic materials. It allows users to easily search and find scholarly information across various disciplines from a wide range of academic publishers, professional societies, and preprint archives.

ClickView

An in-depth look at genetically modified food is featured.

YouTube

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, have had their DNA artificially modified by humans, using modern genetic manipulation techniques. By changing the DNA, so changing the genome of an organism, means we can change its characteristics. 

Are GMOs bad for your health? Or is this fear unfounded?

EBSCO ebooks

Log into BenniesNet and choose the link EBSCO academic ebooks. Search with the key words GMO's or Genetically Modified Organisms.

Explora

Simple search that quickly delivers relevant results including articles, essays, and primary source documents to help successful research.

Britannica

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favour the expression of desired physiological traits or the generation of desired biological products.

Healthline

GMOs: Pros and Cons, Backed by Evidence.

Live Science

A genetically modified organism, or GMO, is an organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering.

Khan Academy

A GMO is any organism that has had its genetic material intentionally changed. This could mean adding a useful gene to the organism, or removing a harmful one. While the most commonly seen GMOs are vegetables and fruits, the term also refers to bacteria and viruses that have modified DNA or RNA (depending on their genetic makeup).