GMO Flashcards
(19 cards)
What GM foods are grown in South Africa?
White maize, Yellow maize, Soybeans, Cotton
These are the primary genetically modified crops cultivated in South Africa.
What is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?
Organisms which have been genetically engineered or manipulated
The DNA code inside living cells is altered in ways that do not occur naturally.
What are genes?
Segments of DNA that give plants their characteristics such as color, shape, and size
Genes can be selected for desirable traits in GMOs.
What is a Transgenic Organism?
An organism receiving a desirable trait from another species
These organisms often exhibit improved traits like increased nutritional value and disease resistance.
What is a herbicide?
Chemical used to kill weeds
What is a pesticide?
Chemical used to kill insects
What are some advantages of GMOs for farmers, manufacturers, and consumers?
- Crops are more pest resistant
- Crops are more resistant to herbicides
- Crops are more resistant to diseases
- Improved crop yield
- Increased shelf-life of GM foods
- Improved processing characteristics
- Lower production costs
- Higher yield
- Enhanced nutritional value
- Potential for edible vaccines
- Production of human proteins in livestock milk
- Use of bacteria in medicine manufacturing
What are some disadvantages of GM crops?
- Allergic reactions in some individuals
- Unclear effects of transferred genes
- Resistance to antibiotics
- Negative environmental impacts
Are GM foods considered safe?
Safety should be assessed on a case-by-case basis
Not all GM foods are bad; those currently available have passed risk assessments.
Why are GM foods assessed for safety?
Rigorous evaluations regarding their impact on human health and the environment are conducted
What are potential risks associated with GM foods?
- No specific data proving GM foods are harmless
- Vague science behind GM foods
- Uncertain future health impacts
What aspects need to be considered regarding GM foods?
- Possible toxicity levels
- Allergenicity
- Nutrition
- Long-term safety and sustainability
What are some environmental concerns associated with GMOs?
- Effects on plants, animals, insects, and birds
- Escape of engineered genes into wild populations
- Susceptibility of non-target organisms
- Loss of biodiversity
- Chemicals in agriculture
- Development of super weeds
- Soil erosion
What are super weeds?
Weeds that are resistant to herbicides and can breed with genetically modified plants
This makes them difficult to control and eliminate.
What does the GMO Act No. 15 of 1997 stipulate?
Companies must apply for a permit to sell or import GM foods and publish intentions in at least three newspapers
What are the labelling requirements for GM foods in South Africa?
Foods containing 5% or more GM ingredients must be labelled
This does not apply to processed foods.
When did South Africa start producing GM crops?
Since 1999
What percentage of South Africans are aware that their staple diets include GM foods?
The majority are unaware
How many crops were approved for general release in South Africa in 2011?
11 crops
