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The process in which Bt corn is created, is by inserting a gene from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis into the corn cell genome. The Bacillus thuringiensis has two sections of toxins: cytolysins (Cyt) and crystal delta- endotoxins (Cry). The crystal delta- endotoxins targets the intended insects and binds onto receptors, on the membranes of epithelials cells of the mid gut, causing rupture of these cells. Any target pest insect that feeds on a genetically modified Bt corn, would die, as the crystal delta- endotoxins would rupture their gut.
Genetically Engineered Corn and Its Effect (http://www.bxscience.edu/ourpages/users/Villani/bionic/2008/articles/GE%20Corn/GE%20Corn.htm - broken link)
The biggest risk with genetically engineered corn and produce is that we are turning on genetic traits that we have little knowledge of their side effects. For instance, we could turn on one gene, which inadvertently could make that corn poisonous to us. Now imagine that the poison corns pollen drifts off to another corn field. Now that starts a chain reaction, which makes all corn poison.
It could happen, even if its a little far fetched. I personally support genetic engineering of produce, but I would like more testing to verify what they are doing to it before its exposed to the public.
The most obvious negative effect of genetically engineered vegetables (at present) is the fact that you cannot take the seeds from the previous harvest and use them to plant more corn or other vegetables. You have to purchase MORE seeds from companies like Monsanto. Now why would our government allow companies to manipulate the seed production in this manner? Wouldn't you WANT farmers to be able to reproduce their crops for less cost?
I also believe the long term effects of genetically modified food will be found out to be harmful to the human body.
Lately, Europe seems to be making more rational decisions on everything from the economy to food production. We're going left and they are going right.
The most obvious negative effect of genetically engineered vegetables (at present) is the fact that you cannot take the seeds from the previous harvest and use them to plant more corn or other vegetables. You have to purchase MORE seeds from companies like Monsanto. Now why would our government allow companies to manipulate the seed production in this manner? Wouldn't you WANT farmers to be able to reproduce their crops for less cost?
I also believe the long term effects of genetically modified food will be found out to be harmful to the human body.
Lately, Europe seems to be making more rational decisions on everything from the economy to food production. We're going left and they are going right.
? How is it "right wing" -- traditional defenders of business, the bigger the better -- to fight against the obvious benefit to global business that is genetic modification of crops?
Also, the agribusiness companies have been fighting in the courts for years tooth and nail to keep notification off food packaging. I guess because it would then be that much more expensive to launch a scorched-earth "pro-mod" propaganda campaign. (I can just hear Rush and Glenn now. "Hey, Fluoride in the water gave Americans the strongest, healthiest teeth in the world!" "Too many people on the planet, gotta feed em somehow!" etc.)
The most obvious negative effect of genetically engineered vegetables (at present) is the fact that you cannot take the seeds from the previous harvest and use them to plant more corn or other vegetables. You have to purchase MORE seeds from companies like Monsanto. Now why would our government allow companies to manipulate the seed production in this manner? Wouldn't you WANT farmers to be able to reproduce their crops for less cost?
I also believe the long term effects of genetically modified food will be found out to be harmful to the human body.
Lately, Europe seems to be making more rational decisions on everything from the economy to food production. We're going left and they are going right.
Who said farmers can't use their own seed?
If they choose to purchase the genetically enhanced seed, because of its promise of increased output, it would simply be because the cost of purchasing it is cheaper in comparison to the gains at harvest time.
Thank Monsanto for most of the genetics in your food.
Soybeans are probably the worst. It's in the sytem and there is no getting rid of it. Once it gets mixed it's there forever.
Monsanto is now buying up seed companies left and right. The thing with the Monsanto seeds is that they are hybrid (sterile) so you have to buy new seed every year. Cash cow !
Monsanto also had the growth hormone in milk but they sold that off. Wallymart brand milk has it in there but other brands say that they are "hormone free".
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