The purpose of this assignment is not to write a book on a genetically modified organism (GMO). I want you to choose a GMO that you are interested in (or possibly never heard of) and learn something about it.

The purpose of this assignment is not to write a book on a genetically modified organism (GMO).  I want you to choose a GMO that you are interested in (or possibly never heard of) and learn something about it.  I would also like you to understand, and be able to explain to me, the technology used to produce the GMO that was used to change the original organism.

Assignment:

Choose one genetically modified organism that is used as a food source and answer the following questions.  You can find your GMO any way, but remember you must cite your resource(s) at the end of the assignment.  You must write in complete sentences and use correct grammar.  Please be as specific and descriptive as you can when answering the questions.  YOU MAY NOT CHOOSE CORN OR GOLDEN RICE!  After choosing your GMO, answer the following questions to complete the assignment.

1.            What GMO did you choose?  You can choose a plant or animal.

2.            When was this GMO produced?

3.            Why was this GMO produced?

4.            Who (or what company) produced it?

5.            What was changed about the GMO?  For example, Bt Corn was genetically modified to produce a toxin made naturally in the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis to destroy insects that damage corn crops.

6.            How was the GMO produced?  Be as specific as you can with this.

7.            Has your GMO been FDA approved for sale in the US?

8.            Is your food grown in the US or anywhere else in the world?  If yes, where?

9.            Is the food currently sold in the US?  If not, was it ever sold in the US?  Are there plans to sell it in the near future?

10.          Is the food sold anywhere else in the world?

11.          Is your GMO widely accepted or are there people that oppose the production of your GMO?

12.          In at least five sentences, tell me your opinion on GMOs.  Do you think they are safe?  Why or why not? Should they be labeled?  Why or why not, etc.