What is GM Corn?

GM corn is maize that has been deliberately genetically modified to have crop desirable features.
Features that have been fabricated into corn are resistance to herbicides and addition of a gene that
codes for the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin, protecting plants from insect pests into the corn plant
genome (full set of chromosomes). Bt Technology is considered safe to humans, mammals, and most
insects. Large-scale planting of Bt corn will render the toxin ineffective over time. Pests can gradually
build resistance to any pesticide .Hybrids with both herbicide and pest resistance have also been
synthesised.

Environmental Aspects.

Helps farmers reduce not only the impact of pests, but also the use of agrochemicals in modern crop
production. Bt corn reduces the need for pesticides, and benefit comes largely during a heavy corn-
borer infestation, also insects get by much better under these conditions. Disease-resistant corn
crops may have lower levels of mycotoxins (chemical thats toxic formed by fungi)), potentially
carcinogenic (radiation promoting cancer) compounds to humans. They result from fungal activity in
insect-infested corn crops. With fewer insect holes in plant tissue, associated fungi are not able to
invade and produce toxins.

Gene flow into other species has tarnished food safety as a primary concern. As pollen and seeds
move in the environment, they can transmit genetic traits to nearby crops or wild relatives. Many
self-pollinating crops, such as wheat, barley, and potatoes, have a low frequency of gene flow, but
the more promiscuous, such as sugar beets and corn, merit greater concern.

“The gene flow risk that keeps me awake at night is the possibility of hybridization between crops
engineered to manufacture poisons and related crops intended for human consumption,” says plant
geneticist Norman Ellstrand.

Societal Aspects
Farmers in the United States have been growing genetically modified corn since 1996. Mexican
farmers cannot legally grow genetically modified corn.

The cultivation of MON 810, a GM corn produced by the American biotech giant Monsanto, will be
prohibited in Germany, as will the sale of its seed. Aigner told reporters Tuesday she had legitimate
reasons to believe that MON 810 posed "a danger to the environment," Before the banning MON
810 was the only GM crop that was grown in Germany.

Researchers fed rats either unmodified corn or diets containing 11 or 30 percent MON863 for 90
days. The rats who ate modified corn were found to exhibit signs of liver and kidney toxicity, as well
as signs of hormonal changes Male rats lost an average of 3.3 percent of their body weight. Female
rats gained an average of 3.7 percent of their body weight, Greenpeace responded to the study by
calling for an immediate recall of all MON863 corn and the reassessment of all genetically modified
foods currently approved for the market. Quote: "Our counter-evaluation shows that there are signs
of toxicity, and nobody can say scientifically and seriously the consumption of the transgenic maize
MON863 is safe and good for health." - Lead Author Gilles Eric Seralini

Technological Aspect
Scientists have for the first time genetically modified white corn to increase the levels of several
different vitamins

White corn normally contains only trace amounts of beta-carotene. Diseases caused by low
consumption of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate are widespread in Africa, says lead researcher Paul
Christou of the University of Lleida in Spain.

Researchers had struggled to introduce multiple genes into a plant simultaneously to create several
different traits. His team developed a method that transfers the desired genes into plant embryos by
bombarding them with gene-coated metal particles. Most researchers do it “the hard way” by
putting individual genes into plants and then crossing and breeding them sexually. Those containing
two different traits are crossed again and so on. “It would take years … we can do it in one shot,” he
says. The project has so far introduced genes for increased nutrient content, virus resistance and
decreased cyanide content.

“We invest a lot in ensuring that existing health solutions are adequately provided … but where
there are no solutions we work hard to try and create new solutions and make sure they’re
available.”