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What are Genes?

Genes are the instructions or code for all the characteristics that are
inherited from one generation to the next, and are found in the
nucleus in every cell in every living organism.
Genes are made of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is made up
of four different chemical building blocks called 'nucleotides' or
'bases', usually referred to by their abbreviations, A, G, C and T.
Genes control all the life processes. Therefore it is very important for it to work properly. Most
genes are controlled by the production of specific proteins
The genetic difference between species, and individuals within a species, is the result of differences
in the order (sequence) of genes. This is why, with the exception of identical twins or clones, no two
individuals are exactly alike.

What is GM Food?
GM food stands for genetically modified food (or GE food, genetic
engineered food).
It can be defined as altering the genetic make-up of a living organism by
using a particular method to transfer one or more genes from one organism
to another.
Through this process the quality, the nutrient value, the yield or the
resistance against pest of the plant will increase. Hence the food supply and the standard of life of
human will be increased.

What is the difference between GM and Biotechnology?

It is often easy to confuse the word genetic modification with biotechnology. However, their
meaning are different.
Whereas GM describes altering the genes of a living organism by using a particular set of methods,
biotechnology can be defined as making use of the natural processes or products of living things.
We use biotechnology in many ways:
o medical biotechnology
o industrial biotechnology
o environmental biotechnology
However, biotechnology does not necessarily use GM, but GM techniques can be used to make
entirely new or better products, or improve the efficiency, in most areas of biotechnology.

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004033F/what_is_gmfood_text.htm

The organic and Non-GMO Report

What is Non-GMO?
GMO means genetically modified organism, which is a
novel organism created by scientists when they
genetically modify or engineer food plants. Scientists
have cited many health and environmental risks with
genetically modified (GM) foods. As a result of these
risks, many people in the United States, Canada,
Europe, Japan, and other nations are demanding non-genetically modified (non-GMO)
foods.
What are genetically modified foods?
In genetic modification (or engineering) of food plants, scientists remove one or more
genes from the DNA of another organism, such as a bacterium, virus, or animal, and
recombine them into the DNA of the plant they want to alter. By adding these new
genes, genetic engineers hope the plant will express the traits associated with the
genes. For example, genetic engineers have transferred genes from a bacterium
known as Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt into the DNA of corn. Bt genes express a protein
that kills insects, and transferring the genes allows the corn to produce its own
pesticide.
Genetic modification/engineering is a potentially dangerous technology
One of the main problems with genetic engineering is that the process of inserting
genes into the DNA of a food plant is random; scientists have no idea where the genes
go. This can disrupt the functioning of other genes and create novel proteins that have
never been in the food supply and could create toxins and allergens in foods.
Genetic modification is a radical technology
Supporters of genetic modification say that the technology is simply an extension of
traditional plant breeding. The reality is that genetic engineering is radically different.
Traditional plant breeders work with plants of the same or related species to create
new plant varieties. Genetic engineers break down natures genetic barriers by
allowing transfers of genes from bacteria, viruses, and even animalswith unforeseen
consequences.
Genetic modification is based on an obsolete scientific theory
Genetic modification is based on a theory called the Central Dogma, which asserts
that one gene will express one protein. However, scientists working with the United
States National Human Genome Research Institute discovered that this wasnt true,
that genes operate in a complex network in ways that are not fully understood. This
finding undermines the entire basis for genetic engineering.

http://www.non-gmoreport.com/whatisnon-gmo.php