As we discussed in class, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are a rapid growing problem. They range from the fruits, vegetables, and milk to the animals we use as food. Introducing foreign genes can be combined into the cells of an organism through the use of a “gene gun”, or through the use of a bacterium or virus, in either instance these fragments of genetic information may and usually land on unexpected areas of the DNA, causing the production of unexpected proteins to be made, which may introduce a known allergen or form one that was previously inexistent, or may halt the production of certain vital proteins; this is known as insertional mutagenesis.

Other ways of treating organisms with newly introduced genes are through their insertion into a hormone. One specific example of this is the use of recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone(rBGH) a genetically engineered copy of Bovine Somatropin(BST). In this instance they are not treating the organism itself but altering the genetic patterns of the hormone, because hormones are a stimulus they trigger one set of responses, which should in theory affect only those set a

Bt crop: Crops genetically altered to contain Bt in every cell of the plant

Jon then suggested that I call Mr. Paul Birminzahn (Representative for Park Slope Food Co-op) and formally invite him to speak at our forum. When I spoke with Mr. Birminzahn he was very forward for the idea and suggested we setup a meeting and further discuss what topic he would speak about. Jon and I went to his office and we openly discussed our concerns about the further intrusion of GMOs, and the welfare of the public unknowingly putting toxins into their bodies everyday. He said that he would discuss the corporate control of the GMO threat.

The week before our forum Jon and I went to Nassau Comm. College and picked up a “Fish-mato” costume to help advertise the forum. Two days before the forum we setup a table in front of the Student Union and Helen Ho (Project Coordinator, NYPIRG)

Then I met with Jonathan Hesser (Project Coordinator, NYPIRG) I proposed what I wanted to do and he suggested we work on a forum to inform QC students about what is really going into their bodies.

Some topics in this essay:
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