03-01-2015, 04:53 AM
Originally posted by Wao nahele kane
This is to say that the modified GM parts responsible for mutating the E. coli outside the lab within the river are mutagen.
You're stretching the common use of the word mutagen a bit here. Mutagen is commonly referred to as any physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material of an organism. Plasmid uptake by bacteria is usually referred to as transformation, and doesn't mutate/change the bacteria's existing genetic material, but supplements it with additional but separate genes. Bacteria can contain several plasmid loops and freely exchanges them creating genetic variation within a single bacterial species.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutagen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformat...enetics%29
More on topic regarding GMO labeling, finished up reading this:
http://earthopensource.org/wp-content/up...ition2.pdf
Overall it's a good review of the concerns related to GMO foods, if redundant in several places making it a grind to read front to back. Probably better to check the list of "myths" and read on those of interest.
To focus on one previously mentioned: the lack of scientific studies demonstrating safety or harm from GMO food. No doubt this is true, with studies finding contradictory results based on the source of the study or the variables tested (dose, strain, time length, etc). The only way to resolve this is increased and replicated robust studies to untangle the factors involved. Steps needed to facilitate this, such as breaking down legal constraints on research placed by patent holders, is in the public interest.
Kane - As you've changed your views on the desirability of GMO foods, do you mind me asking where you tend to shop/dine or how you identify GMO free foods?
This is to say that the modified GM parts responsible for mutating the E. coli outside the lab within the river are mutagen.
You're stretching the common use of the word mutagen a bit here. Mutagen is commonly referred to as any physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material of an organism. Plasmid uptake by bacteria is usually referred to as transformation, and doesn't mutate/change the bacteria's existing genetic material, but supplements it with additional but separate genes. Bacteria can contain several plasmid loops and freely exchanges them creating genetic variation within a single bacterial species.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutagen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformat...enetics%29
More on topic regarding GMO labeling, finished up reading this:
http://earthopensource.org/wp-content/up...ition2.pdf
Overall it's a good review of the concerns related to GMO foods, if redundant in several places making it a grind to read front to back. Probably better to check the list of "myths" and read on those of interest.
To focus on one previously mentioned: the lack of scientific studies demonstrating safety or harm from GMO food. No doubt this is true, with studies finding contradictory results based on the source of the study or the variables tested (dose, strain, time length, etc). The only way to resolve this is increased and replicated robust studies to untangle the factors involved. Steps needed to facilitate this, such as breaking down legal constraints on research placed by patent holders, is in the public interest.
Kane - As you've changed your views on the desirability of GMO foods, do you mind me asking where you tend to shop/dine or how you identify GMO free foods?