Genetically Modified Organisms Without vigorous experimentation or public consent, genetically modified foods have been introduced into our everyday kitchens without much attention from the general public. Widespread use of genetically modified (GM) seeds began in 1996 and has since expanded to 167 million acres worldwide; two-thirds of this quantity is found in America (Figure 1).Figure 1Monsanto is the main developer of these seeds and controls more than 90% of the American market, warning of a possible crisis in the democratic system. (Cummins and Lilliston, 2004). Alarmingly, some of the largest biotech companies have also introduced toxic pesticides into our environments, including: Agent Orange, DDT and PCBs, causing widespread concern around the world. This report will cover the basics of genetic engineering, genetically modified seeds, possible effects on human health, and effects on the environment. The four most common genetically modified (GMO) crops grown on a commercial scale are soybeans, corn, cotton and canola. Of these, two main features were added: herbicide resistance (75 percent of all genetically modified crops), pesticide resistance (17 percent) or both (8 percent), (Genetically modified foods , page xiv). The first steps in genetically modifying organisms are to identify the trait you want the plant to have and find another organism that has it. Then the gene can be inserted into the plant using a .22 caliber charge that fires a DNA-coated metal particle, called a "gene gun." Another method of inserting the desired gene involves heating the seed and subjecting it to stress, which makes it susceptible to an insect called Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This bacteria tricks the body middle of paper ... while perhaps inaccurate, allows us to speculate about new technologies that could help feed the growing human population on earth. Works Cited Wolfenbarger, Laressa L., and Paul R. Phifer. “The ecological risks and benefits of genetically modified plants.” Science 290.5499 (2000): 2088-2093. Jesse, Laura C. Hansen and John J. Obrycki. “Field deposition of transgenic Bt corn pollen: lethal effects on the monarch butterfly.” Oecologia 125.2 (2000): 241-248. Anal Bioanal Chem. October 2008; 392(3): 333–340. Seralini GE, Cellier D, Spiroux de Vendomois J. New analysis of a rat feeding study with genetically modified corn reveals signs of hepatorenal toxicity. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2007;52:596–602. The ecological risks and benefits of genetically modified plants LL Wolfenbarger, et al. Science 290, 2088 (2000); DOI: 10.1126/science.290.5499.2088