GMO or NO?

GMO or NO?

Multiple Choice

The Flavr Savr tomato is a genetically modified organism that has a longer shelf life.

• True

• False

Flavr Savr Tomato

The Flavr Savr tomato was the first genetically modified organism and was modified by turning off a gene that delayed ripening and extended its shelf life by two weeks.

Multiple Choice

The GloFish is a genetically modified zebrafish that can "glow" in the dark.

• True

• False

GloFish

The GloFish is a zebrafish that had a gene from a bioluminescent jellyfish added to its DNA. DNA from different coral species has also been added to get all of the different colors

Multiple Choice

The Graisin is a genetically modified giant raisin grown in Japan.

• True

• False

Graisin

The graisin or giant raisin is not (currently) something that is real.

Multiple Choice

BioSteel is a type of silk that is made from the milk of genetically modified goats.

• True

• False

BioSteel Goats

Goats have been genetically modified with the DNA from the golden orb weaver spider to produce spider silk in their milk.

Multiple Choice

The AquAdvantage salmon has been genetically modified to grow faster.

• True

• False

AquAdvantage Salmon

The Atlantic salmon was modified with genes from the Pacific Chinook salmon and the ocean pout fish to grow much more quickly than wild salmon.

Multiple Choice

Scientists genetically modified a chameleon by unlocking a gene that allowed them to grow wings.

• True

• False

Chameleon

Chameleons have not been genetically modified to grow wings.

Multiple Choice

The Ashera cat is a genetically modified, hypoallergenic cat that has had wild cat DNA inserted into its own DNA.

• True

• False

Ashera Cat

While the Ashera Cat is hypoallergenic and does have the DNA of several wild large cats combined with a domestic house-cat, the Ashera was a product of traditional selective breeding, not genetic engineering. The Ashera Cat sells for $20,000 or more.

Multiple Choice

Some variety of trees have been genetically modified to be super absorbers of carbon dioxide.

• True

• False

Trees

Trees have not been genetically modified to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Most carbon dioxide is removed by plankton in the ocean - so maybe scientists should work on making them super carbon dioxide absorbers instead!

Multiple Choice

Bacteria have been genetically modified to produce human insulin to help diabetics.

• True

• False

Insulin-Producing Bacteria

E. Coli and Saccharomyces bacteria are used to "grow" human insulin, which is then harvested for use by diabetics. This use of genetically-modified bacteria was the first type.

Multiple Choice

The Tiny Piney is a small pine tree (2 cm tall) that was genetically modified as a source for pine-tree smell.

• True

• False

Tiny Piny

The small pine tree will eventually grow into a large pine tree and has not been genetically modified (at this point). Pine scent is harvested from full grown pine tree sap.

Multiple Choice

The Lemur Cat was genetically produced to appease wealthy Chinese women who are seeking unique pets.

• True

• False

Lemur Cat

There has not (yet!) been a genetic modification to either a cat or a lemur to develop this combination.

Multiple Choice

The Grapple was genetically engineered to look like an apple but taste like a grape.

• True

• False

Grapple

The Grapple (pronounced grape-ul) does exist, it is not a genetically modified organism. It is simply an apple that has been soaked in grape juice to taste like a grape but have the appearance and texture of an apple.