GMO and GE Seed Analysis
1. Read the passage and answer the following questions without using a dictionary, encyclopedia, or the Internet:
1. What are GMO seeds?
2. Explain what is meant by “GE crops increase the use of harmful agrichemicals. Industry people try to put this myth over by touting the ‘Bt gene’ from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria which produces a toxin lethal to some corn and cotton worms.”
2. Create a mind map of GRAIN’s essay to help you identify and understand the various concepts the author introduces to explain why we are not doing more to stop the use of GE seed production and the relationship each of these concepts has to each other. Write a paragraph discussing the discoveries you made about the reading by using this technique.
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What are GMO seeds?,
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Explain what is meant by “GE crops increase the use of harmful agrichemicals. Industry people try to put this myth over by touting the ‘Bt gene’ from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria which produces a toxin lethal to some corn and cotton worms.”,
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Create a mind map of GRAIN’s essay to help you identify and understand the various concepts the author introduces to explain why we are not doing more to stop the use of GE seed production and the relationship each of these concepts has to each other.,
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Write a paragraph discussing the discoveries you made about the reading by using this technique.,
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(Implicit in direction) Read the passage and answer the following questions without using a dictionary encyclopedia or the Internet.
✅ Answers (Comprehensive and in your own words)
1. What are GMO seeds?
GMO seeds are seeds that have been genetically modified by scientists to change the plant’s DNA. These changes are usually made so the plant can survive threats like insects, drought, or chemical sprays. Instead of naturally developing these traits, the seeds are engineered in a lab, which allows companies to create plants that grow differently than they would on their own.
2. Explain the meaning of the statement about harmful agrichemicals and the “Bt gene.”
This statement argues that even though companies claim GE crops reduce pesticide use, they actually cause farmers to use more chemicals. The industry highlights the “Bt gene,” which creates a built-in toxin inside the plant to kill worms. However, bugs eventually adapt and become resistant, forcing farmers to spray additional, stronger chemicals. So, what is advertised as a benefit becomes a long-term environmental problem.
✅ Mind Map + Reflection
3. Mind Map Concepts from GRAIN’s Essay
(Described — since visual submission may vary by assignment format)
Main Topic: Why GE seed use continues
Branches include:
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Corporate Power → Large companies control seed supply and marketing
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Farmer Dependency → Must repurchase seeds yearly
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Government Influence → Policies supporting biotech industry
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Environmental Effects → More chemicals, less biodiversity
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Lack of Public Awareness → People misled by “innovation” claims
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Profit vs. Health → Money prioritized over safety
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Control Over Food Systems → Traditional farming reduced
Connections show: corporate and government interests support the technology, while farmers and the environment bear most of the risks.
✅ Paragraph About Insights from the Mind Map
Using the mind map helped me clearly see that many different issues are linked around GE seed production. It is not only a scientific topic but also a political and economic one. The biggest discovery I made is that companies have a lot of control over the seeds farmers use, which limits natural farming choices and increases chemical dependence. The government and industry messaging appear to shape public perception, making people believe GE seeds are necessary progress. By visually connecting ideas, I better understood that the lack of action against GE seeds is the result of multiple forces working together, not just one simple cause.
