Question

1. Clearly, both a regular and transgenic tomato would contain DNA. Why would people think there is no DNA in anything else that they eat? This not only applies to fruits and vegetables but to meat as well. What knowledge is the general public lacking that leads to this common misconception?

2. Technology and science often get blurred with industry and the corporations that make and sell the technology. What do you think is the biggest issue that prevents the general public from understanding transgenic plants?

Answer 1

The answer to your query is as follows:

Q1. Clearly, both a regular and transgenic tomato would contain DNA. But people think there is no DNA in anything else that they eat. This not only applies to fruits and vegetables but to meat as well. The general public is lacking a huge knowledge about the Genetically modified crops and the organisms that leads to this common misconception.

Science illiteracy and the unscientific thinking are the two main factors that leads to the common misconceptions in the public about the GMO's. Researchers say that the people always try to assess the potential risks of the new technologies on the basis of certain parameters like:

• The combination of knowledge about the harmful effects and benefits of the new technologies like the GMO's.
• The potential that will affect and disrupt the lives of the people in a manner that will always lead to personal outrage and anger.

A survey was done regarding the knowledge of the genetically modified crops and organims among the public.The data revealed the following facts:

• 25% of the population taking the survey was not at all aware about that genetically modified foods available in the market.
• 55% of the total population taking the survey rated their knowledge as very little or none about the GMO's.
• 66% of the population has never talked about GMOs with anyone in the society.
• 43% of the population only had a good knowledge about the GMO's and the products available in the markets.

Thus, proper knowledge and appreciation of science will help the public to remove such common misconceptions from their lives.Learning the basic concepts of the science and the technology applied in the GMO's will generate more positive attitudes towards the products and the services available in the market.

Q2.Technology and science often get blurred with industry and the corporations that make and sell the technology. The biggest issue that prevents the general public from understanding transgenic plants is that many consumers think that the information received about GMO food products from the media and internet is not reliable and is less scientific.

The media attention can cause various problems because popular media in the country can provide incomplete and simplified knowledge to the people. This could lead to improper knowledge and concern amon the people for the GMO's.

Research done on US consumers suggests that the scientists and the experts are the highly trusted sources of information in science and GMO's.The government messages generated by the experts were viewed at higher rate and with more positivity about the GMO's. Thus, it suggested that consumers trust the messages of the experts more than the media.

Since, a huge population is relying on the internet and media sources like radio, television and magazines for the information on the GMO's,therefore,this information should be accurate and complete. It should not be misleading and should be done with the help of experts and scientific researchers who should come out into the media spotlight and should provide detailed facts about the GMO's related information.

Hope it helps!