The Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) bacteria produce a toxic protein lethal to caterpillars due to a unique condition in the caterpillar intestinal tract. The gene for the Bt protein has been transplanted into a corn plant producing transgenic Bt corn. This is a patented life form.

a substance that can cause cancer.

Chemical Abstract Service http://www.cas.org/ which assigns numbers for chemicals used in commerce.

effects may become evident some time after exposure which may delay treatment

a substance that can poison the fetus (child developing in the womb)

Genetic Engineering is based on the technology which makes possible the ability to move genetic material (DNA) from one organism (a virus, fungus or animal) to another organism (a plant, animal or bacteria). Totally new life forms can be created by this technology. Thus these novel life forms can be patented.

a substance that damages the immune system

a substance that causes mutation in cells

a substance that damages nerves or the nervous system

a substance that can cause birth defects

A transgenic plant is one in which a genetically engineered method has been used to insert foreign genetic material (DNA). In the case of the Bt transgenic corn (for example) the genetic material comes from bacteria.

increases the toxicity of viruses that an exposed person or animal encounters