A New Kind of Corn

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What is Bt corn?

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Bt corn is a genetically modified corn that has been altered to produce a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which helps protect it from certain pests.

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What does genetically modified mean?

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Genetically modified (GM) means that the genetic material of an organism has been changed using biotechnology to achieve desired traits.

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What is the main concern about Bt corn?

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The main concern is that there is no proof that Bt corn is safe to grow and eat.

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What does the word prevalent mean?

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Prevalent means widespread or commonly occurring.

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How do scientists create Bt corn?

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Scientists create Bt corn by changing the genetic code of the corn to include a gene that produces a pest-repelling protein.

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What is the purpose of testing GM foods?

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The purpose of testing GM foods is to determine if they are safe for consumers.

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What is a common concern people have about their food at lunchtime?

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A common concern is whether the food is cooked properly, such as wondering if the chicken is cooked all the way.

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What is one benefit of Bt corn?

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One benefit of Bt corn is that it can reduce the need for chemical insecticides.

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What is a potential risk of GM foods?

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A potential risk is that they may have unknown long-term effects on health and the environment.

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What does it mean for a food to be tested?

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Testing food means conducting experiments and studies to check for safety, quality, and nutritional value.