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By Ronald Goldy, Michigan State University Extension Vegetable Educator Explaining It All Genetic engineering works because all organisms translate DNA the same way 20 Sugar Producer MARCH 2019 T here is much confusion surrounding the how, why and what of genetically modified (GM) crops, which are developed using genetic engineering technology. Some articles may lead one to believe GM crops somehow produce their own weed or insect control chemicals, and by consuming any part or product from that plant, the consumer is eating a dangerous chemical. This is not the case. It is true some GM plants have added protection from a new trait, but FDA regulations require modified plants to not be harmful to humans. So, how does this new trait work and not harm humans? First, understand all organisms use the same DNA genetic coding system to form strands of genes. Genes code for specific proteins and can vary in the way individual subcomponents are arranged, but genes all consist of the same subcomponent molecules. Therefore, it is possible to move genetic material between unrelated organisms and have it function. For example, under normal circumstances, daffodils and rice cannot exchange genetic material, but rice is capable of interpreting daffodil DNA. Therefore, since they cannot exchange genes through standard breeding, the exchange is done through a genetic engineering laboratory process. Laboratory procedures are often a "last resort" approach. Plant breeders still use standard breeding methods to exchange traits if the trait exists in a compatible plant. Insect Protection Just like humans, insects get bacterial infections. Some moth and butterfly pests are susceptible to infection by a bacterium called Bacillus