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benefits of genetically modified organisms
genetically modified foods controversy
why should genetically modified food be labelled
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Genetic Engineering in agriculture has became a very controversial topic in the past years, although it is beneficial to both the consumer as well as the producer. The use of genetic engineering is seen as a very controversial topic because of the enviromnmental groups who speak out against the use of genetically engineered products in industry as well as the consumer market. Genetic engineering in agriculture has the potential to change the industry worldwide. The increased production of these genetically engineered varietes can be utilized in order to solve many of the issues that the world is beginning to face today. They can be used to resolve our issues associated with the growing population of our world in the coming years by helping to feed the world at an economical price point while conserving nature through the increased yield per acre or animal. Many of the varieties that are being developed for their use as crops and food can also be adopted for the biofuel industry to solve the worlds growing reliance on fossil fuels. The ability to use biotechnology in order to crossbreed diverse forms of life has had a profound impact on agriculture around the world. The two main reasons for the use genetic engineering in plants is in order to develop traits for herbicide tolerance as well as to make the plants form natural pesticides. One of the first genetically engineered crop which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was the Flavr-Savr tomato in 1994 (Parmalee 47). The Flavr-Savr tomato utilizes genetic engineering to add a gene that would slow the break down of the cellular walls once picked so that they would stay firmer for longer on the supermarket shelves. The benefits that are available through the us... ... middle of paper ... ... the United States. April 2006: i-30. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. Gottlieb, Scott, and Matthew B. Wheeler. "Genetically Engineered Animals and Public Health | BIO." BIO | Healing, Fueling and Feeding the World. BIO, 28 July 2011. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. Mather, Robin. "The Threats from Genetically Modified Foods." Mother Earth News. Apr/May 2012: 42+. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. Parmalee, Thomas. Genetic Engineering. Edina, Minnesota: ABDO, 2008. Print. Prah, Pamela M. "Many States Weigh GMO Labels." stateline.org. 17 Mar. 2014: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. Thro, Ellen. Genetic Engineering Shaping the Material of Life. New York: Facts on File Science Sourcebooks, 1993. Print. Van Montagu, Marc. "The Irrational Fear of GM Food." Wall Street Journal. 23 Oct. 2013: A.15. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 15 Apr. 2014.
A GMO is a plant or animal that has been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or other plants and animals. Most of the combinations which are used could not possibly occur in nature on its own. The intention of the process is to create a new beneficial trait such as creating its own pesticide or make it immune to herbicides. This would allow the crop such as Bt co...
Because of the increase in population, products need to be manufactured in a faster and more efficient way, and with genetically modified foods, the food is larger in size and quicker to harvest. Another advantage of GM foods is that it uses less fertilizer and less water and is more resistant to insects, diseases, frost, and drought. Consumers would not want to eat food that has been treated with pesticides because of possible health hazards and growing GM foods can help eliminate the use of chemical pesticides. Plants that are genetically engineered to resist strong herbicide will help prevent environmental damage by reducing the amount of herbicides needed. This will benefit both the companies and the environment because the production cost is reduced and the danger of agricultural waste run-off is limited. As more land is being used for housing instead of food production, crops need to adapt to locations unsuited
Genetically modified organisms are “an organism whose genome has been altered in order to favour the expression of desired physiological traits or the output of desired biological products.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/concise/genetically%20modified%20organism%20(gmo). The United States were first approved for human consumption of genetically modified foods in 1995. The techniques used for producing the genetically developed organisms include cloning recombinant DNA technology. Primary uses of genetically modified organisms are mostly in areas of agriculture and biomedical research. GMOs compromise numerous aids to society, including enlarged crop yields and the development of fresh therapeutic agents which prevent and treat a wide variety of human diseases . However there are some concerns around the use of genetically modified organisms which include the risks stood to human health and the initiation of insecticide resistant superbugs. This essay will provide evidence to support the evidence that the genetic modifications of crops produces better results than selective breeding or mutation.
Modern biotechnology was born at the hands of American scientists Herb Boyer and Stain Cohen, when they developed “recombinant deoxyribonucleotide, (rDNA), [1] for medicinal purposes. Subsequently, biotechnologists started genetically engineering agricultural plants using this technology. A single gene responsible for a certain trait, from one organism (usually a bacterium) is selected altered and then ‘spliced” into the DNA of a plant to create an agricultural crop consisting of that...
Yoon, Carol and Petersen, Melody, "Cautious Support On Biotech Foods by Science Panel," New York Times April 6, 2000, p. 1, A20
In the beginning of genetically modified foods, tomatoes were the first crop to be genetically engineered and grown for commercial use; tobacco had been produced over a decade earlier. . “Food that is genetically modified means that the original DNA structure has been changed. DNA is the blueprint of each living thing. By altering the DNA, the qualities of the characteristics of the living thing, plants in this case, can be changed.” (Windley M.D., 2008)The GM tomato crops were created to be resistant to the usual rotting and decay of a typical, conventional tomato that was being grown by farmers
Scientists are using various methods of genetic engineering to improve the human lifestyle. Major fields of industry are effected by genetic engineering such as the Medical, Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Industries. For example, in the Medical field, GMOs are involved in the production of insulin which can help with diabetes. In the production of vaccines, a virus’s DNA changes with the addition of extra genetic material, to help cure diseases. Also in Agriculture, by modifying a plants genetic information food yield can increase and herbicide and insect resiliency is improved. These are just a few examples of how GMOs are involved in
On a Saturday morning in Long Island, New York, parents gathered to confer about the latest topic, genetically modified (GM) foods. Amongst the parents, there was a mother of three children named Sarah and a father of two children named Ted. Sarah rejected the idea of her children consuming GM fruits, vegetables, and grains calling them “Frankenfood.” As the discussion continued, Ted shared his concurring view of GM foods. He was indifferent about not knowing what GM products he purchased and fed his children. These conflicting viewpoints attribute to their children being part of the first generation of genetically modified kids, and the genetically modified foods were introduced into the food industry of the United States (Hillstrom). As the controversy continues, more studies have been conducted since the beginning of genetically modified foods showing the effects of these products. GM foods have negative or harmful effects on humans and animals as well as threaten the environment and farms. When GM products are consumed, humans and animals are at risk for many health problems. In addition to the concerns of people and animal’s well-being, the environment and farms are heavily influenced by the genetically modified foods. TRANSITION
Miller, Henry I. "Genetically Modified Foods Have Numerous Benefits and No Known Risks." Genetic Engineering. Ed. Noël Merino. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "When Technophobia Becomes Toxic." 2012.Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 3 May 2014
According to scientists, genetically engineering crops contributes to their quality. Crops that have been genetically modified to have a particular trait can decrease the amount of herbicides needed for growing that crop. Additionally, genetically modified (GM) crops can help third world countries, where malnutrition is common. For example, to help diminish nutrient deficiencies in developing countries, “plans were underway to develop a golden rice that also has increased iron content”(Whitman 2). In addition, GM crops can be modified to be able to “withstand the environmental challenges of drought, disease, and insect infestation” (Swenson 1). Growing GM crops can also result in fruits and vegetables that stay fresh for a prolonged period of time and taste better.
Although genetically modified organisms haven’t been around for long, they have progressed a great deal since they were first introduced. Before altering genes was discovered, farmers in the 1800s would selectively breed their livestock to produce bigger offspring of cows or chickens. Modern genetic engineering is built off of the foundation of Gregor Mendel and his work done to pea plants in the 1800s. Mendel bred the pea plants based on color and favorable traits. The idea of breeding plants was in order to create plants with favorable outcomes, for
Several decades ago farmers used to grow their crops naturally using traditional methods until the early 1990’s when a Californian company established the first commercially genetically modified food which was a tomato. During those days it was commonly referred to as the flavrsavr and it had been genetically altered so that after it had been harvested it would last longer before it decomposed. Nowadays it is becoming common to find scientists and farmers working together in this growth industry of genetic modification. There is certainly no doubt that nearly three quarters of the Australian people are unaware that they are consuming genetically modified foods. With the increase on debates regarding whether genetically modified foods cause health risks to humans there is no doubt how controversial this issue is.
In the ever-changing world of technology, genetic engineering is on the rise. As with all new technologies, distrust reigns. However, genetic engineering is not the monster of mad scientists, and is instead a valuable tool that should be used.
Freedman, David H. "Are Engineered Foods Evil?" Online Database Access. Yukon.actx.edu, Sept. 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
Genetic engineering enhances plant resistance to drought, salinity, disease, pests and herbicides. The aim is to try and enhance the growth, productivity, nutrient value, and chemical composition of the plants. Chemicals are constantly being developed or improved to enhance the competitiveness and adaptability of crops, and to kill the parasites and weeds which plague the agricultural sector. . This however is not always good as the plant and the pests then become resistant to these new chemicals defeating the purpose of it being used. The new chemicals which are produced to kill these strong pests and weeds may be more harmful to other plants and remove nutrients within the soil in turn reducing the yield of agricultural crops. The benefits of these characteristics are seen in Argentina according to Pelletier (2010) as they use glyphosphate resistant soybean which allowed the comeback of this crop, as the so...