Genetically Modified Organisms: Impact on Society and the Environment

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It is wise for one to be skeptical of new technology, when this technology is untested. However, if these ideas and products are then proven to be safe and beneficial, it is important to accept them, to continue the evolution and betterment of the human race. Sometimes it is hard for a society to accept a radical technological change, as is the case with genetic engineering. Despite decades of studies and implementation of genetically modified organisms without a single case of health or safety issues, environmental groups and many governments vehemently oppose genetically modified foods (Reville). This fear is based off of inaccurate science or no science at all, and is restricting the implementation of hugely beneficial technology. Extensive research into this subject has come to one conclusion. Genetically modified foods have a positive impact on society and the environment. In order to fully understand the issues faced by genetically modified foods, it is important to understand the basics of natural selection and genetics. The basis of all genetic engineering technology is that all of nature operates under a single, rather simple code. Every life process in every living organism, whether it is a bacterium or a human, is controlled by sets of proteins. These proteins are aligned into chains, which control the biological processes of organisms. When a species evolves, its genetic code is changed through random mutations, and the mutated organisms that are the most fit for the environment survive. Geneticists use this concept of evolution to produce varieties of organisms with more evolved characteristics. Scientists are able to remove and add pieces of protein to the genetic code, and are even able to create new se... ... middle of paper ... ...n. "Seeds of a New Medicine." Florida Today. 17 May. 2011: D.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 03 Feb. 2014. Mestel, Rosie. "FDA Too Slow to Approve Biotech Foods?." Los Angeles Times. 02 Oct. 2012: A.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 03 Feb. 2014. Piller, Dan. "Drought-Tolerant Seeds on Way." USA TODAY. 31 Aug. 2012: p. B.3. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 03 Feb. 2014. Reville, William. "Let's Open Our Minds and Mouths to GM Food." Irish Times. 17 Oct. 2013: p. 12. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 03 Feb. 2014. Tiedje, James, et al. "The Planned Introduction of Genetically Engineered Organisms: Ecological Considerations and Recommendations." Trans. Array Ecology. Ithaca: Ecological Society of America, 1989. 298-315. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. Van Montagu, Marc. "The Irrational Fear of GM Food." Wall Street Journal. 23 Oct. 2013: A.15. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 03 Feb. 2014.

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