Pros And Cons of Genetically Modified Foods

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The world has seen many changes and advances over the last century, but possibly none that hold as many possibilities as genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is turning up in more and more places, and it is almost certainly here to stay. Just as computers and plastics changed most aspects of living since they were invented, biological engineering has the potential to do the same in the future. This new technology has a wide range of possible benefits, from helping farmers, to improving foods, to helping the environment, to helping sick people. Genetic engineering may even one day be used to help solve world hunger. However, it also has its dangers and risks, which need to be considered along with its benefits. The fact that not everything is known about genetic engineering, and that large corporations use it to make a profit, is scary to many people. The recent technology of genetically engineering crops, plants, and animals, which involves modifying their genetic structure, has lead to benefits for farmers and everyday people; however, there are also numerous concerns due to the fact that the long term results are unknown, the possibility of dangerous accidents, and the danger of increased chemical usage.

In the past decade, the world has seen genetic engineering become more and more common, and it is affecting many aspects of life. It has found applications in fields such as pharmaceuticals, farming, and research, to name a few. But many people still don’t understand what it means for something to be "genetically altered." To understand this technology, it is necessary to explain a few basic principles.

Every living organism in the world is made up of cells that contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). As many people learned from watching Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, DNA is the "blueprint of life." The online article "What is Genetic Engineering?" explains how DNA and genes work in an organism. DNA contains information that the body needs for functions such as cell reproduction (growth) and biochemical processes. All species have a unique DNA code, and every feature of an organism depends on this code to function normally. Genes are special segments of DNA, which control certain functions, characteristics, and features of an organism (such as eye color, metabolism, size, etc.). Molecular biologists have recently learned how to man...

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...d Questions". USDA. 15 Nov. 2000 .

Barret, Amy, John Carey, and Ellen Licking. "Are Bio-Foods Safe?" Business Week 20 Dec. 1999: 70-76.

"Dangers of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture". 19 Nov. 2000 .

"Genetically Engineered Food- Is GE Food Safe?". 15 Nov. 2000 .

Glickman, Dan. "New Crops, New Century, New Challenges." Washington D.C. 13 July 1999.

Nash, Madeleine J. "Grains of Hope." Time 31 July 2000: 38-46.

"Quotes from Scientists and on the Dangers of GE Food". Purefood. 15 Nov. 2000 .

Sale, Kirkpatrick. "Monsanto: Playing God." The Nation 8 Mar. 1999: 14-18.

Shapiro, Robert B. "How Genetic Engineering Will Save Our Planet." The Futurist Apr. 1999: 28-29.

"What is Genetic Engineering?". Safe-Food. 19 Nov. 2000 .

"What is Genetically Modified Food?". 19 Nov. 2000 .

"What’s Wrong with Genetic Engineering?". Purefood. 15 Nov. 2000

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