Autumn Gwinn UPLOAD TO TURNITIN!!!!!! English 4 Pd. 3 27 April 2015 Research Paper Genetically Modifying Foods Genetic engineering is a relatively new thing in early stages of development (Cummins 1). Genetically engineering something is done by altering or disrupting the genetic makeup. Some examples are microorganisms, plants, fish, trees, humans, and other animals (Cummins 1). Gene engineers move, get rid of, and add genetic material to something. There is even human genes and animal genes added to the DNA of other animals and plants, creating unimaginable life forms (Cummins 1). The products that are genetically modified currently are soybeans and soy oil, corn, potatoes, squash, canola oil, cottonseed oil, papaya, …show more content…
For example, a synthetic pesticide called DDT was produced in..?. It turned out to harm animals. It built up and stayed in fish, and it thinned the shells of birds that ate the fish. The most common birds were the bald eagles and ospreys. Another development was chlorofluorocarbons that were used in refrigerants, propellants, and the cleaning solvents. It turned out that they went up into the atmosphere and destroyed the ozone that protects humans from the sun’s radiation. The use of these developments were reduced significantly and DDT was banned (Union of Concerned Scientists 1). For the first time in the world, scientists are now the creators of new life (Cummins 1). This is a bad thing. Genetically modified foods are threatening to human health, animals, and the environment.----Thesis First, genetically modified foods are threatening to human health. The biotech industry says that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that genetically modified foods are safe for humans to consume. This is not true. Documents from the FDA released by a lawsuit stated that genetically modified foods are not really safe. They can cause all kinds of health issues. These documents also revealed that scientists tried to tell the FDA that they are not safe, but the FDA did not listen. Calgene developed the first genetically modified crop. They developed the FlavrSavr tomato and they had research to go along with it. Their data showed that lab rats had to be force fed.
Genetic engineering is the scientific process of altering the genes in an organism's DNA resulting in a desirable outcome. Genetic engineering was first heard of in 1941 but, did not take off running until the 1970s. Everything started with genetically altering plants DNA such as, Bt corn, rice, wheat, and roundup ready soybeans; “products that have been the focus of controversy and protest around the world” ( Fukuyama 671). Not only did scientist alter plants but, took it a step further and started genetically altering animals that resulted in wanting for more desirable traits in the animals. Once scientist realized that it was possible to alter the DNA sequence of plants and animals, then their focus turn to the possibility of altering humans.
Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop useful products and is a technological application that uses living organisms or systems. There is much controversy in the use of these systems because of possible health and environmental effects. One of the most widely used products of biotechnology is genetically modified (GM) crops. These are crops that have a specific combination of genetic material that is acquired through certain biotechnological processes or genetic engineering. Many crops have been subject to these genetic modifications such as: alfalfa, cotton, flax, rice, tobacco, tomatoes, and wheat. Many people are on various sides of the spectrum of being for the alteration of these crops or strongly against it.
Many people across the globe believe that genetically modified organisms are dangerous and should be more heavily regulated, but genetically modified crops are among the most rigorously tested and regulated food products on the market (Bayer CropScience website, 2015) [1]. Why is such testing mandatory? This is because of the way allergic reactions can be triggered by certain proteins. When genetically altering an organism, new proteins are introduced into said organism. These proteins can be responsible for allergic outbreaks if an intolerant person consumes it. (American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, 2015) [2]. To prove that GMOs are in fact safe for human consumption, scientists cross reference the chemical composition of the newly introduced proteins against over 500 known allergens (such as the protein in peanuts), to ensure that the new protein is not similar enough to any known allergen to cause an over reaction from the human immune-system. (Saleh Al-Muhsen, Ann E Clarke, Rhoda S Kagan, 2003) [3]. These strict guidelines are enforced by the Food and Drug
Another benefit we get from GMOs is that it increases the crop yield in two ways: first is there will be fewer insects and pests that would eat the crops and, that it will grow without being bothered by pesticides (Bouis, 2007). GMOs has inbuilt resilience to diseases, viruses and herbicides that it requires lesser chemical pesticides and it makes them supposedly an environmental friendly, which reduces soil erosion. The production also demands less time; therefore it can provide a larger food supply to
First of all, Genetic modification is nothing new. People have manipulated foods and food crops for millennials, through methods ranging from fermentation to classical selection. Genetic engineering is just the latest form of biotechnology—the most precise method yet.
The opponents of genetically modified plants and also animals worry that not enough is still to be determined that such food is completely safe for human consumption. They warn that, through cross-pollution and crossbreeding, genetically modified foods can alter existing organisms is unknown ways. Opponents also question that aeration that genetically modified foods will not help human classifications and they will damage them. "Recent date has shown that the genetically engineered crops has not hurt the yields.
A Genetically Modified Organism or GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the process of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found within. These genetically modified organisms are a relatively new phenomenon in the United States, introduced in 1994. However, beginning in 2014 these chemicals could be found in 90% of corn, cotton, and soybeans produced in the United States. The looks and taste of genetically modified organisms may seem inviting but are the health risks really worth it? In my opinion, I believe that while genetically modified organisms do have positive feel and comfort they pose a large health risk to all who choose to consume them.
Genetically modified organisms also called GMO are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE. This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. The GMO is segmented into two groups: first group is high-risk because they are commercial products, second is monitored- risk because it is suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred and/or the crops have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination (and consequently contamination) is possible, and it’s not healthy for humans. Genetically modified organisms is a nicer word for processed foods, making it unhealthy for human bodies and harder for the body to break down food. GMO products are high-risk and monitored –risk and it is very unhealthy for humans ( Goldbas, A. (2014).
Genetic engineering is the introduction of genes to an organism from a species that is totally unrelated and which is usually carried on bacteria, crops or agricultural animals. Genetically modified organism may be created for varying reasons such as increasing yields or drought and pest resistance. Medical implications are also vast such as saving lives of victims who are carriers of type 1 Diabetes since bacteria that is genetically engineered produces insulin (Nelson 278). The modification may alter the growth rate of an organism or even have an effect of totally changing its metabolism. GMOs are widely used for the production of other goods other than food.
Genetic engineering of food is surrounded with ethical issues or concerns. The main moral concern about genetic engineering of foods is based on the assumption foods produced from such means are harmful to the environment, health, and biodiversity (Weale, 2010). Skeptics on genetic engineering suggest that genetically modified foods are unhealthy and unsuitable for human consumption because their production process is often through unnatural means (Qaim, 2010). Those opposed to genetic engineering of food argue that foods which are genetically engineered might cause diseases such as cancer because the producers rely on genes created in the laboratory. It is further assumed that engineered foods pollute the traditional or natural plants and
Almost with every new topic, no matter what it is, there is controversy. There are always the pros and the cons. In recent years, genetically modified food has become more and more common. Yet, by becoming more common, they are also becoming a more debated topic. While most people think of the negative aspects of genetically modified foods, there are many advantages that people do not know about. Basically, people are afraid of what they don’t know.
They wake up in the morning. They start packing their sack lunches for school, work or whatever they have going on that day. They start with packages of sliced apples and then add peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Do those people know that according to The Facts about GMO 's, "70-80% of the foods we eat in the United States . . . contain ingredients that have been genetically modified" (Grocery)? That means that 70 to 80 percent of those sack lunches are genetically modified. The World Health Organization defines genetically modified (GM) foods as "foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally . . . through the introduction of a gene from a different organism" (Food). The majority of food is genetically modified and it is important for everyone to learn more about the food they are eating. Are genetically modified foods something to be afraid of? The truth is that GM foods can be good for us and they have numerous benefits to the consumer.
By 2050, the world’s population is expected to exceed over 9 billion people, and the existing amount of usable land is expected to decrease significantly due to climate changes and urbanization. The projected rise in population and food consumption per person, particularly in countries like China and India, make efficient land use a necessary solution for long term plans. According to USDA, a 10% change to a genetically modified herbicide tolerant crop would yield around 1.7% increase in productivity. Biotechnology companies are confident that such crops will most definitely improve the live hood of farmers around the world. What exactly are Genetically modified crops? People always wonder about the effects of genetically modified foods. GMO is food that contains foreign genes from other organisms in its genetic code and its purpose is to speed up the process of selective breeding and introduce new nutrients and vitamins to enrich foods. The process of genetic engineering began in 1994 and since then has been used primarily on cash crops with high demand such as soybean, corn and canola. Most scientists believe that GMOs are not only safe but also beneficial due to the positive effect on many world economies, the environmental benefits, the improvement in nutritional values and the fact that there is no proof of harmful effects.
In today’s world, there are many topics of high significance for us to discuss and learn about. I believe genetically modified (GM) foods and organisms (GMOs) is one of those topics. Do you know what they are? If you do, do you know if they are good or bad for us and do they affect the environment? When it comes GM foods the public has very strong views and it is in part due to the unanswered questions, or because the answers are not the ones one hoped for. Having enough information about a subject becomes crucial for us to make certain decisions, in particular if it involves our health and environment. In this global debate, one part of the public argues GM foods have not been studied long enough for us to decide if they are harmful to our health, and in the long run if it might also affect our environment.
Sitting at a table, eating at one of your favorite restaurant, and enjoying your meal. But ever think about where it comes from or how it came to be? What is you were told that the salad you are eating or the meat you bought in the grocery store yesterday had been sprayed with types of chemicals? Doesn 't sound too appetizing. Many of us have heard of farmers giving plants and meats chemicals in order to grow faster, better and provide a more affordable product. Genetically modified foods have been a topic of interest in the West for a while. With “legends” and rumors that spread talking how these foods have some tie to our health and environment.They explain to us that genetic modification on food makes Westerners skeptical towards food because our relationship with genetically modified foods is needed greatly to keep businesses growing and selling, we are dependent on cheaper food but also causes harm to animals and controversy with people.