Biotechnology : Genetically Modified Organisms

This lab was performed to explore and discover GMOs in food that were given to test. Our group used oats, a GMO positive food, and a test food. Our goal was to find out whether the test food was GMO positive or negative and to record data accordingly. I hypothesized that the test food will be GMO positive. To see if my hypothesis had been correct we performed the process of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), to find the presence of GMO positive or negative DNA in the foods. We first extracted the DNA from the foods, and then added primers to the DNA as well. I then inserted the DNA onto a gel using a micropipette. Using gel electrophoresis and a UV transilluminator we were able to view the staggering results.

There are many speculations and controversy surrounding the use of Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs. There will be explanations of the negative aspects of Genetically Modified Organisms with the described studies to go along with them. The positive Genetically Modified Organisms facts will be mentioned and described to counter weigh the negatives. There will also be a look into the use of hormones in farm animals and the negative outcomes from them and how the use of the hormones usually gets tied in with the Genetically Modified substances. The kingpin of the GMO world, Monsanto will be researched to provide insight into the plans of the company and the things they are doing to better the crop situation.

Transgenic species are produce by genetic engineering. Genetic engineering involves the process of taking samples of one species genes/DNA and transferring it into a new host cell, this cell containing the DNA will then grow into the new cell creating a transgenic species. DNA samples can also be inserted into the new species by acting as a virus or by using a micro-pipette injection. Transgenic species are mainly used in fruit and vegetables to prevent pests eating the food supply. Genetic engineering is also used for commercial purposes. One example of successful transgenic species is a strawberry plant with a salmon gene inserted into it, the salmon gene helps the strawberries grow in a colder environment. These crops are also known as GMO’s (genetically modified organisms).

American science-fiction writer Ramez Naam once said, “I support GMOs. And we should label them. We should label them because that is the very best thing we can do for public acceptance of agricultural biotech. And we should label them because there 's absolutely nothing to hide”. I agree with Mr. Naam in that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are not something the world should fear, but rather something the general public should embrace. Countries should not ban GMO products nor write legislation prohibiting the research or manufacture of GMO products as they provide vital benefits to the world. Among these benefits are producing high-yield, highly-nutritional crops and livestock for impoverished regions of the world, producing crops that can aid small/impoverished farmers, and producing vital medicinal products.

In 1901, a small company named Monsanto made its mark in the chemical industry with the development of saccharine, the popular artificial sweetener. One hundred and thirteen years later, Monsanto is now the world leader in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). With over 1,767 seed and plant patents, they are one of the largest food and agriculture companies in the world (“U.S.”). Monsanto exemplifies the worst type of corporate conglomeration by producing toxic substances, creating questionably safe food products, and monopolizing the farming industry.

Genetically modified organisms as know (GMOs) is polemically in the past years. The purpose of this is to modify organisms; genetic traits in plants are to make them better for the taste, environmental and production. The plant can be stronger and defending about insects, health, herbicides and ecological threats. In some countries, this modification helps to prevent hunger in the population. The traits can be modified adding and subtracting unwanted characteristics that make the plant weak. There is a diversity of products contain GMOs.

For many years Americans have been purchasing and consuming Genetically Modified Foods. Not all Americans have been aware of this, in fact many people do not even know what a GMO is. Author Jeffery Smith wrote, "A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans." Big Biotech companies tell consumers that (GMO) foods are very beneficial. Biotech companies have been promising that they can feed the world by using GMO food. Companies like Monsanto tell Americans that GM foods are full of nutrition. Companies are even genetically modifying vaccines and medications. There are many risks involved with GM foods. GMOs contain toxins and can cause infections in humans and animals. GM foods help destroy beneficial bacteria. GM foods are mutated, and they are creating new allergies in humans. GM foods are causing cancer in humans and in animals. Many people do not know that GMOs even exist. The world needs to be educated about GMOs so that they have a chance to save themselves and their loved ones.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are benefitting your body, bank account, and well being because they’re affordable, environmentally friendly, and healthier compared to conventional crops; they could be an answer to the world’s food problems. GMOs are created through genetic engineering (GE) by scientists to improve their ability to grow in foreign environments, resist pests, endure extreme weather, or yield more product; in simpler terms, it is a new and improved version of a food, plant, or animal (Monsanto 1). Genetically modified crops have advantages over conventional farming which could benefit third world countries and, in the long run, hopefully end world hunger. They can be produced in different climates and can be enhanced

A starving family in Zambia is in dire need of help. They travel to their countries’ capital in search of relief. The capital has plenty of food donations coming in from countries all over the world trying to help the African country in its’ time of need. The most recent food donation came from a fundraiser in America to help feed the hunger-ridden country but, there is something different about this food. The cornmeal inside of the shipment is made from Bt corn; a genetically modified organism (GMO) created for increased pest resistance. The starving Africans do not care if the food is genetically modified or not, they are only trying to feed their malnourished families. However, with heavy European influence on their government, the Zambian president at the time, Levy Mwanawasa, deemed the GM food donation “‘poison’” (Better Dead than GM-fed) and refused to distribute any of the GM donations. Instead of finding the help the so desperately needed, the starving family gets to watch the pile of food rot away in front of them.

Within twenty years, the world’s population will need fifty percent more food that it can produce today. To address the growing demand for food sources, farmers across the world are choosing to grow GMOs on their land. The production of GMOs is an example of biotechnology, a study of cellular processes to develop technologies that improve human life and world health. GMOs and biotechnology can help meet the growing demand for food. Though consumers often worry about the production and consumption of GMOs, they are safe for all organisms including consumers and the environment.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are seeds that are genetically altered in a laboratory before being planted. Later on, they grow into genetically modified (GM) foods.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic make-ups have been changed, inserted or deleted into another organisms. While the safety, disadvantages, and public concerns of genetically modified foods has grown significantly with the productivity of the genetic engineered foods. The problem can be solved with stricter regulations for manufacturer from the Food and Drug Administration and U.S Department of Agriculture. Some of many possible solutions to the genetically modified foods include the general public having knowledge about these foods and promote by purchasing non-GMOs labelled products.

With the development of agricultural industry, we can see there are more and more discussion and debates on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Since genetic engineering techniques have not existed for a long time period, people are still unfamiliar with scientific facts of GMOs especially GMO foods. After I read a few relevant research papers and academic journals, I realize that we cannot always trust how food companies advertise the harmlessness of their goods and how they lie about scientifically engineered foods. At first I was surprised by the miraculous power of genetic engineering, I wondered how foreign genes can be artificially put into other genes and how this transformation significantly changed foodstuffs we eat. Until I

Food products in our community are being genetically modified or being grown next to or transported with none genetically modified food. The United States doesn’t require the distributers to put labels on their food product that contain genetically modified organisms. Also the foods originally grown without genetic modification are still being contaminated by GMOs during transportation and production. This is a problem because GMOs have been proven to increase the risk of cancer and can cause other unknown medical problems. As big as this controversy is becoming many people are completely clueless of the topic. They are simply uneducated. Many people do not know the risks involved, what they are in, or how they’re used. It is unethical to

A genetically modified organism, or “GMO,” is defined as being, “an organism or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering.” This process is often used in plants and animals to produce desirable attributes. In the past, a plant with a desired attribute would be bred, by using selective breeding, to yield more plants with that desirable attribute. Now with the advancement of genetic engineering, this technique can be performed in a laboratory by moving or adding genes that express the desired attribute to other organisms. This new technique of genetic engineering can produce unstable combinations of plant, animal and bacteria genes that do not occur naturally. However, if genetically modified