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GMO College Essay

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What is a GMO? A genetically modified organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering (Lallanilla). Most GMOS are modified from another organism. These organisms could be an animal, virus, bacterium, or a plant. They are called "transgenic" organisms.

The obvious question for GMOs is are they safe? The answer to that is unknown. One of the main problems with genetic engineering is that the process of inserting genes into the DNA of a food plant is random; scientist have no idea where the genes go(). Various feeding studies in animals have resulted in tumors, damaged immune systems, smaller brains, livers, birth defects, reproductive problems and infertility (Kids Right To Know). Everyone is simply …show more content…

Soy, cotton, canola, sugar, beets, corn, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini, and yellow squash to name a few. Most people do not know this. These foods are in our common diet we eat every day. Approximately 90% of all products on supermarket shelves contain GMO ingredients (Kids Right To Know).

GMOs could also have an effect on the environment. Crops are being genetically engineered as "Roundup Ready" so they can withstand massive spraying with the toxic pesticide, doesn’t readily break down in the environment, and ends up in our streams (Kids Right To Know). Stronger pesticides are being used because of new super weeds and super bugs becoming Roundup resistant. GMOs could also be harmful to non-targeted organisms. The pesticides and other farming techniques are life threating towards bees, butterflies, etc.

Despite the popular unfavorable side of GMOs, little to be known there could be a good side. Many farmers, scientists, and consumers say GMOs are helpful. Crops that are genetically engineered to fight diseases are saving not only the foods we love, but industries that grow them (Food Dialogues). With GMOs less water or pesticides are needed to grow food on less land. Scientists are working on a variety of genetically modifies seeds to create a hypoallergenic

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