Genetic Engineering : The Future Of Food

Genetic manipulation has benefited the human race on a exceptional level, the ability of genetically manipulating foods creates a world filled with food. Many of the fruits and foods we eat daily have already been genetically manipulated, pg (133) " Seedless watermelons, apples that have longer shelf lives, wheat and other grains that are immune to pests when growing in the field..." By genetically manipulating foods, we are able to increase the amount of time foods and fruits have as well as making them easier to eat. The technological advancements also enables there to be more food production. The Dalai Lama states pg. (133) "It is now possible to create new breeds of plants with far higher yields and

“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man,” George Washington. Agriculture has been around for 12,000, this changed the lifestyle of people from hunting and gathering to permanent settlements with a steady food source (“Development of Agriculture”). From this, civilizations and cities grew, food could now be grown to meet the demands of the ever growing global populations. Since the development of agriculture advancement has been made to feed the population. One of the many modern advancements has been genetically modified organisms. Genetically Modified Organism, is the results of a laboratory process, where genes from the DNA of one of the species are extracted, and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. Some of the unanswered questions about GMO’s have been what they are, companies that are involved,

Genetic engineering is the deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material, otherwise known as DNA. Since biochemists Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer pioneered genetic engineering in 1973, the process has grown to have numerous applications such as medicine production, for example insulin (Mckinley). However, a main topic of concern is the application of genetic engineering on foods that we eat everyday. By modifying the genetic "blueprint" of crops, it is possible to improve many aspects of agriculture. But with any sort of scientific discovery that allows humans to act as Mother Nature, genetically modifying organisms has been a very controversial topic. Yet our society continues to grow, and the need for the benefits of genetically modified foods continues to grow. Genetically modifying foods should be permitted in our society because it allows larger yields of crops to be produced, produces foods with higher nutritional values, and reduces our global ecological footprint.

Imagine going to the grocery store and seeing a seedless watermelon, but it is not the typical oval, it is square. Down the produce aisle, there are sweet, juicy strawberries; however, there is a warning label that says, “Do not consume if you have a nut allergy.” The world today is moving forward in the way that society produces our wholefoods. Genetic engineering, bioengineering, or biotechnology is the process of inserting the genetics of different plants and organisms into other plants or organisms to create new, more efficient DNA. However, is it truly beneficial to modify the world’s natural foods? The use of genetic engineering can disrupt the ecosystems that have taken billions of years to develop. Many years of research and work have gone into the subject of genetically modified foods; however, this new food trend could create or enhance food related illnesses and health problems, interfere with nature’s environs, and could even cause specific ethical problems for individuals that practice different faith. People should be aware of genetic engineering, how it works, and how it affects their lives.

Since the appearance of humans on Earth seven million years ago, humanity has always utilized newly discovered technology to improve life. From primitive stone tools to the invention of the light bulb, to the creation of self-handling vehicles, humanity constantly works to enhance their existence. The invention of the first genetically modified organism came in 1973, and has been utilized ever since to advance everything from food to medicine. A genetically modified organism, also known as a GMO, is an organism whose DNA is combined with different DNA to give the organism desirable qualities. Human consumption of GMOs has been debated for many years due to the potential health risks. However, food companies and corporate giants such as

Humanity’s advancements over the course of history have been due to major technological milestones. Of these milestones, arguably the most important has been the advent of agriculture. Agriculture has allowed humans to store food in surplus which frees them from slaving in fields and allows focus on more scholarly and artistic pursuits. As time has progressed, agriculture itself reach important advances, from selective breeding to artificial fertilizer. However, one of the most recent advances in modern times has been met with suspicion and distrust. Genetically modified organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs, have begun to be used in commercial agricultural and their widespread use in food for humans and livestock is on the rise. Many

The human population is growing rapidly. With the growth in the human population, the demand for food is also growing at an unprecedented rate. Arguably, farms are unable to naturally provide the world’s population the food needed by natural means. This may seem like a big issue, but humans came up with an ingenious solution: genetically modified organisms, commonly known as GMO’s. Genetically modified food has been able to offset the worlds growing demand for food, and all our food problems seem to be solved. Or have they? I will use information from: Wendell Berry’s, The Pleasures of Eating, Jon Entine and JoAnna Wendel’s, 2000+ reasons Why GMO’s Are Safe to Eat, Robin Mather’s, The Threats from Genetically Modified Foods, along with references from Food Inc., to explain how genetically modified food is being used in a way that negatively affects the livestock, our health, the ecosystem, and the potential threats genetically modified crops have on our future.

“In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on” (Robert Frost). People from the beginning of civilization have cultivated crops ranging from methods of fermentation to classical selection for desired traits. In essence, genetic modification is not a new concept only conceived in the twentieth century; it has been occurring for millenias. Genetic engineering is only a step forward as the latest form of gene selection utilizing biotechnology, which merely catalyzes processes that previously required generations upon generations to that of just a couple days.

Modified foods have been a hot topic for years. The term genetically modified foods (GMF’s) or genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) is used to refer to animals or plants that have been genetically altered for human or animal consumption. Although genetically modified foods is relatively new, the prevalence of GMF’s in U.S grocery stores is much more than what people thought. It seems like consumers don’t like the fact that their food has been modified or played with, they want to know what is in the things they consume, even if what’s hidden seems to be good. . Why do people have different ideas about modified foods and they really as bad as they look? One reason would be that GMF’s have never been researched on there long in case they oppose some health risks, for if it ever turned out to be dangerous it will be already too hard to go back. Most of the stuff we buy has been genetically altered like breads, candy, most cereals, and pastries. Consumers in many countries have many different views about this topic. A lot of countries banned GMO’s products in their stores, and in countries where they are allowed, people are marching to boycott these products. Genetically modified foods is a great invention for human beings, and can greatly help us in many ways, yes there is some issues here and there, but that’s how we improve.

Humans have been involved in selectively breeding plants and animals for thousands of years. Breeding different sorts of crops to achieve certain desired characteristics of crops. Enzyme cultures have been used to produce dairy products and genetic knowledge has been used to advance medical and food technologies. Genetic modification is a process which is designed to manipulate the cells. The unnatural

A whooping 60% of what's on our supermarket shelves may contain genetically engineered soya. Some 3000 genetically engineered foods are lined up for approval. How should genetically engineered (GE) foods be regulated? Foremost, we must clarify what genetic engineering is-- laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms. DNA is the blueprint for the individuality of an organism. The organism relies upon the information stored in its DNA for the management of every biochemical process. The life, growth and unique features of the organism depend on its DNA. Genes are the segments of DNA, which have been associated with certain functions of an organism.

People have been eating genetically modified foods for decades without even realizing it. Now that people are aware of additives and chemicals, some are concerned about the safety, and an increase in food allergies has made people wary. However, there are advancements in engineered crops, such as increased nutrients. Furthermore, crop engineering is not the only area dealing with tension. Another part of the developing science that is viewed with apprehension is engineered humans. Advocates claim that stronger traits, and new improved medicines will be made as a result of genetic engineering, but critics argue that the exact opposite will occur, such as, ethics will

Humans have always lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, but it was not until a couple thousand years ago that they started to transition into an agricultural lifestyle (American Association of Cereal Chemists, 2007). In the 19th century, Gregor Mendel’s genetic theory caused an increase in harvest hybridization which gave rise to new genetic discoveries.This was the start of genetically modified organisms or GMOs. Genetic engineering is the manipulation of genetic materials in organisms leading to a mix of plants, animals and viral genes that do not occur naturally, or through crossbreeding methods creating GMOs (Non Gmo Project). There have been on going debates on the safety of GMOs for human consumption and whether they are hazardous for

Biotechnology refers to the technology employed to use, modify or change the natural processes of living organisms to develop products, systems or environments to be beneficial for humans. Biotechnology has been used by humans to produce staple foods since the beginning of civilisation. The domestication of plants and animals and the use of microorganisms to make cheese, yoghurt, bread, beer and wine are examples of early uses of biotechnology. Modern biotechnology involves understanding genes and the study of genes, covering controlling gene activities and adjusting or transferring genes.

A bright future with genetically modified superfoods--a world where science fiction comes to life through clones-- a world where sickness and disease have been abolished-- a time when the gender of a child can not only be determined but also it can be selected-- These descriptions explore a time and place that sound like a science fiction movie based in some kind of distant future, but it is not. The time for this miraculous and wondrous technology is now. Human ingenuity and intelligence has soared far above the levels that the human race has ever thought possible; humans are right on the threshold of these and many other genetic engineering and biotechnological advances. Regardless of the limitless possibilities, nay-sayers say the risks far outway the benefits. Critics say that these new advances are far too dangerous and too experimental; however, this tremendously beneficial form of science has the capabilities to progress far beyond thresholds of what the science community previously thought possible. Therefor, this new form of science should be funded and supported by people and the government.