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Genetically Modified Organisms And Its Effect On Human Health

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Over the past three decades biotechnology has evolved tremendously and in result plays a large role in global agriculture. Genetically modified organisms, otherwise known as GMOs, has changed the way people around the globe view the process of agriculture. The growing use of GMOs has not only brought up questions of how it affects human health but has adversely affected local communities. The technology used to produced GM foods is being introduced and developed rapidly with inadequate testing. GMOs have been the key to opening the door to new discoveries and endless possibilities, but at the same time has been noted as a possible Pandora’s Box (Assouline 5). What brings up red flags is the unknown of GMOs and the fact that they can …show more content…

A well known example of this is the use of Bacillus thuringiensis, otherwise known as B.t genes, being injected into corn. This gene enables corn to produce its own pesticides against various insects. Traditionally, the process of enhancing desired traits in plants was done by breeding, but the conventional methods of breeding have been found to be both time consuming and not always accurate. This traditional method stays within the limits of nature, whereas biotechnology “plays God” and disrupts natures natural course. Some examples of FDA approved GM crops include, “tomatoes and cantaloupes that have modified ripening characteristics, soybeans and sugar beets that are resistant to herbicides, and corn and cotton plants with increased resistance to insects pests” (Assouline 15). In America, nine crops are the top commercialized GM products and sold to consumers nationwide. These include, soy (98 percent GM), cotton (83 percent GM), canola (75 percent GM), corn (60 percent GM), Papaya (57 percent GM), alfalfa, zucchini, and yellow squash (Assouline 17). These new technologies, raise recondite questions that should be answered before moving forward with the advancement and use of said technology.

Plants, animals, and seeds all have innate value and can exist on its own. They are not dependent on the value humans place on them or the various methods humans attempt to alter them. The

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