Genetically Modified Organisms ( Gmo )

Genetic modified organisms, or GMOs, are living organisms that, through the genetic engineering process, have been altered to withstand certain chemicals and increase the nutritional value of the product. In fact, the majority of the foods found at the grocery store are genetically altered. Genetic modification is becoming increasingly popular on farms throughout the United States and moving into other parts of the world due to their increasing yield capabilities and pest and weed control. However, this has been, and continues to be, an extremely controversial topic of discussion in the world of agriculture and biotechnology, as well as health food critics, because of potential environmental and health risks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines genetically modified foods as: “foods [that are] derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism” (WHO, year). GM foods are constructed and distributed because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer. For a GM food to be of theoretical benefit to the consumer and society as a whole, it should: increase crop yields due to the introduced resistance to pests and disease, enhance the nutritional

With numerous developments plaguing agricultural production, the implementation of Genetically Modified Organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs, is best suited to be used in food manufacturing. It is estimated that by the year 2050, global food production must increase by seventy percent. However with current practices in place and the limited expansion of farmland due to urbanization, such production rates are nearly impossible to achieve. The use of Genetically Modified Organisms seems to be among the only feasible options to rapidly increase food production and thus aid in this crisis which plagues even though most developed countries, such as the United States. Specifically in the United States, the use of Genetically Modified Organism

The term GM food are most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content. Genetically modified plants have been widely publicised as the future in agriculture. Many believe that it may help improve crop harvests and farm productivity by developing genetically modified crops that can either resist pests or chemicals. But despite the promise that GM crops may offer, there are still doubts that linger among a number of people as well.

The world we live in today is in no doubt constantly changing all thanks to the technological and scientific advancements. These advancements are what have led to the birth of molecular genetics which is the genesis of improvements in the field of agriculture. Food is a very crucial part of human survival, and while it may be abundant in many developed countries, the same cannot be said about the developing countries. A 2015 report by FAO on the state of food insecurity sates that there are about 795 million people sleeping hungry because of shortage of food with the vast majority coming from developing countries (2015, FAO). The rise of genetically modified food in the recent years however has helped to provide a solution to some of these food shortage problems. Generally genetically modified foods otherwise known as GMO foods are foods that result from crops whose genetic makeup have been modified or altered. This happens through a process that’s referred to as recombinant DNA that serves to give plants traits that are desirable with the use of molecular techniques. Some of the most bioengineered foods include tomatoes, corn, cotton, rice, papaya, wheat among others. While it has had many benefits and successes, GM foods still have risks and the question of safety always arises when it comes to discussions.

Introduction/Thesis Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are an organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favor the expression of desired physiological traits or the production of desired biological products according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. In grocery stores in the United States, as much as 70 percent of the processed food may contain genetically modified organisms. The same cannot be said for the European Union, who has much tighter regulations regarding the planting and end use of genetically modified (GM) foods. There is a worldwide debate over the safety and benefit of genetically modified organisms and whether they should be allowed on the dinner table.

Because there is such an abundance of food in this country (the USA), one can find GMOs almost everywhere, from a cob of corn in the produce aisle to a fast-food quarter pounder. Consequently, if a person is concerned about what food they are putting into their mouth, the topic is GMOs is likely to show up at some point. Growing crops that have been changed on a genetic level to achieve a specific characteristic is now a commonplace practice by many commercial and non-commercial farmers alike. These enhanced species of plants have a variety of advantages over unmodified species. Genetically modified organisms can benefit farmers and consumers because of their increased durability and

There are many myths that surround the genetically modified (GM) crops and food. Are they just a mere myth or it is the truth that has been shunned from public discussion? I believed that, there are some misconceptions and truths upholding the myths with the evidences from great studies conducted by researchers all over the world. From the book GMO: Myth and Truth the second edition by Antoniou and his colleagues (2012), the arguments are adapted to discuss the topic. In this article, the issues that would be discussed involves genetic engineering technique, health hazard of GM food, impacts of GM crops on farms and environment, health hazard of Roundup Ready crops and also feeding the world. These are the main arguments

Genetically Modified Organisms are organisms whose genetic make-up have been changed by mutating, inserting, or deleting genes, by using genetic engineering techniques or biotechnology (Klein, Wolf, Wu & Sanford, 1987). The topic of genetically modified organisms became very controversial in today’s world. GMO have been used not only in producing vegetable, but also in medical and biological researches, drug production, and medical treatments. However, the food field generates the biggest controversy since it relates to a lot of different issues. Genetically modified food concerns people over their benefits, if they are resistant to disease, or improve the nutrition of the foods. It is also a moral and ethical issue for a lot of vegan, vegetarians and some religious groups, as the transfer of animal genes into plants goes against their believes.

Genetically modified organisms are an extremely controversial topic, which has many positive and negative effects. As the population of the world increases, more and more food must be produced to sustain all of life on earth. GMOs have incredible potential to eliminate the issue of hunger worldwide and could possibly provide enough food to sustain the entire globe. Genetically modified Organisms can be plants or animals which contain their own special properties modified by humans, but often have to do with increasing the yield of a food. There are many people who fear that GMOs are harmful and have some unwanted side effects. The pros and cons of using GMOs are vast in their own way. By using them the correct way, we could safely provide

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.

“70 percent of our corn farmland and 93 percent of soy farmland are planted with crops genetically engineered to resist pests and herbicides and increase crop yields. 60% of all the processed foods in the United States are genetically modified; a shocking statistic has the concern of many Americans. However, most people are uninformed about the beneficial impact that genetically modified food has on their diet. GM is the use of molecular biology technology to modify the inherited structure of organisms. Genetically engineered crops increase nutrients, drought tolerance, provide more food for growing populations, and resists diseases and pesticides. Genetically engineered foods are crucial to the improvement of economy, agriculture, society, and health choices. The creation of GM foods was one of the most significant breakthroughs in food industry. Genetically modifying foods is a key component that is harmless for the enrichment of our foods.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are one the most hotly contested topics in the food industry due to the potential affects that they could have on the environment. Most of what the world eats today are GMO’s yet the majority of the population has no idea how GMO’s affect the world around them or the benefits and consequences of GMO’s. For example, sweet potatoes are natural GMO’s that were created around 8,000 years ago. GMO’s could have the potential to solve the upcoming Malthusian catastrophe or be extremely detrimental to the environment. In order to fully understand and utilize GMO’s in the future, people must be informed of the pros and cons that GMO’s could have on the environment and the world.

The production of Genetically Modified food has been confronted with controversies which discredit the production of such foods in relation to the overall benefits they have to offer within the society (Nelson 138). The controversies include the long term effects that these foods pose to the health of human beings and their environment, the impact that such foods have on the farmers, whether or not such foods should be labelled and the role governments are playing in the regulation of these foods. The bone of contention has been whether the GMO foods are substantially equivalent to the other food substances that have not been genetically modified.

Genetically engineered foods are defined as foods that have had genes from other animals or plants (hereby referred to as foreign genes) added onto their genetic codes. The genetic engineering technique can be employed on animals, plants, or on such microorganisms as bacteria (NIH). The question of whether foods derived from such organisms should be approved for human consumption is what has raised widespread controversy among many circles. There are those who view GM foods as the ultimate solution to major challenges of the 21st century while others see them as a threat to human health and the environment. Notably, the global society is facing major challenges key among them being food insecurity and environmental issues such as global warming and climate change. Genetically engineered foods present a potential solution to these challenges. This paper will argue that with adequate research and regulation, genetically engineered foods should be approved owing to the benefits they present in terms of increased food production and quality, as well as eliminating the need to compromise the environment in the pursuit of more cultivation land and higher crop yield.