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Genetically Modified Organisms ( Gmo )

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Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s)

Genetically Modified Organisms are defined as an organism whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there (Martin). Almost all the foods that one eats daily, unless they are produced organically, have been genetically modified through genetically modified organisms. GMOs or sometimes called genetically modified foods (GMFs) are “Substances for human or animal consumption that have been altered by the insertion of a gene from a different species of plant or other organism in order to produce a desired characteristic or trait.” (“Genetically Modified Food”). An example of what this is in food is a banana that …show more content…

This can be a huge advantage to many farmers giving them a wider selection of herbicides to use and also allowing them to use fewer pesticides which is good for the environment. Another advantage of GMO’s is that they can add vitamins to a plant, making it healthier when eaten. For example, in his article “In a Grain of Golden Rice, a World of Controversy over GMO Foods,” Dan Charles explains how genetic modification of rice is used to help people who are more likely to get a vitamin A deficiency, which can cause blindness. This was implemented specifically for places like Asia and Africa (most common places with vitamin A deficiencies) and was meant to improve consumers’ lives who were poor.

Another example is found in Warren Simmons article “Will GM Tomatoes be used to Fight Diseases in the Future.” Simmons talks about how scientists can create tomatoes that have the potential and supplements in them to prevent certain diseases such as some cancers, Alzheimer’s, heart conditions, and diabetes; this could be revolutionary. The main reason why these “medication fruits” have not been released yet is because it is very costly and the process of doing so would be very long. If this was to become a thing worldwide it could be a new way of preventing deadly diseases and be a solution to a healthier life. The last major advantage is that genetically modified organisms can also be used to prolong the period of

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