The Harm of Genetically Modified Organisms Essay

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

GMO’s stand for “genetically modified organism” (Google). They are foods that we encounter almost every day. “Although nine out of ten scientists from the American Association for the Advancement of Science say GMOs are "generally safe" to eat” (fact about GMO’s). That still doesn’t mean that they are good for us. Genetically modified foods were created with the intention to improve overall quality of life. However, they are associated with various environmental, health, and economic risks that render them to be more harmful than helpful.

Recently, there has been a huge uprise in reports from all over the world of new diseases that have affected much of the population today. Diseases such as obesity, Alzheimer’s, Celiac Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and so much more have been on the rise. Researchers have suspected the culprit of these diseases to be our food. Along with the diseases, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) has also been on the rise. The more poor food we eat, the greater the potential harm to our health. One of the poor foods we consume is GMO: the altering of genes in food to produce desirable effects. These effects can range from an improvement in nutritional value, texture, flavor, and a longer shelf life. These

Would you trust a person that was created in a laboratory? When you eat gmos you are putting your future health in the hands of companies that may only in it for the money. Gmos (genetically modified organism) are living organisms that have genes that have been changed in a laboratory by genetic engineering (nongmoproject). This science makes unstable combinations of plant, animals, bacteria, and viral genes. They are made by taking a organism say a plant then adding DNA from a different plant, bacteria, or virus to it. Giving the original new qualities that it would not be able to have in nature or through crossbreeding methods(webMD). There are eight crops that are genetically modified on a commercial scale in the U.S. These include: Corn, canola, soy, cotton, sugar beets, alfalfa, papaya, zucchini and yellow summer squash. In the United States, 80% of everyday processed foods contain some sort of gmo. (Gmo project) They are important today because millions of people eat gmos everyday; however the long term effects on people are still unknown. Major restaurants such as Chipotle have already stopped using genetically modified ingredients in their food. They stopped using gmos because they believe their customers should have a restaurant where they can eat fresh, natural food, and should not have to take a health risk to eat their favorite foods(Chipotle). The other side of the fence is that gmos give us the ability to make

The genetic engineering of foods has, in one sense, been in existence for hundreds of years. The first time Gregor Mendel bred different varieties of pea plants to observe the various traits present in their offspring, the concept was born. Today, genetic engineering has developed into one of the most complex and advanced fields of scientific thinking, all the while provoking many questions and acquiring many opponents along the way. While there are compelling arguments presented for each side of the issue, the simple fact is that genetically modified (GM) foods are a reality, especially in the United States, as they are already present in many products that are consumed on a daily

Biological concepts and processes:- The abbreviation for genetically modified organism1 is a GMO. A GMO is an organism whose genome2 has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering3 so that its DNA4 contains one or more genes not normally found there.

When you think of genetically modified organisms do you think of how they are bad and have no regulations or do you think of how they help improve our well being. I’m betting it is the second one because the media has manipulated us into believing these nasty things about GMO’s without any real scientific evidence. I’m sure you heard of GMO’s but do you really know what they are. Genetically modified organisms denotes organism’s with DNA has been altered and does not occur through mating or in nature (WHO). The media portrays GMO’s in this negative light because it makes an interesting story and makes us want to read or watch about it. The media plays on our fear of the unknown to make us buy in to the lies the tell.

GMO or Genetically modified organism is the result of a laboratory process where DNA genes from on species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrated animal or plant. The genes can be from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals of a different species and humans. Some call GMOs transgenic, genetic engineering, or genetic modification. Genetic engineering is done by using viruses or Bactria to infect animals or plant cells with new stranger DNA. Coating DNA on tiny metal pellets, than firing the DNA in cells with a special gun. Injecting new stranger DNA into fertilized eggs with a very small fine needle and even using electric shocks to create holes in membrane covering sperm than; forcing the new stranger DNA into the sperm.

What if people could create an organism that was stronger than it was previously? More resistance to diseases, poisons, and that could thrive in a hostile environment? That is what scientist are creating with GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism) but mostly with plants that farmers produce for food such as corn or soybeans. Scientist can create modified organism when they pick an organism (such as corn) and then have certain changes introduced into their DNA using genetic engineering. It is different from breeding because instead of getting random genes, scientists are putting the desired gene directly into the plants’ DNA. Genetically modified foods are a controversial topic throughout most of the country but most Americans would be

“Genetically modified organisms”, or more commonly known as GMOs, are “organisms that have been created through application of transgenic, gene-splicing techniques that are part of biotechnology.” (www.justlabelit.org/). GMOs entered the market about twenty years ago, and people are still in the dark about if the food we feed our families contain GMOs. “In 1992 the FDA’s policy statement defined “material” as the ability to be sensed by taste, smell, or other senses.” (www.justlabelit.org/) According to the FDA genetically modified foods are “substantially equivalent” to conventionally produced foods. So, because the FDA deemed them the same, no labeling was required. Twenty years later, the policy remains unchanged. Agriculture

Many Americans consume thousands of pounds of genetically modified foods every day. Throughout the 21st century, genetic engineering tremendously impacted new research in pharmaceutical and forensic science. During that time, it also revolutionized the food in America and many other countries around the world. Using Recombinant DNA biotechnology on crops and farm animals helps improve nutrition and quantity of foods. However, crops that are altered with hybrid genes can also contain chemicals harmful to humans. By using developed biotechnology, scientists are able to inject viruses and bacteria into the embryos of plants to produce genetically modified crops (). The same is applied for transgenic farm animals to increase the size of the

Could it be that there are dirty little secrets lurking inside the foods you put on your table? “Do you really know what’s inside the tomato you just put on your salad? Do you care to know if that cheeseburger you just ate is not infused with liquid nitrogen?” There are no notices, no warnings and most definitely no labels. Genetically modified food (GMF, GM Crops, or Bio-Food) are the norm in America today. Some even say we are just another Human Experiment for our American Government. While others claim if it weren't for scientists and their experiments we would never have discovered genetics and DNA.

People who support GM foods dismiss complaints that they might not be safe to eat. GM foods are likely to be more nutritious and contain smaller amounts of pesticide residues that foods raised by traditional farming methods. Food poisoning agents such as salmonella are natural and they kill thousands of people each year. Lots of plants produce powerful toxins to deter pests. With the technology of GM Crops including beans and cassava (a fruit grown in tropical countries) produce cyanide that can be removed before cooking. This is extremely useful for consumers to eat and for producers to make.

In this brief, the reader will see how organic and genetically modified organisms are viewed and interpreted. They will see the “facts” about the genetically modified organisms and organic organism, and how producers and consumers view this. The reader will be able to understand what is actually happening to genetically modified organisms and organic organisms during the production and when it is getting processed. They will also learn about certified organic and the USDA organic and how each one is determined in the production. Everybody has an opinion about organic and GMO and believes which ones are better. The reader of this paper will also learn the differences between organic and GMOs and the pros and cons of each of them. After reading this paper the reader will be educated on what to buy at the grocery store between organic and GMO. Organic and GMO will always be a topic that has controversy.

Are Genetically Modified (GM) crops safe for environment? Might organisms and environment be harmed by GM crops?