...as the transgene) may come from another unrelated plant, or from a completely different species: transgenic Bt corn, for example, which produces its own insecticide, contains a gene from a bacterium. Plants containing transgenes are often called genetically modified or GM crops, although in reality all crops have been genetically modified from their original wild state by domestication, selection and controlled breeding over long periods of time. On this web site we will use the term transgenic to describe a crop plant which has transgenes inserted. Image:Results of insect infestation on Bt (right) and non-Bt (left) cotton bolls. Source: USDA | Why Make Transgenic Crop Plants? A plant breeder tries to assemble a combination of genes in a crop plant which will make it as useful and productive as possible. Depending on where and for what purpose the plant is grown, desirable genes may provide features such as higher yield or improved quality, pest or disease resistance, or tolerance to heat, cold and drought. Combining the best genes in one plant is a long and difficult process, especially as traditional plant breeding has been limited to artificially crossing plants within the same species or with closely related species to bring different genes together. For example, a gene for protein in soybean could not be transferred to a completely different crop such as corn using traditional techniques. Transgenic technology enables plant breeders to bring together in one plant useful...
Words: 11690 - Pages: 47
...Impacts of Genetically-Modified Crops and Seeds on Farmers Prepared by David Kruft, Legal Research Assistant November 2001 I. Introduction The agriculture industry has traditionally been supportive of technological advancement, particularly in the field of genetic crop improvement.1 For decades, the industry has been mixing naturally the genetic traits of seeds in the search for particularly robust varieties. Genetically-modified (GM) seeds are a significant step forward in the production of agricultural crops. GM seeds are seeds that have been modified to contain specific characteristics such as resistance to herbicides (in the case of "Roundup Ready" products) or resistance to pests (in the case of Bt corn). But the method of modification used with GM seeds varies from the traditional method in an important respect: the genes have not been modified over generations of cross-fertilization, but rather inserted directly into the DNA of the seed.2 Although this method is more efficient, critics fear that the result — a "novel gene combination" — may have health or environmental impacts that are not being adequately addressed.3 As a result, the technology is surrounded by significant controversy. The reaction of farmers to this new technology has been mixed. Some farmers have quickly adopted the technology.4 Other farmers, mindful of the controversy surrounding GM products, have hesitated to use GM seeds as part of their agricultural operations. Farmers should...
Words: 3824 - Pages: 16
...Genetically Modified Organisms Andre Thomas Soc/215 10-14-15 Dr. Melisha Plummer Genetically Modified Organisms Much has been written about genetically modified organisms. These are commonly known as GMOs. Genetically modified organisms have some positive attributes. However, GMOs also have adverse effects on animals, the environment and the health of the consumer. In order to understand why GMOs have these effects, it is important to know exactly what a GMO is and how these differ from the normal breeding farmers have done for years. The Free Dictionary defines a GMO as “An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered using the techniques of genetic engineering.” It goes on to explain that modern science has the ability to modify the genetic makeup of plants and animals. Scientists can even transfer genes from one species to another. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/genetically+modified+organism Advocates of genetically modified organisms say that the use of the gmos could end world hunger they also say we could create plants and animals that are resistant to disease and tolerant to pesticides. They can also engineer plants to be drought resistant. They argue these changes would stop famine because the plants could naturally resist. The proponents use pathos to convince people they have the answer to world hunger. They show you pictures starving people around the world and tell you their “improved” seeds make hunger go away. Perhaps it could but the studies...
Words: 2243 - Pages: 9
...Genetically Modified Foods According to the World Health Organization, Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) are "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in such a way that does not occur naturally."1 This technology is also referred to as "genetic engineering", "biotechnology" or "recombinant DNA technology" and consists of randomly inserting genetic fragments of DNA from one organism to another, usually from a different species. For example, an artificial combination of genes that includes a gene to produce the pesticide Cry1Ab protein (commonly known as Bt toxin), originally found in Bacillus thuringiensis, is inserted in to the DNA of corn randomly. Both the location of the transferred gene sequence in the corn DNA and the consequences of the insertion differ with each insertion. The plant cells that have taken up the inserted gene are then grown in a lab using tissue culture and/or nutrient medium that allows them to develop into plants that are used to grow GM food crops.2 Natural breeding processes have been safely utilized for the past several thousand years. In contrast, "GE crop technology abrogates natural reproductive processes, selection occurs at the single cell level, the procedure is highly mutagenic and routinely breeches genera barriers, and the technique has only been used commercially for 10 years."3 Despite these differences, safety assessment of GM foods has been based on the idea of "substantial equivalence" such that "if a...
Words: 1409 - Pages: 6
...A CORPORATE PROFILE About Food & Water Watch Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainable. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where their food comes from, keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes, protect the environmental quality of oceans, force government to do its job protecting citizens, and educate about the importance of keeping shared resources under public control. Food & Water Watch 1616 P St. NW, Ste. 300 Washington, DC 20036 tel: (202) 683-2500 fax: (202) 683-2501 info@fwwatch.org California Office 25 Stillman St., Ste. 200 San Francisco, CA 94107 tel: (415) 293-9900 fax: (415) 293-8394 info-ca@fwwatch.org www.foodandwaterwatch.org Copyright © 2013 by Food & Water Watch. All rights reserved. This report can be viewed or downloaded at www.foodandwaterwatch.org. A CORPORATE PROFILE Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Company History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Modern-Day Monsanto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Monsanto’s Environmental Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Market Share . . . . . . . . . . ....
Words: 7321 - Pages: 30
...Microeconomics Term Paper The topic of my paper that i have chosen to write about involves the agricultural industry, as it stands today, and the trend that has been taking place over the last couple of decades in the industry. More specifically companies like Monsanto, DuPont, and Dow and their growing takeover and market power of the industry in the United States and globally. As we learned in class compared to other industries like the automobile industry or steel industry, the agricultural industry best meets the characteristics of perfect competition. Though this is probably true as far as selling produce to grocery stores and consumers directly, my focus is on the seed supply that farmers are using to produce things like soybeans, corn and cotton. My interest in this topic stems from articles and news that i had caught my attention. I first heard of Monsanto in regards to large numbers of farmers committing suicide over in India. Since 1995 nearly 300,000 Indian farmers had committed suicide because of insurmountable debt due largely to the introduction of Monsantos (bt) cotton in the country. The (bt) refers to bacillus thuringienis, which contains 200 different proteins which naturally produce chemicals harmful to sellective insects. This is considered genetically modified seed and Monsanto has patent technology on this seed. During this period of "suicide economy" in India there was an increase in price per kilogram of cotton seeds from 7 to 17000 rupees. From...
Words: 1456 - Pages: 6
...Microeconomics Term Paper Tyler Pangborn ECO 204 – Dr. Essuman May 12, 2014 The topic of my paper that I have chosen to write about involves the agricultural industry, as it stands today, and the trend that has been taking place over the last couple of decades in the industry, more specifically, companies like Monsanto, DuPont, and Dow and their growing takeover and market power of the industry in the United States and globally. As we learned in class compared to other industries like the automobile industry or steel industry, the agricultural industry best meets the characteristics of perfect competition. Though this is probably true as far as selling produce to grocery stores and consumers directly, my focus is on the seed supply that farmers are using to produce things like soybeans, corn and cotton. My interest in this topic stems from articles and news that I had caught my attention. I first heard of Monsanto in regards to large numbers of farmers committing suicide over in India. Since 1995 nearly 300,000 Indian farmers had committed suicide because of insurmountable debt due largely to the introduction of Monsanto’s (bt) cotton in the country. (Bt) refers to bacillus thuringienis, which contains 200 different proteins, which naturally produce chemicals harmful to selective insects. This is considered genetically modified seed and Monsanto has patent technology on this seed. During this period of "suicide economy" in India there was an increase in price per...
Words: 1462 - Pages: 6
...Fagan © Earth Open Source www.earthopensource.org 2nd Floor 145–157, St John Street, London EC1V 4PY, United Kingdom Contact email: claire.robinson@earthopensource.org June 2012 Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this paper, or otherwise published by EOS, are those of the authors and do not represent the official policy, position, or views of other organizations, universities, companies, or corporations that the authors may be affiliated with. GMO Myths and Truths 2 About the authors Michael Antoniou, PhD is reader in molecular genetics and head, Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King’s Cols: lege London School of Medicine, London, UK. He has 28 years’ experience in the use of genetic engineering technology investigating gene organisation and control, with over 40 peer reviewed publications of original work, and holds inventor status on a number of gene expression biotechnology patents. Dr Antoniou has a large network of collaborators in industry and academia who are making use of his discoveries in gene control mechanisms for the production of research, diagnostic and therapeutic products and safe and efficacious human somatic gene therapy for inherited and acquired genetic disorders. Claire Robinson, MPhil, is research director at Earth Open Source. She has a background in investigative reporting and the communication of topics relating to public health, science and policy, and the environment. She is an editor at GMWatch (www.gmwatch.org), a public...
Words: 78055 - Pages: 313
...IS THE MONARCH HEADING FOR EXTINCTION? 1 The Monarch Butterfly: Is extinction in the near future for the Monarch? Samuel O. Dean Western Governors University WGU Student ID# XXXXXXXXX IS THE MONARCH HEADING FOR EXTINCTION? 2 Is the Monarch Heading for Extinction? The monarch butterfly is well known and easily recognized, as it inhabits many islands and continents of the world (Bradley & Altizer, 2005). Most of the monarch populations are solitary; they remain in one basic geographical area throughout the year. The eastern North American monarch butterfly is a unique variant because it undertakes an incredible migration, spanning thousands of miles, crossing through three countries and requires three to four generations to complete this cycle every year. Throughout this journey, the monarchs breed, lay their eggs and die; it is their offspring which complete the journey. Starting in central Mexico in early spring, the monarchs traverse northward throughout a majority of the eastern United States and into southern Canada before returning to their overwintering grounds in the Transvolcanic Belt of central Mexico before winter sets in (Rudolf, Ely, Schaefer, Williamson, & Thill, 2006; Yoon, 1998; Williams, Stow, & Brower, 2007; Williams & Brower, 2007). Over one billion butterflies migrate southward from their one million square mile breeding range, forming densely packed colonies of up to 50 million butterflies per hectare while they...
Words: 2520 - Pages: 11
...Vishal Wilson English 16 Professor Donald McCrary Research Paper 1 The issue of genetically modified organisms, often referred to as GMOs, is one of the most important arguments we can have as a society. A huge part of the argument stems from genetically modified foods. Some people regard genetically modified wheat and corn for their drought resistance and ability to feed millions of people in parts of the world that desperately need food. The other side of the argument stems from unwanted side effects caused by GMOs such as the creation of herbicide-resistant super weeds to the loss of biodiversity and uncontrollable transfer of modified genes into the environment (Whitman 4). The benefits vs. risks that GMO’s pose in regard to the environment and human health are still inconclusive. Only rigorous scientific research and time will yield conclusive results, along with possible advancements in technology that will help address most concerns. What is clear is that we need GMO’s to be able to feed the world’s population and that the potential risk GMO’s pose to human health and the environment can vary tremendously. The labeling of GM food is necessary will address the question of accountability of the impact GMO’s and large corporations have with their “proprietary crops” to the environment and health, along with minimizing potential risk. The argument that corporate driven agriculture...
Words: 2999 - Pages: 12
...Allison M. Czapracki University of Richmond Summer Quest July 20, 2004 Cereal on the breakfast table. Corn chips as a midmorning snack. A glass of milk with lunch. What do all of these scenarios have in common? Chances are fairly high that these foods contain some sort of genetically modified ingredients. Americans’ lack of knowledge about genetically modified foods was clear when a survey was conducted by the Pew Initiative on whether they had eaten them: just 24% believe they have consumed genetically modified foods (“Pew Initiative”). In the United States, an estimated 60% of processed foods now contain genetically engineered ingredients (Fox 12). With such ubiquity of genetically modified foods, there is much to be discovered about the risks and consequences of their entrance into our food supply. How do we know we are asking the right questions regarding genetically modified foods and crops? The honest answer: we don’t! To fully understand the issue at stake, we must take a look at what questions are currently being asked by delving deeply into the realm of genetically modified foods. The typical American now eats up to 34% of calories away from home; most often in the form of fast food, which is notorious for being high in fat, calories, and sugar (Spake 1). Busy Americans often do not have time to consider the specific ingredients being used in food, and most are not even aware of how widespread genetically engineered ingredients are in society...
Words: 3833 - Pages: 16
...Genetically Modified Food. The way to go? Name Institution Genetically Modified Foods also known as Biotech Foods are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They differ from traditional foods in that their DNA have been introduced to genetic engineering techniques to enhance desired traits such as improved nutritional content and much more. Over 40 plant varieties have federal requirements for commercialization as GMOs. It all started in 1946, when scientists discovered DNA transfer between organisms. The first genetically modified plant was produced in 1983 and now 165 million acres annually are grown. However, along with rapid adoption of technology have come myths propagated by proponents and opponents. Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways. All GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. The general population has showed no effects on human health because of the consumption of such foods. Continuous use of risk assessments based on the Codex principles and, where appropriate, including post market monitoring, should form the basis for evaluating the safety of GM foods. (Winter & Gallegos, 2006) The GM foods controversy is a dispute over the relative advantages and disadvantages of food derived from GMOs, GM crops used and other uses of GMOs in food production. The world population has topped 6 billion people and is predicted...
Words: 1092 - Pages: 5
...is increased. Technology is involved in every facet of our lives. It is used continuously every day whether it be waking up to an alarm clock, watching TV that you recorded on a digital video recorder, brushing your teeth with a mechanical toothbrush, or using your GPS navigation system when going to your latest vacation destination. The latest technology has made it possible for people to communicate with others all over the world in both audio and video formats. Scientists are continuously looking for ways to make living easier and more productive. They are looking for solutions to world hunger, new medical advances to cure cancer and other diseases plaguing the world, and ways to make our society a healthier place to live. In this research paper, we will be discussing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and their contributions to these causes. We will be examining the history, political, moral, ethical, and many other ways that GMOs have influenced everyday living. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)...
Words: 12380 - Pages: 50
...Facts become evidence [in a documentary] in response to particular questions or as needed by a particular argument or mode of story telling.?[footnoteRef:2] [2: Spence, 2010, p. 42] Nichols in An Introduction to the Documentary defines six different documentary categories where two are applicable to food documentaries: expository mode, with a rhetorical or argumental frame, voice-of-God commentary and common sense and participatory mode, with the filmmaker as a social actor, and the filmmaker on scene with the interview as the most common forms of encounter.[footnoteRef:3] [3: Nichols, 2010, p. 105, 109, 116, 121. The six modes of documentary are: poetic, expository, participatory, observational, reflexive and performative] This paper will conduct a comparative analysis of two documentaries: GMO OMG (2013) and the Panorama feature GM Food - Cultivating Fear (2015). These two documentaries are challenging to investigate, because they represent two ends of the scope in the GM-debate: for and against. Analyzing controversial topics such as GM-foods, and how they are portrayed in documentaries allows us to examine how credibility is attained.[footnoteRef:4] [4: Nichols, 2010, p. 101. ] The first documentary, GMO OMG ? the central point is, an investigation of what the effects are of GMOs on the human body in the long run. On the other hand, The BBC documentary, GM Food - Cultivating Fear evaluates whether the unease and hostility towards GM is still justified after more...
Words: 4553 - Pages: 19
...animals. Using these techniques, genes from any plant, animal, virus, or other organism, including a human, can be inserted into any other organism. Therefore, scientists have been able to take “beneficial genes” from some plants or animals and splice them into the DNA of fruits and vegetables. This modification process can make them resistant to pesticides and or insects. Some have even been able to modify rice to have vitamin A as well as the high carbohydrates it also contains; they call it “Golden rice.” This all seems like great progress. At a glance, one might even conclude that this technology could end world hunger. It might even be concluded that this technology will bring about a new age of more nutritious foods. However, further research indicates that there are many possible dangers of continuing down this path of technology. Genetically modifying crops including soy beans to be resistant to herbicides allows farmers to spray more chemicals such as Round-up, a popular weed killer, on them. This raises the question of how much weed killer...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
