...Can genetically engineering crops be helpful or harmful to human life? Over the years we have seen a steady rise in the production of genetically modified foods. This has caused a swelling of opinions from people on the GMOs. There are advantages and concerns about this process of enhancing food. Controversy about the thought of modifying food has spread worldwide. People are wary about the idea because they want to know exactly what is in the food that they are eating and because we are swaying away from naturally growing crops. However growing these modified crops could possibly put an end to some of the world’s challenges, such as food security for families. A GMO or genetically modified organism is a crop that is made for consumption by humans and animals. These crops are made in a laboratory by using the latest molecular biology techniques. The reason for making genetically modified plants and organisms is to enhance desired traits. This way is much easier and quicker than the alternative, breeding, which is not always accurate. Some traits that scientists want these plants to have are better resistance to herbicides, increase in nutritional value, and being able to stay ripe longer. Some of the most common modified plants are corn, soybeans, canola, rice, and cotton seed oil. Since the approval to sell genetically modified foods they have become significantly more available. The approval of GMOs has affected us in ways that we might not even know about. Some foods that...
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...21, 2013 Trent McDowell Genetically Modified Foods According to The World Health Organization, “genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally through the introduction of a gene from a different organism” (WHO, 2013). These foods are made possible by infusing genes of a different specimen with their DNA. This kind of adjustment is used in both animals and plants, but it is more commonly seen in the latter. There are a host of reasons why such foods have been developed. Some foods are adjusted genetically to prevent allergies that may occur after being eaten, while others are adjusted to improve their life on the shelf (Kartha, 2012). There is still a lot that is unknown about the effects foods that are genetically modified will have on bodies of humans in the long run. Many believe that consuming genetically adjusted foods can cause the growth of illnesses that antibiotics cannot help (Kartha, 2012). In addition to causing diseases, people who eat genetically altered foods have high risks of getting cancer (Kartha, 2012). These altered foods are new inventions so to speak and not a lot is understood about the long-term effects on the human species. Due to the unknown effects, many decide to steer clear of genetically modified foods. Some argue that genetically modified foods are very beneficial. They feel that the modified foods will aid in the feeding of an ever...
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...Issues This case is about the usage of genetically modified foods and up till today, this problem is continuing. It was stated that Taco Bell was accused of using StarLink corn (a type of genetically modified corn) in their taco shells. The StarLink had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it is safe for animal but not human consumption. From the time when this case happens, the public started to be aware of the possible dangers of genetically modified foods. Other than that, the prices of corn start to decline. This case had generated debates about genetically modified foods. There are two groups that shares different views about genetically modified food. One of the groups is the proponents of genetically modified food. This group believes that genetically modified food is not harmful and thinks that it helps to feed the hungry world. On the opposite are the anti-GM foods. Basically, this group deem GM food as a hazard and harmful to humankind and environment. Ethical Issues Technology has become more as more advanced as the time passes and technology are slowly playing a very important role in people’s life. However, there are advantages as well as disadvantages of using technology. One important issue that arises with the use of technology is ethical issues. The management’s goal of each company should attempt to keep away from immoral as well as amoral practices. They should instead adopt a moral management practice. The aims of the management...
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...Abstract With the production of genetically modified foods (GMFs) becoming more prevalent today, debates about whether it is right to use technology to create new forms of plant and animal life are on the rise. Proponents of GMFs believe these crops will reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals, and are just as safe as traditional crops. Opponents, on the other hand, feel the use of chemicals is scarcely reduced in GMFs and fear contamination of traditional farm crops. One example of this was displayed in October 2000 when a brand of genetically modified corn, approved only for animal feed, ended up in taco shells and other foods intended for human consumption. It is possible that GMFs are not bad for us at all and might be rather beneficial to building a sustainable future for all forms of life. The solution to its success lies in careful moderation, and this is where research is crucial. Genetically modified foods should not be banned, though studies on the effects of human consumption and economical impacts are necessary. Genetically Modified Foods: Advancement or Shortcoming? For nearly ninety years farmers have altered crops or animals using a method called crossbreeding. In crossbreeding, breeders select desirable traits of the parent plant or animal to produce a new species of that organism to achieve improved quantity and the quality of their crops. Though many seasons may pass before growers achieve their desired results, the harvests can produce...
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...Introduction Genetically modified, by definition, is a term denoting or derived from an organism whose DNA has been altered for the purpose of improvement or correction of defects. (dictionary.com) Genetically modified foods are foods that have been altered to enhance certain traits for the purpose of making them more desirable to consumers. Since the development of this process, modified foods have become more common throughout the years, and with their increase in production there has also been great controversy. History of Genetically Modified Foods In 1994, the first genetically modified food the Food and Drug Administration deemed safe enough for human consumption was a tomato called the “Flavr Savr,” produced in California. The purpose of altering the tomato was for it to be resistant to rotting and decaying as quickly as tomatoes usually do. They were not labeled as being genetically modified and they were between two and five time more expensive than ordinary tomatoes, but consumers still purchased them. However, due to competition, brought on by a tomato made conventionally and with a longer shelf life, the Flavr Savr tomatoes were not profitable. Genetically modified tomatoes were then made into a tomato puree and sold in Europe in the mid-1990s, but a couple years later controversy arose over the concept of genetically modifying food. In 1998, a doctor from Aberdeen, in Scotland, published results from a research study he conducted suggesting that genetically modified...
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...KHADIJAH SBI4U1.10 | [GENETICALLY MODIFIED ANIMALS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION] | STSE | Although genetically modified animals have many benefits in a commercial, agricultural or aquaculture condition, there are numerous risks that are present similarly. According to the textbook, some of the benefits of genetically modified animals are that they increase food security, and reduce pollution. But as also stated in the article, there are likewise many possible risks that are present due to genetically modified animals. GM (Genetically Modified) foods can contain allergens which cause allergies in humans if a gene from a certain allergen is incorporated into a GM organism. Another risk factor is that antibiotic resistant genes are also used in the process of creating GM organisms, which could be conferred to the bacteria that naturally live in the human digestive system. Some scientists also believe that if GM organisms escape from their containment areas and mix with wild animals, it could negatively affect the wild population since they could reproduce with the wild population. The mix of genes from these two species may no longer be controllable by scientists anymore. Knowing these risks, I believe that the benefits of genetically modifying animals do not outweigh any of the possible risks. Knowing that there are many risks from genetically modifying an organism, I do not feel that it is safe for humans to take a chance and consume these foods. Because of this, it is...
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...Genetically modified foods (GM foods) are foods from genetically modified organisms, such as genetically modified crops, plants and other foods. It is widely scientifical argue that food form GM crops through genetic engineering is methods. However, opponents have objected to GM foods including food safety issues and customers’ economics concerns. This essay will discuss the extent to which GM foods influence how people and what types of GM food exist in daily food. Ever now, some developing countries still have famine and malnutrition. One of the most significant problems facing poor countries currently is the rapid climb in population. In the last two decades, the population of the world is doubled. As the population of the world is increased, which becoming a global issue, the most important problem is that the shortage of food. Most worryingly, over 800 million people still have too much poverty to eat. Meanwhile, there is a slowly increased in yield-enhancing crop (Lipton, 2001). According to Bouis (2007), the authors suggest, ‘one way that biotechnology can help to improve the nutrition and health of consumers in developing countries is by increasing the vitamin and mineral content and their bioavailability in staple foods’. Bouis suggested that the supply of food adapted to the population, and the only way to solve this problem is that biotechnology can grow the crops’ output and adaptive capacity, which it through genetic engineering to change hereditary character of...
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...Abstract The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has become a chief topic of controversy through out the global world. Many countries around the world have stringent laws about genetically modified organisms and their use, but the U.S. does not, why is that? The majority of countries believe that genetically engineered foods are not safe for human consumption or the environment. Yet, the USDA or the FDA has not proved genetically modified organisms harmful or dangerous nor have any major studies conducted in the United States found them to be dangerous or harmful. However, there are studies that have shown that genetically modified organisms are producing “super” weeds and “super” bugs. The major advantage to using these genetically modified foods though, is they could possibly end world hunger in the future by the assumption that they increase crop yields. Although the long term health, environmental, and economical effects of genetically modified organisms is not fully understood, the majority of people from around the world are leery and therefore opposed to the use of genetically modified organisms. This research paper will attempt to analyze the health, environmental and economical issues surrounding genetically modified organisms. According to Dictionary.com, “A GMO is 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.” Genetically Modified Organisms are most...
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...controversies have been rising up on whether we should have foods that have genetically modified labeled or not. Genetically modified foods are foods that have been human altered in their genes. For example if a company wants a specific trait, such as resistance to a specific bug, then by modifying the plant’s genes it could actually enhance that specific trait repels that specific bug.This can also be done in order to enhance durability and presentation of the food. Although this can be seen as a good many people wonder the process that takes place in order to achieve this, and if it can affect us or the environment in any way. Instead of relying on selective breeding, which is when human interbreed other plant in order to gain a desired trait, manufacturers, with the use of gene transfer technology, can enhance or implement a trait using a “sophisticated version of a cut-and-paste operation” (Genetic Science Learning Center 2014). In this “operation” the desired trait is selected and cut off of its genome to be implanted in the target plant’s genome. After the target plant obtains the selected trait, than it is bred to pass along the trait to the generations that will follow.One of the main crops that is genetically modified is Bt-corn. Bt, short for Bacillus Thuringiensis, is a bacteria that is specialized in killing larvae which harms the crops. It has been proven that it does not harm any other insects, mammals, or humans. This type of transition is not only done with plants...
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...‘GM food advances the goal of sustainable development.’ To what extent do you think this is true? The Earth is facing severe environmental degradation. Years of resource exploitation and pollution have caused environmental problems and their effects are being felt globally. It has been estimated that if the world’s population reaches between10-11 billion then 5 more Planet Earths would be needed to maintain the present level of ecological decline. The environmental use in some countries is already unsustainable. Technology has allowed the world to cope with agriculture and an increasing population, however the FAO expects a long term decrease in food production in rich countries (Alexandratos 1988). 800 million people are affected today by hunger and malnutrition(Food Future 2000). The FAO claims that 650 million of these people will still be in the same situation by 2010. The world produces enough food, often it is the distribution process that causes problems. However this food may be produced in a non sustainable way. Pesticides, use of non farming land and the demand for cash crops over self sufficiency are not necessarily in the environments best interest. Factors such as poverty, wealth and inequality place burdens on the environment and possible sustainability. Genetically modified foods could be a key factor in advancing the goal of sustainable development. Biotechnology is the use of biological science to alter living organisms for the benefit of mankind. Every...
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...Genetically Modified Crops Tara Singleton Professor Sherif Sci 115 August 19 2015 Genetically Modified Crops In recent years genetically modified (GM) plants have grabbed a significant amount of attention in both positive and negative ways. This topic is discussed in the media and seen labeled on products in grocery stores, yet the general public remains uninformed of what genetically modified plants are. The Technology Genetic engineering is known to be the most favorable technology advances in biotechnology today. The results from genetic engineering are normally named genetically modified organisms or as seen on labels GMOs. There are many techniques scientist use to create these plants and in recent years produce crops. The two most common methods are by using the “gene gun” and a bacteria called Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Key, Ma, & Drake, 2008). The “gene gun” is genetic engineering method that shoots microscopic elements coated with DNA into the plant cells. Distinct plant cells are targeted and are renewed into a whole different genetically modified plant. The other way, use of the bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens, is the process of naturally transferring DNA to plants (Key et al., 2008). In principal, a strand of one plants DNA can be extracted from its cell and inserted into another plant's genome. On the topic of crop development, it is done with the same species of plant. Biotechnology speeds up the process of identifying the particular gene for...
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...Is Genetically Modified Food Safe? Shana Kritzer Lourdes University 23 April 2013 Is Genetically Modified Food Safe? In the spring of 1998, a riot broke out, just outside of Norfolk, England. The cause was not labor disputes or race relations, but a crop of genetically modified food. What began as a peaceful demonstration of anti-genetic modification Greenpeace protesters evolved into a riotous crowd of about 150, who after trampling security guards, marched onto the field and began uprooting and destroying a plot of genetically modified (GM) corn. Protesters used bare hands, trimming shears, and a mowing machine to destroy over 4 acres of the 6 acre plot. Farm workers tried to drive protesters away with a mechanical digger and shovels, while the farm manager disabled the mowing machine by ramming it with his tractor, but the protesters continued to demolish the crop field. After fifteen minutes police arrived and managed to break up the riot. The protest led to 30 arrests and 26 injuries (6 police officers, 12 farm workers, 8 protesters) (“GM Protesters”). After 12 more incidents like this one, numerous raids and attacks on food stores and labs selling or producing genetically modified products, the controversy and upset in England has still not reached an end. Around the world the debate on genetically modified food continues. Products containing genetically modified ingredients dominate the grocery shelves, with at least seventy-five percent of processed...
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...Genetically Modified foods - Evils or Friends Genetically Modified Foods (or GM foods) are produced from organisms in which specific changes are introduced into their DNA through the methods of genetic engineering. Genetically Modified crops are available commercially since 1994. Majority of the gene modification of foods have primarily focused on cash crops which are in high demand such as soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil. These crops have been engineered for resistance to pathogens and herbicides and better nutrient profiles (Wikipedia). According to an article by author Robert Shields, more than 26 percent of the cotton, 40 percent of the soybean acreage in the US was planted with GM crops containing gene for herbicide resistance by the year 1998. The application of Agri-biotechnology has increased by 60 fold since 1996 and by 2015 it is predicted that in about 40 countries more than 200 million hectares of lands will be planted by biotech crops (Maghari 1). The invention of agricultural biotechnology has caused social and ethical contradictions. There are extensive debates active in scientific circles as to how modern biotechnology can be used for planting high quality of high yield crops to meet the challenge of feeding the ever increasing population while protecting the ecosystem and human health. Genetically Modified Foods (GM Foods) have made a big splatter in the news lately. Environmental organizations and public interest groups have been actively protesting...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Capitalism: The Soil Where Food Grows Foods we consume can be looked upon as somewhat vastly different than the foods consumed by our predecessors. Technology and scientific innovation progresses at a staggering and nearly exponentially greater rate from each year to the next, and its reach leaves little industry untouched. Most mass-produced foods we eat today contain some level of preservatives, alterations or other biological modifications. In a sense, it is almost as if we should redefine the simple name of what we eat. Is a carrot still a carrot? What gives the food we eat a name? The debate on genetically modified foods is one that continues to carry stronger and stronger throughout the years. Some crops are modified to prevent insects from eating them, other foods are altered bio-mechanically to provide additional resources or to grow larger. Even so far as farm animals are given treatments that dramatically increase their body size, yielding more meat. To preface the argument food or against genetically modified foods: there is simply no easy solution. The overall scenario of genetically modified foods has many different parameters. These parameters include ethical, religious, legal and environmental ramifications. It would be equally as irrational to say that genetically modified foods were more or less dangerous than they were beneficial. The perspective to the scenario should be taken on both micro and macro levels, and to perceive...
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... Genetically Modified Food The field of biotechnology and genetic engineering has been gradually improved, and the bioengineer could make a huge difference in our life by modifying the crops that we need. Genetically modified food could solve many problems to humans such as, cultivating new crops with new characteristics that could help humans. Also genetic engineering could help some countries to cultivate new crops they couldn’t cultivate it before for many reasons such as weather, soil type, and cultivating seasons. However, recently genetically modified food could make a big influence to human’s life, and it helped them to cultivate new crops, they wouldn’t be able to cultivate it without it. About 200 years ago Thomas Malthus predicted that according to that big increase in the humans’ population which is currently up to six billions, “the number of mouths that need to feed is increased. The numbers of cultivated crops is stable since Thomas Malthus has made his prediction; this has been the result of amazing technological advances in agricultural sciences with advent of biotechnology and genetic engineering, which have served to increase the average yield of various farm products’’ (Nayak et.al 112). Most of the countries started to cultivate genetically modified crops to feed their needs, and they could increase their crops number quickly. Global cultivation of genetically modified food in 1996 was three million hectares...
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