...Running head: GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROPS: THE SOLUTION 1 Genetically Engineered Crops: The Solution November 30, 2013 GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROPS: THE SOLUTION Genetically Engineered Crops: Solution 2 In order to understand the controversy of genetically engineered crops one must understand what genetic engineering or genetic modification is:“GMO are organisms that are generated by combining genes of different species using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. Resulting organisms are then said to be transgenic, genetically engineered or genetically modified (GM). This group of organisms includes... plants.”(Celec et al., 2005) The genetic modification of crops and plants was created so that crops could, “... protect themselves against insects and disease, to feed and vaccinate people at the same time, to flourish in poor soil and drought, or to improve the quantity and bioavailability of individual nutrients.”(Roberts, Struble, McCullum-Gomez, Wilkins, 2006). These benefits may seem to outweigh the risks and in reality they do, however this does not mean the consumer should not be notified of the risks they are taking. The hallmark of our free society demands that the consumer be able to choose whether or not they want to eat something that may have health risks. Labeling that identifies GMO ingredients allows for the consumer to choose a particular product while ensuring that the producer feels more at ease with the way they disclose information and promote their...
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...Haleh Keshtkar February 27, 2012 The controversial statement that genetic engineered food may be the solution to hunger in the world is gaining more and more interest by the media in today’s society. On the one hand, supporters of biotechnology believe that genetic engineered food ensures and sustains food security around the world as the population increases, but on the other hand, there are many concerns involved with genetically modified food. In fact, a lot of food that we eat on a daily basis contains genetically modified ingredients and usually without our knowledge. Yet, is genetic engineered food safe? Moreover, do we really need genetic modified food? Many researchers do not consider biotechnology the solution to hunger but they believe that poverty is the cause of famine in numerous countries. As a result, biotechnology raises various questions among citizens and farmers since there is the assumption that genetic engineered food is the key to eliminating global starvation (Genetically, 2010). Before weighing the pros and cons of genetic engineered food, it is essential to understand what is genetic engineered food? “Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms” (What is genetically, 2010). Scientists have learned that there are ways of changing the structure of DNA in living organisms and build customized DNA. Genetic engineered food is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal...
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...shortage? Scientists have developed what they believe is the answer to potential shortages: genetically modified crops. The genetic make-up of these crops is altered, combining genes of multiple organisms such as plants, to produce favorable outcomes such as higher yields. With genetically engineered crops ever-present in our food supply, debates have risen in the media concerning the safety and overall implication of these crops. Conducting research on the topic, I have discovered three different perspectives on the use and implications of genetically engineered crops. One perspective, found in the article “Plant Genetics, Sustainable Agriculture and Global Food Security” by Pamela Ronald, states that genetically modified crops are essential to combat the growing population and other stresses on our agriculture industry. Another perspective, offered in the article “Genetically modified abominations?” by Jakub Kwiecinski, defines these crops as “taboo” and argues that they are ultimately morally unacceptable. The last perspective, presented in the article “Genetically Modified Foods and Public Health Debate: Designing Programs to Mitigate Risks” published in Public Administration & Management, acknowledges that there are risks associated with these crops and that more testing and regulation is needed to increase public acceptance. After review, I arrived at the conclusion that genetically modified crops are needed and that more stringent regulation and public awareness is necessary...
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...our lives will be influenced and changed forever because of the technology revolution. Technological advancements come at us so quickly in the United States that we barely have time to absorb and understand the changes before the next changes are upon us. One of the most recent technological advancements is the development of GMO’s, or Genetically Modified Organisms. GMO’s are being used to develop our crops and everyday food, causing many consumers to worry about the effects of GMO’s on our health, environment, and our ecosystem. Questions are being raised as to whether GMO technologies have more negative or positive effects both now and in the future. The use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’S) in our crops is more detrimental than it is beneficial because GMO’s have possible negative environmental and health impacts and the consequences of using GMO’s is unknown and unpredicted. The benefits of using Genetically Modified Organism’s in our crops do not compare with the possible detrimental impacts on our environment and ecosystem, health, and the future of our planet. The use of GMO’s in food production is creating major environmental concerns both to the FDA and consumers. Unknown and unstudied chemicals that are being put into our environment with the GMO’s leave us uncertain about the damage being caused. Chemicals such as herbicides are being used in greater quantities to control weeds creating a possible vicious cycle. As weeds develop resistance, it forces a greater...
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...Genetically Modified Food: How can people ignore its benefits? English 101c-44 12/10/2010 The world population is constantly increasing, while the availability of agricultural land is steadily decreasing. How will the world feed the huge numbers of people with limited resources? Genetically modified (GM) food may be a solution. According to the book written by Eric S. Grace, Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises and Realities, genetically modification is a process that artificially transfers genes between same or different species that can be conventionally bred. GM food grows faster than non-GM food, so it can produce food at a faster rate. GM food is high in nutrients and can control the occurrence of diseases. Pest and disease resistant GM food can preserve the environment by reducing the use of herbicide. But there are some doubts about producing GM crops or livestock. Some experts worry about widespread distribution of GM food because GM food is not proven to be safe, may reduce biodiversity, and create “super weeds.” In spite of those opponents, GM food should become more widespread because it is a solution to world hunger; it has more nutrients than those of regular food; it reduces environmental damage, and it can help control diseases. Since Gregor Mendel’s discovery, certain traits show up in offspring without any blending of parent characteristics. People recognized the possibility of GM organism by selecting genes. According to the book, Plant Biotechnology: the...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Technology, Society, and Culture Table of Contents Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Page 3 Moral and Ethical Aspect of GMO by Ronald Claude Page 7 Cultural and Legal Aspect of GMO by Evangelina Ramirez Page 14 Environmental Issues of GMO by Donovan Collins Page 23 References Page 32 Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Description of GMOs and the associated science Most of the populations that do shopping in the groceries to buy food for their family are not aware of the “naturalness” of the food. Groceries sell items such as; cotton seeds, rice, soy, sugar beets, yeast, cassava, papaya, bananas, food flavoring, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, squash, oils, beef, pork, chicken, salmon, peas, alfalfa, and honey. Notice that most of the items listed either came from a plant or an animal. Those are the top 20 grocery items that have been genetically modified. What are genetically modified organisms? A genetically modified organism is any living thing that has had their DNA tampered with. This can be mutating, removing, or adding genetic material into the organism. All of the items listed in paragraph one has had their DNA tampered with. Most times when people talk about genetically modified organisms, they mostly refer to plants that are genetically modified. You may be wondering how the animals listed are considered genetically modified. This is because scientists modify the plants that are being...
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...Bioengineering Joseph Merritt Instructor Mr. Ott Capella University June 20, 2016 After conducting my research on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), I came across Papayas which is a fruit grown in many tropical countries however, papaya cultivation is being threatened by Papaya Ringspot-Virus, a disease that is sharply lowering yields. In the late 1980s, the University of Hawaii began developing a papaya cultivar resistant to Papaya Ringspot Virus. To do this, certain viral genes encoding capsid proteins were transferred to the papaya genome. These viral capsid proteins elicit something similar to an "immune response" from the papaya plant. These new, genetically modified papaya plants are no longer susceptible to infection; allowing farmers to cultivate the fruit even when the virus is widespread.Independent laboratory testing results released today reveal widespread contamination from the world's first commercially planted genetically engineered tree, the papaya, on Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. Contamination was also found in the stock of non-genetically engineered seeds being sold commercially by the University of Hawaii. The first virus resistant papayas were commercially grown in Hawaii in 1999. Transgenic papayas now cover about one thousand hectares, or three quarters of the total Hawaiian papaya crop.Genetically modified papayas are approved for consumption both in the US and in Canada. Several Asian countries are currently developing transgenic papaya...
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...The Cure or the Disease? Genetically Speaking: The Cure or the Disease? World Hunger today or world hunger tomorrow is the question that faces us today. We have to understand the problem we are facing. As the human population approaches the 7 billion mark and still continues to grow at an exponential rate, agricultural experts asked whether the world can continue to produce enough food for everyone. . . . people in many developing countries such as China and India are becoming wealthier and are eating a richer diet, including more meat, which requires more cropland to produce.( Turk, J., & Bensel, T. 2011) We cannot simply do nothing. We have to find new and better ways to produce food. We cannot just search for short term benefit and not research what the future may bring. Genetically engineered food could give people enough food to eat but does come at too high a cost. Genetic Engineering of Food is not the way to cure world hunger but it is a way to stop or slow the growth of hunger. The question must be answered on several different levels. We see that the yeilds of the genetically engineered food is higher but at what cost. The cost of feeding people today could mean starving people tomorrow or worse contaminating them. Genetically engineered food yeild more crops but we must examine how it is done. The plant crops are resistant to insects. Through gentic means these crops are either unappealing to insects or at worse poison to them. Making...
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...ornamental fish industry became global more than half a century ago; therefore, a new and uprising company named Yorktown Technologies was developed and founded in 2001 by Alan Blake. Yorktown Technologies was one of its kinds to genetically modify a fish called a GloFish, which actually glows in the dark. What exactly is a GloFish? It is a Zebra fish that has been genetically modified with fluorescent colors that make them glow, thus creating the name GloFish. With an emphasis on distribution strategies, this case study will emphasize on Yorktown Technologies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Problem Identification Yorktown Technologies is current facing challenges within their financial success due to their distribution strategies; therefore, they are searching for way to make improvements so that this will no longer hinder profitability. The reason behind the distribution strategies having difficulties are because there are environmental groups that feel that genetically modifying fish will create ecological ramifications. Consequently, this has lead the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to work with legislators to either ban possession and/or transportation or both of any somewhat genetically engineered organisms, including the GloFish (Allen, 2012). What these environmentalists failed to research is that Yorktown Technologies had already taken the necessary precautions with dozens of international scientists to ensure that the...
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...(DesJardins, 2013). Genetically modified organisms are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially changed in a laboratory through genetic engineering ("Non-Gmo Project", 2015). In recent news, there has been controversy over the use of GMOs. Since the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Flavr Savr tomato for sale on grocery store shelves in 1994, more GMOs has since came on the market (GMOinside, n.d.). Does GMOs have inherent value? INHERENT VALUE Inherent value is a quality attributes to every creature that has a life that matters to it (Regan, 2004). According to DesJardins (2013), inherent value is to have value in and of oneself. Objects with inherent value are ends in themselves, not merely means to some other end (DesJardins, 2013). CONTROVERSY REGARDING GMOs There are two main problems that concern GMOs. GMOs have no boundaries and do not have labels. Once a genetically modified organism is planted they are in risk of contaminating any regular crops planted nearby (The Non-GMO Report, 2005). A survey reports that in the Midwest, where there are millions of acres of GM corn and soybean crops, up to 80% of organic farmers reported direct costs or damages resulting from genetic trespass (The Non-GMO Report, 2005). Unlike the organic food, there is not a GMO-free label on food products. In fact, products are not required by law to state whether or not they contain GMOs. In a world where 92% of the soybean crop is genetically modified and...
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... The discussion about genetically modified organisms (GMO) is enormous and intense. GMOs do not require any scientific testing on humans to examine the safety, but society is told that these GOMs are safe for consumptions. Other countries have various beliefs. The main drawback is the excessive use of herbicides. Often, weeds can become resistant the GMOs, and more powerful chemicals may be required. Furthermore, weeds that cannot be controlled through current measures could create a problem in the future. Major issues arise when arguing against the use of GMO crops and the potential for environmental damage and human well-being. Should the United States Government be more actively involved with reforming federal laws requiring Biotech companies to scientifically test its products and label them accordingly? Genetically Modified Food is the method by which genes segment are altered and transferred artificially from one organism to another. Genes, which are constructed of DNA, contain the order to which cells generate certain proteins; these proteins in turn form the foundation for maximum purpose of a cell. Therefore, it is central to understand what GMOs are. GMOs are well-defined organisms whose DNA has been altered in a non-natural technique. GMO plants are typically changed to be resistant to insect, virus and herbicides. “Many people continue to question its adequacy especially as we enter the era of second generation of genetically modified organisms where plants...
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...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 today. In fact, knowledge concerning genetically modified (GM) foods remains low. In 2001, 44% had heard something about GM foods; in 2003, that number dropped to 34% (“Pew Initiative”). Even for those who do wonder if the food they eat contains genetically modified organisms...
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...Genetically Modified Foods June 4, 2012 SCI 220 Although not widely publicized, genetically modified foods have been in our food supply for decades. Genetically modified foods are engineered to benefit and protect the food supply by providing an abundant supply of crops that may repel insects without the need for pesticides and less expensive crops that maintain freshness for longer. There are also disadvantages in using genetically modified foods because the genetically modified version of the food may differ from the original food, losing its nutritional value or creating an allergen. The continuous study and regulation of genetically modified foods will protect the food supply and the people who consume it. Since the onslaught of pesticide use and environmental concerns, genetically modified foods have made its way into grocery stores and supermarkets. The “Bionet” (n.d.) website states, “Genetically modified food products are plants that have had their genetic characteristics altered. Scientists change the plants' characteristics by putting new genetic material into them, genes for example from a bacterium which can withstand pesticides.” Without knowing, Americans consume GM foods daily. Most people are unaware of the modifications in their food because the United States, unlike Australia, does not require a GM food label to identify whether or not the food is modified or not (Berry, 2012). According to Berry (2012), “Determining...
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...requirements in Chemistry 11 under Ms. Mary Vanessa C. Nartia Prince Edward Island and the Philippines Pollution of rivers, streams, and lakes contaminate ground and surface waters, thus exposing the population to environmentally-related diseases. The relationship between polluted water and disease has now been firmly established and accepted. According to the World Bank, just under a third, or 31 percent of illnesses in the country, monitored for a five-year period were caused by water-borne pathogens. In the agriculture sector, application of agrochemicals (i.e. fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides) remains a common practice among farmers in rural areas. Intensive use of agrochemicals has been known to create and result to both environmental problems and diseases. The hazards accompanying this practice, especially those associated with persistent organic pollutants or POPs have been known for years and the knowledge of the extent of harm they cause has increased. According to a study by Dr. N. Maramba (1996), most farmers may be aware that pesticides are hazardous but there is a lack of awareness of exposure risks. Pesticide handlers are the ones most heavily exposed. In addition, exposure of households in farming communities may occur due to spray drift from nearby fields. This exposure is further enhanced by farmers’ practice of washing their sprayers near, or in, irrigation canals, which may then become part of agricultural runoff. They also use this water source for...
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...Today, anyone can go to the grocery store and purchase fruits and vegetables that have been genetically modified. As a matter of fact, most of us do it unknowingly all the time. But, what exactly are genetically modified foods and what sets it apart from traditional breeding? The biotech industry and our departments of agriculture claim that genetic engineering is a natural extension of traditional breeding. However, traditional agriculture methods, such as cross-pollination or selective breeding, are based on natural reproductive mechanisms. These traditional methods will cross only one kind of plant or animal with a similar species. To be specific, genetic engineering crosses the coded DNA barrier and utilizes very powerful (and unnatural) laboratory techniques for transferring genetic material directly between plants and 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...
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