...What are genetically modified foods and organisms? “Genetically modified food or genetically modified organisms is commonly used to refer to crops and plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques” (Whitman (2000). The modified plants and organisms have been modified in laboratories to enhance the desired traits. Some enhanced traits might be to improve nutritional content or make plants resistant to herbicides. In order for these traits to be enhanced scientists breed the desired traits. Genetically modified foods have had foreign genes from other plants or animals inserted into their genetic codes (Heit (2012) 2nd slide- What are genetically modified foods and organisms? For scientists to achieve the desired traits for genetically modify organisms they us selective breeding. Selective breeding is where over time selected plants, animals, and microorganisms are bred to produce the desired traits, but the genetic modification allows scientists to speed this process up by moving desired genes from one organism to another (Heit (2012). The organisms that are selected for the genetic modification are organisms that exhibit a variety of different traits and then these organisms are bred The most common genetically modified organisms are plants. 3rd slide- Genetically Modified Food and Organism Benefits Genetically modified foods and organisms were created to provide the same nutrition and the genetically modified...
Words: 685 - Pages: 3
...Genetically Modified Animals SCI 115 Professor Li November 29, 2014 Biological Basis: A genetically engineered animal is an animal that carries a known sequence of DNA fragments that have been joined together in a laboratory. This process involves removing genes from the DNA of one species and inserting it into the genes of an unrelated animal. “The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans.” Retrieved November 27, 2014 from, http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-education. Transgenic refers to those specific genetic engineering processes that remove genetic material from one species of animal and add it to a different species. Due to the high similarity in genetic sequences for proteins among species, transgenic organisms are able to effectively assimilate and express these trans-genes. These genetically engineered animals are also known as “transgenic” animals. This process may be called Genetic Engineering or Genetic Modification; they are one in the same. Genetic engineering enables animals to produce useful proteins and are being produced to assist with human medicine such as biopharmaceutical products. Some of these include, antibodies that can be used for the treatment of infections, cancer, organ transplant rejections, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Gene technology has only been possible since the 1960’s due to the greater understanding of DNA and how it functions following the discovery...
Words: 1049 - Pages: 5
...GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS INTRODUCTION These are crops whose genetic composition has been artificially manipulated. It is done through inserting DNA into a species that has been extracted from another one. Advancements in the biotechnology in cell and molecular biology make it possible. Involves growing of plants in less than favourable climatic and geographic conditions than required. Development of the tissue culture technique that enables the cells to regenerate to the whole plant is also another method. Venturing in this type of agriculture is to produce crops that tolerate different factors like herbicides. Specific herbicides will be sprayed, and weeds killed sparing the cops. Insect tolerant plants through gene coding toxins ensure plants are tolerant to worms and insects that destroy them. Cotton worms and Colorado potato beetles are an example of these. These plants were introduced with a view to improving the quality and nutrition of the produce of the farmers. They process of production has significantly been modified reducing the cost and wastages enabling a bigger yield. The fruiting characteristics also improved extensively to higher levels than when using traditional crossbreeding methods. These crops are mostly grown in greenhouses and, therefore, can be grown throughout all seasons enabling continued production. Consumers can be supplied with them throughout the year hence an efficient method of production. Some of the crops that are produced...
Words: 2276 - Pages: 10
...International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition Awareness of GM foods between Saudi Arabians and Irish people: A comparative study Name Institution Awareness of GM foods between Saudi Arabians and Irish people: A comparative study Abstract Aspects related to GMO food have raised controversial arguments with numerous researches being based on this issue. Awareness has been one of the crucial elements associated with GMO food use. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of awareness of GMO food in Saudi Arabia and Ireland. The study combined a descriptive and review research designs with both qualitative and quantitative elements. Descriptive data analysis was done. Moreover, a SurveyMonkey was also used. A survey was conducted using a 15-questined questionnaire in a sample of 200, 100 respondents from either of the countries. The study revealed that only 2% and 8% of the respondents had adequate knowledge in GMO food in Saudi Arabia and Ireland respectively. The study also revealed that 61% and 57% of the respondents consumed GMO food in Saudi Arabia and Ireland respectively. Moreover, it was discovered that the media played a crucial role in creating awareness of GMO food. Analysis of the results revealed that awareness of GMO food in Saudi Arabia and Ireland was low. The difference in the level of awareness in either of the countries was not significant. Moreover, media was shown to influence awareness of GMO food in both countries highly. Introduction Genetic...
Words: 2023 - Pages: 9
...provided, and write an academic essay in which you discuss the effects of genetically modified food on South Africans and the economy Name of lecturer : Ms Lutasha Ndesi Name of tutor : Gaynor Godlo Due Date : 6 May 2015 | Marking Criteria | Mark Allocation | Mark Achieved | 1 | Presentation | 2 | | 2 | Introduction and Conclusion | 5 | | 3 | Structure ( Paragraph development: Topic, Supporting and Concluding sentences) | 8 | | 4 | Language | 20 | | 5 | Content | 50 | | 6 | Quotations | 10 | | 7 | Reference List | 5 | | | Total Mark | 100 | | Declaration 1. I know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is to use another’s work and pretend it is one’s own work. 2. Each contribution to, and quotation in this work that I have taken from the work of other people has been attributed and has been cited and referenced. 3. This submission is my own work. 4. I have not allowed, and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as their own work. Signed: …………………………………………… Date: 6 May 2015 1. Introduction Genetically modified food is a widespread problem all over the world. Many years genetically modified foods have been used to help overcome poverty. Although genetically modified foods are inexpensive,...
Words: 2349 - Pages: 10
...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...
Words: 1437 - Pages: 6
...also need to review your own citations and references since WritePoint capability in this area is limited. NOTE: WritePoint comments are computer-generated writing and grammar suggestions inviting the consideration and analysis of the writer; they are not infallible statements of right/wrong, and they should not be used as grading elements. Also, at present, WritePoint cannot detect quotations or block-quotes, so comments in those areas should be ignored. Please see the other helpful writing resources in the Tutorials and Guides section of the Center for Writing Excellence. Thank you for using WritePoint. Pros & Cons of Gmos Throughout history, scientific research and the exploration of new technologies always have been areas of extreme controversy and heated debate. This is attributed that they touch upon and affect many aspects of people’s lives, not to mention their direct interference with political, social, and religious matters. One of the latest and most ferociously debated technologies the scientific community has offered humanity, is the technology of Genetically Modified Organisms and in particular genetically modified foods. A Genetically Modified food is crop plant modified in a laboratory using molecular biology techniques - the goal of producing an organism with specific traits for various reasons. Therefore only logical, given its nature...
Words: 1028 - Pages: 5
...‘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...
Words: 4659 - Pages: 19
...which an individual genome is purposely modified. With genetic engineering a gene from one species can be transferred to another and produce an organism that is transgenic or a gene can be altered and reinserted into an individual of the same species. Either way resulting in genetically modified organism also known as GMO. One GMO being used now is genetically modified or engineered animals which are animals in which modern technology and molecular biology are used to alter their existing characteristics or traits. Genetically modified animals are used for various purposes the biggest one now is bio pharma meaning they are intended to produce substances that can be used for human or animal pharmaceuticals. There is also a development of genetically modified animals for the use of scarce cells, tissue, or organs for transplants into humans known as xenotransplantation such as organs from pigs who are a potential source of organs for transplant. The benefits genetically modified animals can produce depend entirely on the traits that are introduced, for example some animals can be made to grow faster and therefore requiring less food to sustain them other animals have improved fat composition providing a more healthful nutrient profile. As of now no genetic modified animal has been approved to be raised for food use in the U.S.A mostly genetically engineered animals are used for medical applications and medical research purposes. Social and ethical implications- The animal’s...
Words: 748 - Pages: 3
...Genetically Modified Organisms Table of Contents Abstract 3 Introduction 4 Connection to Technology and Science 4 Definition of Technology 4 Historical Developments of Technology 5 Political and Legal Influences 6 Economic Questions and Considerations 7 Psychological Considerations and Sociological Effects 9 Cultural Context and Media Influence 11 Environmental Implications 20 Moral and Ethical Implications 20 Conclusions 21 References 22 Appendices 0 Abstract This report is about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), It will explain what the technology is, how it developed from the observation of pea plants by a humble gardener at a monastery in Czechoslovakia in the middle of the 19th century to become the science of genetic engineering. The report will examine the influences the technology of GMOs has had on the political and legal systems where they have been introduced and how those political and legal systems are trying to reach some agreement on how to best use this technology. The report discusses the economic questions and implications, the psychological considerations, sociological effects, and the environmental, moral and ethical implications of genetically modified organisms. This report will also explain how the media has influenced the acceptance of some GMOs and the rejection of other and examine this technology and its cultural context. Connection to Technology and Science The emerging science/...
Words: 4460 - Pages: 18
...Genetically Modified Organisms There is nothing more valuable than a person’s health. It is a topic of many conversations, and the very thing that can prohibit or allow a person to live a full life. Imagine if all of the stigmas put on America’s ideas of what health foods are were completely false. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains for example are staple items classified as “healthy” in today’s society. Personally, there have many times when choosing a sala over a greasy hamburger has given a feeling of accomplishment that a healthier choice was made. The fact is that unbeknownst to most of the population that salad contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and in hindsight, may not have been the healthy choice. The US government should have to require all food producers to correctly label all products that contain GMOs to inform the public what they are truly choosing to eat. There has been an unquestioned sense of security that the government and food and drug administration (FDA) are looking out for our best interests, until now. The wool has been over the eyes of many consumers and slowly the truths are being uncovered as to what GMOs are doing to the health of many unaware Americans. Genetically modified organisms, in the most elementary form, are foods that have had specific changes in their DNA to alter the growth patterns and resistance to pathogens. The combination of two (or more) totally unrelated species is against natural scientific theory. ...
Words: 1713 - Pages: 7
...An investigation of current attitudes by publics to Genetically Modified Food in UK Introduction 1. Background 2. Main ideas a. There are obvious differences in the relative importance of the factors affecting the attitude towards GM food among different countries. For example: In Greece only cognitive factors seem to be important, while in Germany other factors have to be taken into consideration as well. The most important factor here is age followed by gender and knowledge. b. Both Socio-demographic factors such as gender, age and Cognitive factors such as knowledge, trust and perceived benefits and risks could impact people’s attitudes to GM food. 3. The most important literature overall that you have read Main body Section A (including 1 paragraph) General attitudes 1. 2. 3. Section B (including 1 paragraph) Socio-demographic status such as gender, age 1. Gloede, Bechmann and Hennen (1993) The overall attitude towards genetic engineering is determined by socio-demographic factors such as age and education. 2. Miller (1997), pp. 54 Gender and science knowledge of science are the main factors influencing attitudes towards genetics. According to his results, based on US data, women reject GM of food more than men. 3. Hamstra (1995) She examined product and consumer characteristics as determinants of consumer acceptance and found that demographic factors had only little explanatory power, whereas the subjective perceptions of product characteristics...
Words: 1044 - Pages: 5
...Genetically Modified Organisms Group B: Erica Grigg, Kaneka Jackson, Gene Kim, Kathryn Lynn Content Introduction/Description (Kathryn Lynn)………………………….………...………… 2 Historical Development (Kathryn Lynn)….….……….………….….…….…………… 4 Political/Legal Influences (Kaneka Jackson)………………….….……..…….……….. 11 Economic Questions (Erica Grigg)…….…….……..….….….….…..…..…..…….……15 Psychological Considerations (Erica Grigg)…………………….…………………....... 19 Cultural/Media Influence (Kaneka Jackson)………………………….…..…………….. 24 Environmental Implications (Gene Kim)……..….….…..….….……….……………..... Moral/Ethical Implications (Gene Kim)………………..….…….….…….………....... References…..….…..…….…….…….…….…..…….……..…..….…..…….…….…. Introduction The world is forever changing. New technologies are being introduced and discovered as generations grow and the need for basic food items 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...
Words: 12380 - Pages: 50
... | |References |16 | CASE ANALYSIS: MOSANTO BALANCES WORLDWIDE STAKEHOLDER CONCERN. Monsanto company is a multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation which is based in U.S as a headquarter. It is the leading producer of the herbicide glyphosate around the world. The corporation was founded in 1901 by John Francis Queeny, and headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri. It operates in agricultural biotechnology products such as Herbicides, pesticides; crop seeds. The company previously involved chemicals and later switched its business to biotechnological foods. The revenue of the company in 2008 was $11.365 billion where net income from this revenue was $2.024 billion and these earnings ware generated by 21,700...
Words: 2708 - Pages: 11
...Genetically Modified Foods Nestle was criticized for using genetically modified (GM)[1] ingredients in its food products, and was accused of dumping products rejected in Europe in developing Asian countries where the laws on GM products were either absent or less stringent. For Kant , the company’s decision makers would have to be willing to advocate marketing the product even if they were themselves in the position of uniformed consumers. Therefore, providing unsafe products standard and ill-informed consumers by Nestle is absolutely wrong. According to utilitarianism, ethical action is evaluated by looking at its consequences, weighing the good effects against the bad effects on all the people affect by it (Shaw & Barry, 2004). Most developing countries laced basic drinking water facilities. A very high water price was charged by Nestle limiting a number of people to buy it. Nestlé’s action produces the worse for the greatest number of South Asian because people could not afford for water which is basic human needs and is sporadic and contaminated in south Asiacountries. Unethical marketing of infant formula and GM foods in developing countries are example of doing harm knowingly and willingly and of benefiting from the lack of legal restraints to the detriment of the eventual consumers. If business follow Kant ’s rule, it will provide a quality and safe product to its entire market. In Ivory Coast, Children worked in hazardous conditions using machetes and spraying...
Words: 542 - Pages: 3
