...http://cls.casa.colostate.edu/transgeniccrops/what.html What Are Transgenic Plants? A transgenic crop plant contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of the plant acquiring them through pollination. The inserted gene sequence (known 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...
Words: 11690 - Pages: 47
...plants and animals for many years using traditional breeding techniques; this is an artificial selection that organisms that exhibits specific traits are chosen to breed. In recent decades, however, advances in the field of genetic engineering have allowed for precise control over the genetic changes introduced into an organism. (Theresa Phillips, 2008)Today, we can incorporate new genes from one species into a completely unrelated species through genetic engineering, optimizing agricultural performance or facilitating the production of valuable pharmaceutical substances. Some examples of genetically modified organisms are plants, animals and bacteria. Genetically modified organisms are all organism that has had a gene from one organism implanted into another organism in order to improve or change the genetic makeup of that organism. It can also be referred to as transgenic, due to the process being the transfer of genes from one organism to another. Other names also referred to are biotechnology, gene splicing, genetic engineering, or recombinant DNA technology, all of which meant the same thing as genetically modified crops. [ (Enquiries, 2007) ]Transferring genes from one organism to another, to enhance or improve that organism. Genetic Modification is done in a laboratory by extracting the desired genes from the organism and then implanting them into the other organism. When food is genetically modified the scientists use a process to change the crop’s genome makeup. The desired...
Words: 1184 - Pages: 5
...Andres de la Rosa Ms. Stone ENGL 101/M18 31 July 2014 Food of the Future When was the last time that you checked how your food was produced? Are you sure that everything that is offered in supermarkets won’t harm your health? Food Industries can do terrible things to generate profit. For example, advertising junk food, causing health issues, and raising food prices. However, the most atrocious thing that foods industries are doing today is the implementation of genetically modified organism in agriculture. According to Behrokh Maghari and Ali M. Ardekani in their article titled “Genetically Modified Food and Social concerns” which was published in 2011 in the Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology, “Genetically modified organisms are being made by inserting a gene from an external source such as viruses, bacteria, animals or plants into usually unrelated species. Genetically modified food (GMF) means any food containing or derived from a genetically engineered organism” (119). Nowadays, genetically modified food can be founded everywhere in supermarkets, restaurants, and grocery stores (Guthrie 1). Its production has been a dilemma in our society since the 90s. Many people claim that the production of genetically modified food will cause improvements in our society. In the other hand, many studies have claim that it wont. The goal of this paper is to find out if our society really needs genetically modified food by explaining what are the benefits and consequences...
Words: 2238 - Pages: 9
...crystals Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products, or "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use" (UN Convention on Biological Diversity).[1] Depending on the tools and applications, it often overlaps with the (related) fields of bioengineering and biomedical engineering. For thousands of years, humankind has used biotechnology in agriculture, food production and medicine.[2] The term itself is largely believed to have been coined in 1919 by Hungarian engineer Karl Ereky. In the late 20th and early 21st century, biotechnology has expanded to include new and diverse sciences such as genomics, recombinant gene technologies, applied immunology, and development of pharmaceutical therapies and diagnostic tests.[3] Definitions of biotechnology The concept of 'biotech' or 'biotechnology' encompasses a wide range of procedures (and history) for modifying living organisms according to human purposes — going back to domestication of animals, cultivation of plants, and "improvements" to these through breeding programs that employ artificial selection and hybridization. Modern usage also includes genetic engineering as well as cell and tissue culture technologies. Biotechnology is defined by the American Chemical Society as the application of biological organisms, systems, or processes by various industries to learning about...
Words: 6516 - Pages: 27
...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...
Words: 9591 - Pages: 39
...INTRODUCTION Biotechnology is one of the innovative branches of science. Biotechnology has created new revolutions in this era by contributing industries, medical sciences, food technologies and genetics. "Biotechnology is basically defined as the use of living organisms, their parts and their biochemical processes for the creation of beneficial products." Bio-technology has its roots in the distant past and has a large, highly profitable, modern industrial outlets of great value to society for e.g. the fermentation, bio-pharmaceutical and food industries. The main reasons must be associated with the rapid advances in molecular biology, in particular, recombinant DNA technology, which is now giving bio-scientists a remarkable understanding and control over biological processes. Some Technologies used in Biotechnology: 1. Bioprocessing technology * The use of bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells and/or enzymes to manufacture products * Large scale fermentation and cell cultures, carried out in huge bioreactors, manufacture useful products * Products: Insulin, vaccines, vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, etc. 2. Monoclonal antibodies (MCAb) * Definition: Producing antibodies for medicine by cloning a single cell * MCAb are used for Home Pregnancy tests * Used to detect cancer (they bind to tumor cells) * Used to detect diseases in plants and animals and environmental pollutants 3. CELL...
Words: 8297 - Pages: 34
...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 today. In fact, knowledge concerning genetically modified (GM)...
Words: 3833 - Pages: 16
...considerations and sociological effects (Mariella Velasquez) …………. 3 3. The historical development and context of the technology (Wesley Rupe) …………. 13 4. Political and legal influences (Mark Young) (Not Complete) 5. Economic questions and considerations (Jawad Rana)………………………………….…… 21 6. The technology in its cultural context, media influence (Charles Taiwo) (Not Complete) 7. Implications for the environment (Charles Taiwo) (Not Complete) 8. Moral and ethical implications (Layli Stroia) ……………………………………………………..… 30 Outline A brief description of the technology and an explanation of the associated science Definition: What is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering (GE) is the process of manipulation of an organism genome to create a new DNA. The new DNA might be implanted in a totally different DNA species. It is widely used to create hybrids (some species are not able to naturally breed), correct genetic flows in any type of being. It is applied in fields such as agriculture, industrial, medicine and pharmaceutical. (Aldridge, 1996). As Primrose explained, gene manipulation involves the creation and cloning of artificially created DNA (recombinant DNA) that provides with DNA sequences not found in nature. This created DNA is introduced in a host living cell. “…genetic engineering is a 'cut, paste, and copy' operation. The gene...
Words: 8761 - Pages: 36
... * Kraft (exploit legal loopholes to avoid environmental responsibilities and disclosure of environment information in some developed countries) * Monsanto (In 2013, a massive March against Monsanto for the transgenic organisms and damage to the environment around the world) Operation of the organization: * Share the newest technology among the members to solve environmental problems (to attract companies to join the organization) * Regular disclosure of environmental information * Sudden inspection should be conducted irregularly * Punishments and rewards (to stimulate the initiatives of the companies) Recommendation 1: Benefits * Assessments from the independent third party will be more accurate and encourage companies to do better. * Share and discuss the environmental technologies can promote the development of new technologies. * Win-win situation for shareholders from different companies. * There will be a better living environment for host communities. Recommendation 1: Challenges * Lack of experience on establish and operate the organization. Principle 10: Business should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery. Recommendation 2: Strengthen the internal control How corruption occurs: * Purchasing specialist & Suppliers Specialist accepts briberies from the suppliers. * Company & the Government During Vietnam War, Monsanto bribery the local government...
Words: 325 - Pages: 2
...Fedoroff Agric & Food Secur (2015) 4:11 DOI 10.1186/s40066-015-0031-7 Open Access REVIEW Food in a future of 10 billion Nina V Fedoroff* Abstract Over the past two centuries, the human population has grown sevenfold and the experts anticipate the addition of 2–3 billion more during the twenty-first century. In the present overview, I take a historical glance at how humans supported such extraordinary population growth first through the invention of agriculture and more recently through the rapid deployment of scientific and technological advances in agriculture. I then identify future challenges posed by continued population growth and climate warming on a finite planet. I end by discussing both how we can meet such challenges and what stands in the way. Keywords: Population growth, Agriculture, Domestication, Genetic modification, Technology Background Today we have enough food to meet the world’s needs. Indeed, we have an extraordinary global food system that brings food from all over the planet to consumers who can afford to buy it. The food price spike of 2008 and the resurgence of high food prices in recent years have had little impact on the affluent citizens of the developed world who spend a small fraction of their income on food. By contrast, food prices have a profound impact on the world’s poorest people. Many of them spend half or more of their income on food. During the food price crisis of 2008, there were food riots in more than...
Words: 8979 - Pages: 36
...and Truths An evidence-based examination of the claims made for the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops Version 1.3 by Michael Antoniou Claire Robinson John 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...
Words: 78055 - Pages: 313
...technology is upon us. In fact, the United States is so deeply entrenched in technology that 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...
Words: 1565 - Pages: 7
...* DNA technology – Methods for studying and manipulating genetic material, has rapidly revolutionized the field of forensics, the scientific analysis of evidence for legal investigators * Has practical applications beyond its use in forensic science * Include the use of gene cloning in the production of medical and industrial products, the development of genetically modified organisms for agriculture, and even the investigation of genealogical questions * DNA evidence was used to solve a double murder in England * Showed that two murders could have been committed by the same person * Showed the innocence of someone who confessed to one of the murders * Showed the absence of a match in 5,000 men tested when the murderer persuaded another man to donate blood in his name * Showed a match with the murder and DNA found with both victims * Biotechnology: The manipulation of organisms or their components to make useful products * Grew out of discoveries made about 60 years ago by American geneticists Joshua Lederberg and Edward Tatum * Performed a series of experiments with E.coli that demonstrated that two individual bacteria can combine genes * Genetic engineering involves manipulating genes for practical purposes * Gene cloning leads to the production of multiple identical copies of a gene-carrying piece of DNA * Recombinant DNA is formed by joining DNA sequences from two different sources ...
Words: 3278 - Pages: 14
...Genetic Engineering is considered as a dominant and quite dangerous set of tool. It is the process in which the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid which makes up the genes for all living things) is extracted from one organism to put it in another organism’s DNA, therefore it introduces in hereditary traits into the receiver organism (“How Stuff Works”). The nature and characteristics of all living things are determined by special combinations of genes that are carried in their cells, therefore the least changes or alteration can bring a major amount of changes in an organism and its offspring (“How Stuff Works”). Genetic Engineering does not only consist in plants, animal breeding and fertilization of crops it also includes polyploidy (organism which two sets of homologous chromosomes), mutagenesis (process in which the organisms genetic material is changed in sable manner that causes mutation), and cell fusion techniques which does not involve recombinant nucleic acid or genetically modified organism in the process (Wikipedia). Cloning and stem cells also do take a part in Genetic Engineering (Wikipedia). Advances in Genetic Engineering are also playing an important role for agricultural and economic welfare. GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), the prospect of Genetic engineering amongst agricultural brought some benefits like increasing crop yields, reduction cost for food and drug manufacturing, moderates the needs for pesticides, improved the configuration of nutrients...
Words: 1830 - Pages: 8
... Currently, the use of genetically modified food is a subject of enormous global controversy. The main disagreement being, whether or not genetically modified food should be allowed to be a main staple of our diets. Genetic engineering, or as it is also called genetic modification, is the manipulation of an organism's genetic material in a way that does not occur under natural conditions. The most common form of genetic engineering involves the insertion of new genetic material, containing desirable traits, into the genome of a host to induce expression of these traits. The resulting organisms produced by this genetic modification technique are called genetically modified organism (GMOs). Despite common belief genetically modified organisms have been around for decades. The first genetically modified organism was the simple bacterium E. coli in 1973 by Herb Boyer and Stanley Cohen. Their work set in motion a new era of genetic engineering. A year later the first animal was genetically modified. The technology continued to advance exponentially up till 1984 where genetically modified bacteria were commercialized for the production of Insulin. The first commercially grown genetically modified crop was the tomato called Flavr Savr, named for its more resistant nature to rotting. Unknown to most is that genetically modified food has been sold since 1994 and that most supermarket processed food items now test positive for the presence of genetically modified ingredients...
Words: 1495 - Pages: 6
