...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 genes from the...
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...Genetically Modified Animals Animals with special characteristics and traits have been cross breed through sexual reproduction for many years, but with the increasing of technology, scientists can now create animals directly from gene modification. Genetic modification is described as the science used to change the characteristics of an organism genetic component and manipulate the deoxyribonucleic acid structures using technology. “Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is nucleic acid that carries hereditary information about traits of an organism and carries the instructions for all the characteristics that organism inherits, it consist of two chain of nucleotides twisted into a double helix” (Starr, C., Evers, C. A., Starr, L. 2013). Genetically modified animals are made from embryonic stem cells carrying two copies of gene one from the male and the other from the female. Scientists cut and join DNA from different sources then transfer it into the organism so it has the modified genes and from that procedure, a new set of genes is created. Manipulating the DNA and transforming certain gene to create a new life is called recombinant DNA (rDNA) technique. Scientists use recombinant DNA technique to modify the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell which carries genetic instructions from one organism to another and to improve specific characteristics of an animal or to introduce a new trait that is resistant to diseases and may enhance the growth of animals. In addition, the changes introduced...
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...Why GMO’s are Beneficial Are genetically engineered/modified organisms dangerous, neutral, or beneficial to human health? Genetically Modified Organisms have been used for thousands of years, dating back to the times where farmers were using techniques such as grafting. Studies have shown that opposition to GMOs are on the rise. Despite the many negative connotations of altering the genetic material of a plant, it has been statistically proven that GMOs have not posed harm to human health (Digging for seeds of truth in GMO debate). Through the utilization of GMOs, humanity has the opportunity to benefit our health through creation of potential vaccines, ability to create a sustainable food source to end human hunger, and the ability to create more nutritious disease and pesticide-free foods. GMOs have been very helpful in creating vaccines for many diseases. For example, during the 1980s, humanity was blessed with the first genetically engineered vaccine to fight STDs. Benjamin Hall of University of Wisconsin and then-postdoctoral researcher Gustav Ammerer fused a gene-controlling antigen that fought HIV and Hepatitis into yeast cells. With this biotechnology, they were able to create one of the first vaccines to fight Sexually Transmitted Diseases (A Triumph of Biotechnology). This has proven highly important, because without the use of such technology, this life-changing vaccine would not have been created. In another case, INB Biotechnologies of Philadelphia created...
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...Gene Therapy: Genetically Modified Crop Plants Coward Introduction to Biology - SCI 115 Professor Johnson March 4, 2014 Genetically modified organisms have become a standard rather than an exception in America. Since their introduction in the 1990’s, genetically modified (GM) products have conquered agriculture in the United States and hold a large share of the food on American’s plates. (Dupont) Everyone has been exposed to it whether they know it or not. According to the US Department of agriculture by 2012, 88 percent of corn and 94 percent of soy grown in the United States were genetically modified. The purpose of this essay is to explain what genetically modified crop plants are, to discuss the social and ethical implications and to provide my personal view point. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are defined as organisms whose genome has been modified as genetic engineering. Transferring a gene from one species to another to provide an organism that is transgenic or a gene that may be altered and reinserted into an individual of the same species are the results of a genetically modified organism. Genes can be introduced into plant cells by way of electric or chemical shocks, by blasting them. The most common GMOs are bacteria and yeast, which have been modified to produce medically important proteins which has benefitted people with diabetes. (Starr, Evers, & Starr, 2013) GMOs or GM is used to refer to crop...
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...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,...
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...The Controversy of Genetically Modified Organisms Genetic engineering is an asset to mankind and scientific technology that continues to be unabated to the present. Genetic engineering is the process of putting additional DNA in an organism for a specific purpose. This is done by physically removing a gene from one organism and inserting it into another, giving it the ability to express the trait encoded by that gene (Goldbas). The first successful genetically modified organism was completed by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer in 1973. Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer developed recombinant DNA technology that revealed genetically engineered DNA molecules can be cloned in foreign cells. Their experiment displayed that the gene for frog ribosomal...
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...Many of the food that sits on store shelves has ingredients that has been genetically modified. An example of this food product is chicken. Some argue that GMO chickens are healthier and have higher production in the country, but there's obviously many health dangers to eating genetically modified chickens and chickens that are fed with GMO ingredients. Genetically modified chicken has a negative effect on society consumption due to the chemicals being forced into these organisms. This causes the chickens to enhance their appearance to be deprived from a healthy life and risk the lives of those who consume then. One of the dangers of genetically modified chickens is the hormones that are pumped into them in order to make them plumper and bigger and grow at a more faster rate. They are tube-fed a lot of different of antibiotics and growth hormones in large doses, which causes health problems. According to PETA, The average breast of an 8-week-old chicken is seven times heavier today than it was 25 years ago. (“The Chicken Industry." 2014.) The exceeding gain in weight...
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...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...
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...dangerous pathogens. (Krupke) The infamous Corn Bearer is finally thwarted in the year 1996 with the introduction of the Bt Corn plant. Bt Corn is a genetically modified organism, or GMO. It contains the Bt toxin from the organism Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural insecticide that breaks down the stomach walls of pests such as the European Corn...
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...Genetically Engineered Foods Regina Summers SCI 207: Dependence of Man on the Environment Instructor Apuzzo February 6, 2012 Genetically Engineered Foods In today’s society and towards our future there is a controversial statement that genetically engineered food may be the solution to feed the hungry in the world. Supporters believe that genetic engineered food will ensure and sustain food security all over the world as our population continues to grow. On the other hand there are concerns about the genetically engineered food. There are many researchers that believe that engineered food is not the solution to feed the hungry. In this paper we will discuss the pros and cons about having genetically engineered foods, is it safe and an even bigger question do we need genetically engineered food? Before weighing the pros and cons of genetically engineered food, people of today’s society need to know what it is. Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change DNA of living organisms. Scientists have learned and tested that there are ways of changing the structure of DNA in an organisms and customize its DNA. Genetically engineered food is commonly used in crop plants which in turn are used for feeding humans or animals. These engineered plants have been modified to resist herbicides or to improve their nutritional content. Millions of people all over the planet suffer from poverty and starvation. One very interesting but experimental...
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...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 technology will bring about a new age of more nutritious foods. However, further...
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...Nagle SCI 362 Environmental Issues and Ethics Juliet Knowles December 23, 2013 Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are mankind’s solution to how the world supplies food. The effects are controversial, to all species. This paper will discuss inherent value, GMO’s the controversy, and insight into the difference between natural and GMO’s life, and how they are different. Inherent Value is the value that an entity has on itself, for what it is, or as an end. Many people value what they consume, some might say genetically modified organisms have made it harder for mankind to cure itself form deceases, as repercussion are unknown. GMO’s have been an ongoing debate for decades. While farmers fight to keep going they have been given an option to plant genetically modified seeds that might grow longer and more ample crops. World hunger and the pressure to produce a more ample harvest can not only cost farmers more, but can lead to lawsuits and accusations of mistrust between the producer of these seeds and the consumers. In 1986 genetically engineered tomatoes reduced many of the normal methods of preparation needed in preparing the growth of crops and made the tomatoes more resilient to many herbicides. The Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency did not seem too concerned over this new innovative technology. Eventually Bacillus thuringiensis was used in plants, an insect killer. This prevented farmers from having to spray their crops...
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...for GMO’s is (“genetically modified organisms”) “are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering.” That doesn’t sound like anything to being arguing over but when you dig deeper into how that affects common consumers of food like me and you. It gets quite shaded and unclear on what side you should be on for or against Genetically Modified Organisms! I haven't decided on what exact side I am on yet for or against GMO’s. When researching I found that it was a lot easier to find negatives that positives. But I don't personally think that is because there is more negatives. I think its because of how some people have been fed the information that will start up the most controversy by the media reporting on this topic. Also I think at there is a lot of unknowns with it comes to GMO’s a lot of statistics used isn't conclusive scientific link to these foods. Some of the positives that I found were “Seeds are genetically changed for multiple reasons, which include improving resistance to insects and generating healthier crops, according to Healthline.com. This can lower risk of crop failure, and make crops better resistant to extreme weather.” also “Engineering can also eliminate seeds and produce a longer shelf life, which allows for the "safe transport to people in countries without access to nutrition-rich foods.” (www.newsmax.com) these all seem like good reasons to develop these foods to me. Now...
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...Food Safety should be more closely monitored for Wellbeing of Public Health in Australia Name Institutional Affiliation Food Safety should be more closely monitored for Wellbeing of Public Health in Australia The rising cases of food scandals in the recent past have put the topic of food safety in the limelight. Additionally, food scandals have made food safety a contentious issue that warrants special attention. Some of the food scandals in the recent past in Australia include the horsemeat scandal, the food labeling scandal, and the wheat scandal. Consequent to these scandals, the Australian government has enacted laws that govern the production and sale of foodstuffs. These laws establish guidelines’ regarding handling of food before it reaches the hands of the consumers. Food safety should be carefully monitored to prevent health, economic, and environmental risks. This essay discusses reasons for monitoring food safety closely for the well-being of public health to Australians. Food safety monitoring should encompass the effects of genetically modified foods, microbiological surveillance, and chemical contents of foodstuffs. Furthermore, it should include nutrition and labeling monitoring. Genetically modified foods Australia hit the headlines for becoming the first nation to test genetically modified wheat on its people. Although genetically modified foods are viewed as scientific innovations, they pose health risks to the public. Failure to monitor genetically...
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...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 consumption using...
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