...enzymes (“Genetic Engineering”). Those that are genetically manipulated are known to be GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). Scientists first started by genetically modifying bacteria (“Genetic Engineering”), and as technology and research advanced, so did genetic engineering. Scientists can now genetically modify several organisms, including plants and food. One of the most common types of genetically modified organisms are animals. This is called Animal Biotechnology, which includes the cloning and genetic engineering of animals (“Ethical Implications of Animal Biotechnology”). Animal Biotechnology continues to be a controversial topic. Although many issues are debated, genetic modification of animals is ethical since they help save human lives, are good models for research, and aid with agriculture....
Words: 585 - Pages: 3
...A genetically modified organism, commonly referred to as a GMO, is an organism whose genetic makeup has been altered using genetic engineering. The general reason that GMOs were created was to attempt to get an organism to display new/different traits. Other reasons include modifications to keep pests and diseases away from the plant, modifications to improve the plant's ability to live in a certain area, as well as modifying an animal, such as chickens, so that they have more meat than they would normally have. These are just a few of many different reasons. One thing that most, if not all, of the reasons for GMOs are for the betterment of the organism as well as the human race. There are several differences between the traditional method with which artificial...
Words: 1080 - Pages: 5
...your tomato soup, think again. Unfortunately, in that bowl of Campbell’s condensed tomato soup is high fructose corn syrup – one of the top GMOs being used today in food products in the United States. According to the Non-GMO Project, a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building the non-GMO food supply as well as educating consumers, nearly 88% of all corn planted in the United States is GMO. So what exactly is a GMO? A GMO, or genetically modified organism, takes place in the laboratory. It is a process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. “Genetic modification” could never occur in nature; however, two GM traits – herbicide resistance and pesticide production – are now commonplace in American agriculture....
Words: 406 - Pages: 2
...Laura Larkin Mrs. Kirby C English 205 6 December 2017 “Say No to GMO’s” Rough Draft 70% of food in an Average American’s diet consists of processed foods and 75% of those processed foods are genetically modified. According to the World Health Organization, genetically modified organisms are “plants, animals, or microorganisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination”. Scientists are creating food in labs to satisfy the growing demand for food around the world and to please powerful corporate food companies. In the United States, “the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale” (Non-GMO project). Genetically modified foods are not...
Words: 440 - Pages: 2
...before: ‘Be it resolved that Genetically Modified Organisms should be banned”. Rebuttal: If I recall correctly, my opponent has stated that GMOs would reduce the use of herbicides. I argue that GMOs can pass their herbicide-resistant genes onto other species such as weeds. This would potentially result in “superweeds” that are becoming more immune to genetically modified crops which would result in farmers having to use more herbicides. To back this up, a study released by Food & Water Watch finds the quick adoption of genetically engineered crops by farmers has increased herbicide use over the past 9 years in the U.S. Summary: As my colleague Tianna has mentioned, GMO’s should be banned because there is a lack of research about the...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...July 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...
Words: 542 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 880 - Pages: 4
...Genetically Modified Foods; Choosing Organic Choose the Best Christina Fucci COMM/215 August 18, 2014 Linda Boyer Abstract This composition is written to explain the harm in consuming biotech foods. Genetically modified food are a growing production to meet the needs of a vastly growing population in the United States. How the country in genetically modifying foods is discussed along with the advantages and disadvantages these types of foods provide for the consumer. As the author of this composition I want you, the reader, to understand you have a choice; organic (natural foods) or genetically modified foods, what will you consume? After reading this document, you will think twice before consuming food containing ingredients that are not familiar to you. Genetically Modified Foods; Choosing Organic Choose the Best Farmers are the main source of food production within the US, as the country’s population begins to grow; a concern arises. Will the farmers be able to produce enough food to feed all the mouths? According to Monsanto (producer of genetically modified seeds) and biotech food scientists’ the answer is no. As scientist research and move genes from one organism to another, they develop GMOs. The resulted product, GMO seed, are being introduced to farmers as a crop enhancer and pesticide to accommodate the rapidly growing countries need for a larger food supply. Modern genetic engineering is the ability to identify and splice genes from one kind of organism into...
Words: 1090 - Pages: 5
...GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS _____________________ A Position Paper Presented to Mr. Jesse R. Songcayawon, Ph. D. History Department Adventist University of the Philippines _____________________ In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course General Philosophy _____________________ By Krishnalyn Precious Jewel Castro Rosedelle Colot Jedd Fabroa Dean Carlo Fajilan Joan Mary Hidalgo Julius Anthony Hiphip Myrtle Magalang Mark Anthony Mayorga Ruiz, Mike I. INTRODUCTION A. BACKGROUND As the population of the world continues to increase, it will be accompanied by an increase in the demand for food. Food is one of the most vital needs of the world we live in. In the old days, ancient people kill for food to survive. Today, some people mark it as piece of extravagance and whatnots. Food feeds our hunger and in turn, gives energy for the daily activities we humans need to do in order to get through the day. Also, it forms connection within another human being for it is shared along the dinner table and have food as the topic of the night. Basically, food is the demand and supply which runs the world: be it in the developed country where food is made even luxury and be it in the developing country where food is seen as a staple for survival. Since the total acreage planted is no longer increasing, unless new production technology is adopted, such an increase in demand that is unmatched by an increase in supply in the world food market will raise...
Words: 2676 - Pages: 11
...Genetically Modified Organisms Group E- Chrystalyn Northcutt-Warden LAS 432- Technology, Society & Culture Kira Leavens DeVry University December 7, 2013 Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Political Influences Economic Questions and Considerations Psychological Affects Moral and Ethical Implication Conclusion Works Cited Appendix Abstract Introduction The Hunger Games trilogy dwells upon genetic modification. With genetically engineered animals such as the jabberjay, mockingjay, tracker jacker and wolf mutts, monkey mutts and even genetically engineered roses, the trilogy explores the ethics and consequences of toying with Nature. This paper will discuss the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms. Also the economic, psychological effect on society as well as the moral and ethical implications that this technology can have on today’s society. History Genetically modified organisms have continually been around but have recently evolved and came to light in the past 10 years. Genetically modified organisms are described as “An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered by the insertion of a modified gene or a gene from another organism using the techniques of genetic engineering (www.medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com, 2013).” genetically modified organism (GMO) is used to refer to any microorganism, plant, or animal in which genetic engineering techniques have been used to introduce, remove, or modify specific parts...
Words: 2687 - Pages: 11
...Linda Covarrubias Elaina Westegaard ENG-123-X1530 17 November 2015 How Are GMOs Affecting the Environment and Our Health? Food has been one of the basic needs since the birth of a person. History shows that the production of food only consisted of hunting, harvesting, and farming. During these times, it usually took a long time before these foods arrived at the dining tables of families. However, today, technology has allowed the mass production of food. Unfortunately, the market has taken advantage of technology, not letting us know how food is made, leading to the birth of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). GMOs are widely used in most foods today. Though most people are unaware of this, GMOs even exist in some of their favorite food products. Many reports tell that diseases, such as E-Coli and Salmonella, have been caught from GM-foods. Furthermore, researchers and doctors believe that GMOs carry a huge risk; although, some scientists claim that GMOs are completely safe for human consumption. GMOs should be banned because they have a negative impact on human health, and potential risks on the environment. Although GMOs were only introduced in 1996, the side effects can already be seen: there have been increased allergic reactions, antibiotic resistant bacteria and other toxic hazards. While these side effects of GMOs may seem minuscule in the grand scheme of things, the lasting effects can be much more drastic. More and more children are having life-threatening allergies...
Words: 2202 - Pages: 9
...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...
Words: 1099 - Pages: 5
...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
...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...
Words: 888 - Pages: 4
...Are GMO’s harmful to Our Environment? GMO’s (Genetically modified organisms) are defined by Dictionary.com as, “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”. At first the idea of GMO’s seemed to many people like a brilliant idea, but as time went on and studies were performed, it was found that they conduct many dangers to our health and to our environment. Cons, affecting our future like issues of biodiversity and cross pollination, have overpowered the pros on the list. More and more proof that Genetically modified organisms are hazardous and dangerous to our environment is being found every day. So what is GMO? How GMO works is scientists insert foreign genes into primary plant species using different strategies. But three main things need to happen in order to be successful in this process. First, you must know which gene you are transferring. Then you must decide on the organism you are transferring it into. Lastly, you need an organism to spread...
Words: 717 - Pages: 3
