Genetic Modification Essay

Genetic Modification Essay
Genetic modification is a subject that has been hotly debated in the past, and remains a topic of controversy today. There are many critical
discussions to be had with genetically modified (GM) products, however, this paper will focus on corn crops that have been modified to incorporate
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes. Corn is the largest food crop in the world and Bt corn is one of the largest crops in North America. Bt corn has
several benefits, yet, there are also many potential problems with the crop and its impacts on local ecosystems. Although environmental issues may
raise concerns, Bt crops have an immense upside with proper management of the Bt gene.
Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacteria species that can be used as a pesticide....show more content...
He concludes, more investigation of the ecological and biological interactions involving the Bt genes needs to be done before effective insect resistant
management strategies can be crafted. Increasing insect, bacterial, and viral resistances are some of the primary concerns with genetically modified
crops. Recently, there have been several new documented insect resistances to the Bt gene that have raised major concerns in the scientific community
about the future of genetic engineering (Coates 2016). Ostrina nubilalis was the largest pest to corn crops prior to the introduction of Bt crops,
populations of O. nubilalis saw drastic decreases after the widespread implementation of Bt crops. Once the Bt crops were employed, new insect
resistant management strategies needed to be adopted to stop insect resistances from forming too rapidly. Unfortunately, these strategies seem to be an
insufficient means in preventing resistances forming swiftly and negating the sustainability of these B crops (Coates 2016). Currently, there is not
enough information about the interactions between the crops and their pests to develop effective insect resistant management strategies (Coates 2016).
One of the major advantages of biological
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

Genetic Modification Pros And Cons Essay
Name:
Criteria Information RequiredMark
Introduction (P1)Discussed what the issue and technique is
Discussed how future generations are affected including some of the following:
–Removal of phenotypes
–Improved diet to humans
–More variety of phenotypes
Genotype consequences including some of the following key aspects:
–Reduction in alleles of disorders/disease
–Increase in alleles favoured
–Reduction in genetic diversity/1
/2
/2
Community benefit (P2)Why we conduct Genetic Modification including some of the following:
–Improve health of species
–Suit climatic conditions
–Improve diversity
–Improve nutrition
–Stop species going extinct
How the technology has changed:
–Selective breeding to now...show more content...
/2

/2
/1
Evolutionary Links (P4)Links between genetic screening and technological advancements including:
–Creation of stone tools to enhance survival rates
–Creation of computers using tools, which allows faster transmission of information and more automated processes
–Genome sequencing – allows us to understand and be able to read the genes in organisms
Links between structural advancements and genetic screening including:
–Bipedal motion: allowing for hands free to manipulate items to improve survival and technology
–Opposable thumbs: allow for grasping tools to build computers and take DNA samples
–Larger brain capacity: improves problem solving and creation of the new concepts, theories and technologies.
Links between cultural advancements and genetic screening including:
–Speech to enable faster transmission of information
–Education systems as a traditional way to improve understanding and be taught new concepts.
/2

Argumentative Essay On Genetically Modified Food
How can genetically modified food affect our society? GMOs are crops which have been scientifically manipulated to receive certain results. The
United States proves their commitment to this movement, as their grocery shelves are filled with them. However, not many stand with the U.S., as
many countries have banned biotech foods because of their risks. Genetically modified foods are a risk to our society as they may contaminate other
productions, but they resist weather patterns; they lack the necessary tests to provide information about their possible dangers, however they are
envisioned to be a solution to many health issues; furthermore, they dominate the food industry by not allowing variety, but on the other hand, GMOs
may help future issues of food shortages.
Primarily, GMOs can accidentally contaminate crops near them and affect production for independent or local farmers and the companies
themselves. As chemicals were scientifically introduced to these crops, their properties may affect production for others as invasive crops, causing
the companies to pay additional fees. It is a controversial issue within the discussion due to how, "...independent farmers' crops can be damaged by
neighboring GM crops. When this happens, they must pay fees or risk being sued." (Brassard 1). As it is demonstrated by the author GMOs may be a
liability for production and it may cause more issues than necessary. On the other hand, genetically modified foods can resist weather patterns

Should Genetic Modification Be Allowed Essay
In society, newly introduced ideas and morals are viewed upon with mixed feelings, including the process of genetic modification, which has yet to
prosper or to crumple. The topic of genetic modification is introduced and detailed upon within the articles "Expert Groups Says Embryo Genetic
Modification Should Be Allowed" by Will Dunham and "UK Scientists Seek Permission to Genetically ModifyHuman Embryos" by Ian Sample. They
delve upon the idea that the process of genetic modification can be appropriately used in which to prevent certain unnecessary and unwanted diseases
from developing, ultimately saving lives, and can provide further insight for human development. Additionally, they discuss the point that genetic
modification is still at...show more content...
Many scientists have agreed that, despite the fact that modifying humans is unethical and controversial, "research involving genetic modification of
human embryos is essential to gain basic understanding of the biology of early embryos" (Dunham, 1). With the enhanced knowledge upon the
embryos of humans, methods in which to naturally develop smarter and more dominant newborns and infants will be hypothesized and produced. As
succeeding generations will naturally develop healthier than the prior generations, the biological systems of humans, such as the immune system and
skeletal system, will become stronger, and will produce people that are naturally immune to more diseases. Also, with insight upon the early
development of humans, new methods, excluding the process of genetic modification, in which to cure diseases that form during embryonic
development will be formed. With the ability to naturally produce healthier and more able children, as well as the method in which to prevent
diseases, future generations will be able to prosper further, and improve upon the existent method. As it provides more knowledge upon the basis of
human development, as well as the methods in which to improve it, genetic modification will progressively help more people, until it benefits all of

Argumentative Essay On Genetic Engineering
Imagine if we could make disease a thing of the past and extend the average human lifespan past 100 years. With genetic engineering, someday this
future could become reality. Genetic engineering can cure genetic diseases, and extend and empower human life. However, many people have
overestimated and reacted to ethical and safety concerns associated with this new technology.
Genetic engineering is the modification of an organism's genetic material. This has been done worldwide in genetically modified crops, and to a limited
extent in animals. In human genetic engineering, the modification is done in the embryo, altering the traits the child is born with and will pass on.
Laws have been passed in many countries making this illegal. In the U.S., this is a highly debated and controversial subject, but human genetic
engineering is legal.
The human body is not perfect. Mutations in genes cause genetic diseases, which can be crippling to live with, difficult to diagnose, and even harder
to cure. Babies in particular are vulnerable. According to the Popular Science article, "Infant Possibilities", by Melinda Moyer, genetic diseases are
the leading cause of death in infants. Moyer said that many of these diseases are caused by only a single gene mutation. They are relatively simple
genetically but there are thousands of extremely rare illnesses around the world. Now, new genetic technology is available from a few companies that
can help parents have a healthy baby, if either parent

Genetic Modification: Good Or Bad?
Science has brought us very far in the world. Included in this science is genetic modification. Genetic modification can be bad or good depending on
the reaction. This topic of genetic modification has been debated about whether it should be used on people or not. For now, genetic modification is
only being applied to non–reproductive cells. Genetic modification can be good in the case of giving people new chances. Those chances can make
people have better futures. In the other case, it can start out as a good opportunity but turn out to be a bad outcome. That bad outcome can ruin a
person's life or even demolish it. These outcomes can end either way depending on how much the modifications changed the person. The topic of this
has been thrown

Animal Genetic Modification Essay
Case Study of Animal Genetic Modification; Generation of Gene–Modified Cynomolgus Monkey via Cas9/RNA–Mediated Gene Targeting in
One–Cell Embryos
Niu, Y., Shen, B., Cui, Y., Chen, Y., Wang, J., Wang, L., Kang, Y., Zhao, X., Si, W., Li, W. and Xiang, A.P., 2014. Generation of gene
–modified
cynomolgus monkey via Cas9/RNA–mediated gene targeting in one–cell embryos. Cell, 156(4), pp.836–843.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2014.01.027
Question 1
This topic is very important because it is the first successful genetic modification study of primates via Cas9/RNA–Mediated gene targeting method.
Furthermore, the genetic modifications caused no off–target mutagenesis. High efficiency of this research may be a good potential for human gene
...show more content...
2 sgRNAs target Nr0b1 gene (Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 0 Group B Member 1), 2 sgRNAs target Ppar–Оі gene (Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated
Receptor Gamma) and 1 sgRNA targets Rag1 gene (Recombination Activating Gene 1). Cas9 mRNA was synthesized by in vitro transcription of
pST1374–N–NLS–flag–linker–Cas9 vector. The RNA mixture was injected into one–cell embryos of Macaca fascicularis.
c. The results were analyzed by 3 steps. First of all, specific regions of the genes were PCR amplified and visualized on the gel. Secondy, T7EN1
cleavage assay were used to detect sgRNA:Cas9 mediated on target cleavage of specific genes. Finally, PCR amplified regions were cloned and
sequenced to determine the deletions or insertions.
Question 3
Regarding the findings of this study, writers have infered that Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA mediated complex was successful in modification of Ppar–Оі
and Rag1 genes without creating any off target effects in Macaca fascicularis. T7EN1 cleavage assay displayed the cleavage products of these two
genes in placenta, umbilical cord and ear punch tissues in founders and the genetic modifications were confirmed by DNA sequencing of PCR products.

Furthermore, no detectable off–target effects were found in baby monkeys. On the other hand, T7EN1 cleavage assay result of Nr0b1 gene was
negative in umbilical cord in other words no cleavage band was obtained. Finally, different SNPs which were very close to Rag1–sgRNA target site
were compared between

Argumentative Essay On Genetic Manipulation
Genetic manipulation or modification is the process of scientists changing a person's DNA before birth to help benefit that person's life. This
process is fairly new and inexperienced and many people believe that it is wrong and outlandish. The benefits of genetic manipulation outweigh the
repercussions and the full extent of those benefits is yet to be seen. I believe that genetic manipulation needs to become a more widespread
operation in order for doubters to see the benefits that come from the process. Also, in order for genetic manipulation to be considered normal to the
common person, there needs to be more cases where genetic manipulation changed a person's life for the better. There are only a handful of cases
around the world, and according to Annabel Ferriman, "the scientists, from the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at St Barnabas in
New Jersey, said that 30 babies worldwide have been born as a result of this technique, known as ooplasmic transfer." The world needs to know more
about these cases of genetic manipulation in order to more fully understand it. People who disagree with genetic manipulation often say that it is not
right to do to an unborn baby who does not have a say in the matter of being genetically manipulated. Opponents also say that it will limit the gene pool
and that some may take it too far.
Most opponents of genetic manipulation will use the argument of the process being taken too far and children in the womb seen as things

Benefits Of Genetic Modification
The debate about genetic modification has been going on for a long time. On one hand, advocates for genetic modification believe that many diseases
could be prevented and it would relieve many people from pain. On the other hand, many critics of genetic modification believe that it is unnatural or
playing god. I am drawn to this issue because I believe genetic modification is going to be, if it isn't already, ubiquitous in our future. In my lifetime,
20–30 years from now, I will have to deal with the benefits and the possible ramifications of genetic modification. This issue is going to affect me
directly and therefore I have chosen this topic. Genetic modification is already on the horizon and there is little anyone can do to stop this. Genetic
modification should be allowed because it can relieve suffering, improve the quality of life and strengthen pharmaceuticals. but it obviously needs
limitations and regulations. While genetic modification, can dramatically improve people's lives, it could have side effects if abused. It should be
noted that genetic modification should only be used to cure or prevent serious diseases, there should be no enhancements. There is a fine line between
preventative medicine and enhancements. An enhancement is changing something normal to make it extraordinary. Serious diseases would include all
such ailments that infringes on a human beings quality of life and puts them through pain. Fatal diseases such as cystic fibrosis, cancer,

The Ethical Issue Of Genetic Modification Essay
Genetic modification is a scientific advancement with lots of possibilities. The most compelling argument for genetic engineering is to improve the
health of society. Simple genetic mutations can easily affect one's health. If there are effective and efficient methods to cure this, shouldn't we do
so? Or should we object to this? On what grounds? When it is, after all, the logical next step to medical advancement. It has the potential to save
thousands of people from diseased lives and early death. Objections are often based on the fact that it is "unnatural" or the fear of the unknown. But
so are IVF and organ transplants. It is difficult to predict with a definite certainty of what will occur in the future as a result of the actions of the
present. But when has that ever stopped us? Shouldn't we have the right to eliminate genetic diseases and push human capabilities through genetic
engineering? But at what point should we draw a line on genetic modification? That is the main ethical issue of the debate. The fear, as always, is
that we may eventually go too far. Such as creating the dreaded "designer babies" whose appearance, IQ, and abilities will be customized to the
parents' arbitrary desire (Pinker). Ultimately, genetic modification will limit the children's freedom to shape their own destiny. The increasing societal
control over the characteristics of humans while failing to value other traits over others could possibly increase the intolerance of diversity. For

Genetically Modified Babies Essay
Speech Exam Grade VI – Personal Project "Designer Babies" Is this the child that you have envisioned in your future? Or maybe did you see your
child with brown eyes rather than blue? Maybe more intellectually gifted? Or with the promise of performing well in sport? What if there was a future
where having a child was as simple as selecting desirable genes out of a catalogue? A future where technology granted parents the ability to design and
perfect their children. The notion of "Designer Babies" seems absurd; however the rapid development of technology and the potential of gene
manipulation could make this a startling reality. Gene technology is becoming increasingly present in modern society, with scientists continually...show
more content...
The creation of GM babies would no doubt result in a "genetic supermarket"; wherein becoming a parent is as simple as purchasing a new car. If
you want a female, gifted child, with the blackest hair and the bluest eyes and maybe even a superior IQ, one only needs to purchase the necessary
goods and services to create that exact child. But what type of future would we be buying into? Though it is evident that the concept of "Designer
Babies" would prove unpopular amongst the majority of society, there still remains to be advocates for a future compromising of GM children. It is
argued that gene technology will bring about a new age of human beings who are happier, smarter and healthier. Supporters look forward to a future
when parents could quite literally assemble their children from genes listed in a catalogue. A future in which the health, appearance, personality and
life span of our children become mere artefacts of genetic modification. Despite the few supporters of "Designer Babies", the notion of genetically
enhanced children brings forward many ethical issues. A primary concern of this technology is its use for enhancement purposes. It would be
impossible to prevent such use and would thus blur the objectives of gene technology from medical purposes, to the trait selection and enhancement of
embryos. It has also been noted that the genetic modification of people mirrors the extremist views of Hitler, who sought to shape the German

Pig Heart Kept Alive in Primate for 965 days! 22 people every day die waiting for an organ transplant, the effective and controlled use of genetic
modification can help rectify this issue along with many others in the world, such as helping reduce world hunger and remedy birth defects before a
baby is even born. There are several pros and cons to GM (genetic modification) although the general consensus is that these augmentations of current
organisms are beneficial for many different people in creating a better world. One of the most prominent and important advancements in genetic
modifications affects animals, pig's organs can be genetically engineered for use in human organ transplants, to provide a nearly boundless supply of
organ transplants.Genetic...show more content...
GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms) have also been created to be resistant to insects allowing them to fend off insects and their harmful
consumption of the crops. Other potential uses for GM is to eradicate and prevent birth defects, increase animal size for more meat, for consumption,
anti–fungi fruits, altered colours for flowers and using GM for the use of providing organ transplants for humans.On the other hand, in spite of a
multitude of benefits, there has been debate within the scientific community about the potential cons of Genetic Modification. Some are worried about
the possible long–term effects of GM, as there is no long–term research into the topic. One major concern raised is the possible link between
Genetically Modified Organisms and increased rates of allergic reactions, "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food
allergies in children under 18 years of age have increased; from 3.4 percent between 1997 and 1999 to 5.1 percent between 2009 and 2011." (Colbert &
Sullivan, 2016). In spite of these results there is no direct link between GM's and this peak in food allergies as proved by a study done by

Essay On Genetic Modification
The impact of genetic modification can be seen everywhere – the clothing we wear, the medicines we take, the food we eat. Much of agriculture today
has undergone modification, and the advancement of technology allows for more complicated changes can be made. However, genetic modification
has been met with criticism and disbelief. There is a stigma surrounding things that are man–made and unnatural, claiming that there are irreversible,
devastating effects on the planet. But what some see as a detriment to the health of humans can benefit those without access to the nutrients they need
to survive. Genetically modified organisms have the potential to improve the health of people in developing countries. Genetically modified organisms
are living things that have had their DNA modified in some way – either removed, manipulated, or added from another organism. Before the
technology was created and explored, trait selection by humans had been accomplished through breeding plants and animals with the desired
characteristic. This process is difficult to control, because one specific gene is not being targeted, but an entire genome. The development of the
technology increased the level of specificity when creating the desired trait, and is easier to control. Genetic modification also allows genes from
different species to be combined. Most commonly, plants are modified to add resistance to pesticides, herbicides, climate changes, and even add
nutritional value. The way an organism

Genetic Modification Research Paper
I am writing to you to explain the problems concerning genetic modification in humans. The field of genetics has come so far in the past decade, and
there are currently efforts being made to correct autosomal recessive diseases, such as Hemophilia B.1 I agree that being able to cure diseases, like
Hemophilia, is important, but it also means that scientists would be able to create "designer humans." The concept of "designer genes" in human
modification reinforces the idea that there is an ideal human which is both ableist and catered strictly to upper class individuals. In this letter, I am
expressing my opinion that while advances in genetic engineering are being made, it is important to remember that science should not progress to the
point that we are removing all imperfections....show more content...
Scanning magazine headlines, words like "toned," "tanned," and "tall" are constant reminder of imperfections that we possess. Following these
words are usually recommendations how to achieve these seemingly perfect and ideal body goals. These magazine articles and headlines usually
create a lot of self esteem issues in people regardless of age or gender. In a study conducted by Daniel Clay et al., 136 girls from the United Kingdom
were exposed to images of ultra–thin or average–size magazine models.2 It was found that these girls, after being shown said models, had a lowered
body satisfaction and, consequently, self–esteem. Seeing how people are unsatisfied with their bodies, it might be said that the solution to this issue
would be to help people out and edit the genes that encode for these imperfections. As stated before, this would cause issues because gene modification
would be ableist and cater solely for the

The Future Of Genetic Modification Essay
An Un–Political Science
Looking at our world, perpetually lit by the fires of unrest and conflict, it sure is easy to see a lot of issues. There are a lot that captivate the
attentions of our world leaders and for the most part, it seems that our global paradigm of dealing with issues is to act reactively, rather than
proactively. However, when it comes to a particular issue that demands our global attention, we find ourselves staring not at an issue inherently
policy–oriented in nature, but rather scientific: the future of genetic modification.
Policy is the bridge between the status quo and the future we desire while science is the plans and surveying involved with creating an effective,
purposeful bridge. No one likes a rickety bridge that sways precariously in the wind or, perhaps worse, a grand bridge to nowhere. The kind of
engineering needed for our policy bridges of the future is genetic in nature.
Gene editing used to be a relatively painful and laborious process until the development of CRISPR. In short (and seriously abridging the complex
science), CRISPR stands for "Clustered Regularly–Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats" and are segments of genetic code that, paired with an
enzyme such as "Cas9," have the potential to modify the genes of nearly every organism. The development of CRISPR is to genetics what the
development of word processors was to writers; I type, delete, copy, and paste words in this essay (much like what CRISPR can do with genes)
elegantly on

Genetic Modification
By using genetic modification and gene editing to alter human embryos, scientists may prevent certain birth defects and diseases in an ethical fashion.
Genetic modification is second to none when preventing inherited genetic diseases. One commonly used method is to use preimplantation genetic
diagnosis, or PGD. According to Sarah Ly, "preimplantation genetic diagnosis allows viable embryos to be screened for various genetic traits, such as
sex–linked diseases, before implanting them in the mother". PGD is commonly used on embryos whose parents carry genes for genetic diseases for
this reason. This technology has already been widely accepted by the scientific community and can be used as a precursor to other genetic modification
This would increase human lifespan and quality of life later in life because people would have to deal with fewer diseases as they get older. Also,
CRISPR could be used to help the human race adapt to future natural disasters, such as global warming ("Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering").
While the human race would eventually adapt to the global change on its own, genetic modification would make it go exponentially faster and there
would be less of a toll on human life.
Third, genetic modification of human embryos is not an ethical or moral problem. To begin with, it has been argued that human genetic modification
is an ethical issue because the embryo cannot give its consent. However, embryos cannot give consent in any way, shape, or form, so the argument is
invalid. For example, other factors can alter the way an embryo develops and reshape its genetic code, such as alcohol or drugs ingested by the
mother, chemotherapy, and high altitudes, among other things. There is no argument over consent for those factors, so there should be no argument
over genetic modification. While talking about parents making decisions for children, John Harris said "all parents do this all the time, either because
the children are too young to consent, or because they do not yet exist (Harris, John and Marcy Darnovsky)." For example, if parents of a child wanted
them to be

Genetic manipulation, also referred to as 'genetic engineering' or 'genetic modification', is the change of an organism's gene through the use of modern
biotechnology techniques. There are various forms of genetic manipulation, including transgenic organisms, cloning, and gene therapy etc. Transgenic
organisms, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are organisms that possess a foreign gene in its genome. This is achieved through
recombinant DNA technology, which involves either the combining of DNA from different genomes or the insertion of foreign DNA into a genome.
The production of transgenic organisms, particularly animals, is a highly controversial topic and its advantages and disadvantages will be discussed
thoroughly...show more content...
One such example is the transgenic salmon, whom carries a gene from another salmon that controls growth hormone production and another gene from
an eel–like fish allowing them to survive in freezing conditions. This resulted in the desirable characteristic for salmon farmers as it resulted in larger
and faster growing salmon that could tolerate a wider range of temperature. Scientists are currently further experimenting to produce disease–resistant
plants and animals, although such practice is not yet available. Secondly, transgenic organisms aid in medical applications through xenotransplantation
(transplant organs from transgenic animals) and transgenic organisms that produce nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals, such as growth
hormone, anti–clotting factors for blood and insulin etc., as well as treatments for diseases like cystic fibrosis and phenylketonuria (PKU). Rosie, the
first transgenic cow was engineered to produce human protein–enriched milk containing the human gene alpha–lactalbumin at 2.4 grams per litre in
1997. The product is more nutritionally balanced than natural bovine milk and could be given to babies or elderlies with special nutritional or digestive
needs. Further, George and Charlie are the first cloned transgenic cows genetically altered to incorporate human gene for blood protein (serum
albumin). Lastly, transgenic organisms could now be genetically

Essay about Genetically Modified Animals
Genetically modified animals are an important category of the genetically modified organisms (EFSA, 2012). From EFSA and Paul Arnold (2013),
genetic engineering of an animal involves manipulating or modifying the genetic code of the targeted animal to alter their original characteristics and
introduce certain desired traits to the animal by adding to, substituting with or removing from genes of interest in a way that does not occur naturally
(EFSA, 2012; Arnold, 2013). The genes of interest can be derived from another animal of the same species, an animal of another species, or even an
organism of another kingdom (Arnold, 2013). Through the breakthroughs of genetic engineering techniques such as the recombinant DNA, genetic
cloning,...show more content...
The LMOs have significant roles and are being used in the scientific research to elucidate events that range from the development of the embryo to
events that occur decades later in people who have autoimmune diseases (Christenson, 1996). Through the addition of gene or genes knockout,
scientists are able to study the function and regulation of the selected gene, effects of gene mutations, genetic diseases and last but not east the
treatment of the genetic diseases (Arnold, 2013).Besides, the inter–relationship between the genes and the external factors such as the diet supplement
and environment can be known by applying the genetic engineering techniques too (Boyd Group, 1999). LMOs are also proved to be the valuable
tools in the development process of drug by providing a more accurate way to test the effectiveness of drugs (Christenson, 1996). In this case, mouse
or mice is a very good example. Many different mouse models mimic the human's diseases or processing relevant human receptor sites (Bedell et al.,
1997). Through these mice models, scientists are able to study the mechanisms of disorders in many aspects from immunological, neurological, and
inflammatory to cancers and working towards to develop more effective treatments such as pharmaceutical and gene therapy (Bedell et al., 1997). In
agricultural application, since ancient, the animal breeders have always use the selective

Genetically Modified Organisms Essay
Many people today are often amazed by the amount of nutrition and health information required for humans. The constant stream of genetic
modification of food can be confusing. Genetically modified (GM) foods are plants and animals that have had their genetic makeup artificially altered
by scientists to make them grow faster, taste better, last longer and to provide more nutrients. Scientists make these alternations by transferring genes
from one organism into another in order to change the condition or character of the receiving organism. This process is known as biotechnology or
genetic engineering (GE), and it has revolutionized the way that agriculture is practiced in many parts of the world. Researchers are now able to use GE
Companies and researchers alternate the genetic structure of crops to withstand pesticides, non–GM weeds and insects can gradually develop a
resistance to the chemicals. At this point farmers actually have to increase their use of pesticides. These practice causes weed populations to adapt to
the herbicide and eventually become resistant to it. Once these superweeds emerge farmers must find a new herbicides and more potent products.
People who support GM foods dismiss complaints that they might not be safe to eat. GM foods are likely to be more nutritious and contain smaller
amounts of pesticide residues that foods raised by traditional farming methods. Food poisoning agents such as salmonella are natural and they kill
thousands of people each year. Lots of plants produce powerful toxins to deter pests. With the technology of GM Crops including beans and cassava
(a fruit grown in tropical countries) produce cyanide that can be removed before cooking. This is extremely useful for consumers to eat and for
producers to make.
In the other hand GM critics worry that transgenic crops could harm wildlife and cause lasting damage to fragile food chains. What will happen if
GM farming practices wipe out weedy plants that some bird's species rely on for survival? Or if insects that are important

Genetic Modification Essay

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Featured

Featured (20)

Genetic Modification Essay