Genetically Modified Foods Essay

Genetically Modified Foods Essay
Genetically modified foods have always been a controversial topic and issue. Moat things do in our day to day lives have benefits and risks. Gene
Technology and genetically modified foods are no exception. Throughout this article the pros and cons of genetically modified foods will be looked
and an explanation as to why it is one of the best DNA technologies of the 21st century.
This judgment follows these criteria that genetically modified food can produce resistant crops to pests and diseases, crops tolerant to various
conditions, crops with an increase yield production which can feed a starving world, greater profits, lower costs for consumers and improved quality of
food being more nutritious "nutritional enhancement."
There...show more content...
Having crops which are tolerant to droughts means crops can cope under these stressful conditions which can often result in loss of production and can
mean that crops can be grown in areas in which are originally inhabitable. This also applies to the salinity tolerance.
Genetically modifying crops had the potential to increase the yield. Many believe this is the solution for solving the starving world and overcoming
world poverty by genetically modifying crops to increase their yield. It had also been said by scientist that crops can be genetically modified to create
food such as rice with higher levels of Vitamin to help eye sight and potations with extra amounts of protein to help the developing countries. Genetic
Modification has the ability to be able to increase the amount of nutrients which we get from food. This can be known as "nutritional enhancement"
Millions of people have been consuming genetically modified foods and have no side effects. Many developing countries around the world continue to
starve and go hungry and suffer while we, the rich world sit here and debate.
The growth and production of GM crops can make crop production more efficient therefore lowering the costs of food to consumers and in term
increasing the profits to organizations benefitting both.
But as said earlier there are risks involved. There have been some concerns that genetically modified foods can allergens that

Get more content on HelpWriting.net

A new kind of foods called the genetically modified foods has been creating a quiet revolution in the American market for the past several years.
Scientists are able to produce these new foods by transferring genes from one organism into another across species boundaries. This new technique has
been developed to improve the shelf life, nutritional content, flavor, color, and texture of foods. Since 1994, about 45 genetically modified foods such
as tomato, corn, soybeans, canola, and potatoes have been marketed in the United States. About two–thirds of foods that are processed in U.S. contain
genetically modified ingredients. So, we the people are consuming these foods without realizing the fact that they are not produced naturally....show
more content...
No antibacterial compounds are available resistant to this disease but genetic engineering has developed the first trees to resist this devastating disease
and increased the consumption level. Specific foods have been developed to correct malnutrition problems. To this end, plants have been modified to
provide increased and more stable quantities of essential amino acids, vitamins, or desirable fatty acids. For example, golden rice has been genetically
modified to increase beta–carotene content which may help to overcome the severe vitamin A deficiencies that cause blindness and iron. Plants can
also be genetically modified to grow well in areas of low production potential. For example, two researchers in Mexico inserted a gene from a bacterium
into papaya and tobacco to produce acid–tolerant crops. The crops thus secrete citric acid from their roots by combining with toxic metals which in
turn making the soils accessible to protect the tropical forests which contain most of the world's species of plants and animals. Genetic engineering
also helps to decrease or eliminate the allergenic proteins that occur naturally. For example, it has been already used to reduce the levels of major
allergen in rice and peanuts. Genetic engineering brings closer the prospect of commercial production in plants of edible vaccines and therapeutics for
preventing and treating human diseases like cancer and diabetes. The genetically derived vaccines are potentially

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

Genetically Modified Foods Persuasive Essay
Over the years there has been a rapid increase of foods that are genetically modified being sold to us throughout the U.S. Genetically modified foods
contain organisms that have had DNA from a non–related species transferred into their genes via biotechnology to permeate them with specific traits.
And doing so these foods should not be sold. Crops that are genetically modified such as corn, soybeans, and tomatoes are toxic for the environment.
Also, the health consequences of eating genetically modified organisms are largely unknown. And,genetic engineering creates dangerous side effects.
The pollen from the crops and the trees that are genetically modified can affect the crops and wild plants that are nearby, except for soy, because it does
...show more content...
There have been numerous health problems after GMOs we introduced in the late 1990s. People who consistently eat foods that have been genetically
modified ingest glyphosate in high concentrations. Since glyphosate causes chemical alterations that interfere with certain processes, it has possible
chances of causing serious diseases such as; Autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. There are many plants that produce substances that are toxic to
humans. But the level of toxins that are in the plant are low to where it does not ham the person who consumes it. Which means that there can be
anything in them hat can harm us and makes us sick without us knowing. There is evidence that shows that GMOs have caused harm in humans, that
some of the diseases that are caused is also found in animals. Many GM fans will point out that if we do toxicity tests on genetically modified foods,
we should also have to do toxicity testing on every other kind of food in the world. But it has already started from the time we have been growing our
own vegetation without changing its DNA. There is plenty of scientific evidence to recommend caution with respect to certain kinds of genetic
modification, especially if there are genes involved that confer antibiotic

Introduction.
Genetically modified foods are foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes (adding, deleting, changing segments) introduced into
their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.(King 2009) So they could produce desirable traits or eliminate undesirable traits, a process that
enables transfer of genes between different species that would not interbreed in nature.1983 marked the first ever transgenic plant. This was a tobacco
plant that was created with antibiotic resistant properties. The first commercially grown genetically modified food crop was a tomato plant in California.
The decomposition process was modified and resulted in a slower decomposition. This plant was known as 'FlavrSavr'. Before...show more content...
Irelands current status is a GM free zone. This means that Ireland is off–limits to the environmental release of genetically modified organisms
including viruses, algae, bacteria, seeds, crops, trees, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, poultry and livestock. As it stands only one variety of GM
crop (Monsanto's patented MON810 maize) is authorised for commercial release in the EU. But as of October 2007, this is banned in Austria, France,
Greece, Hungary and Poland. Other EU countries are looking into banning it too.
The hostility towards these foods means that they wont be bought or sold in the market, but their applications are so extensive and diverse that it is
hard do ignore the many benefits that GM foods could bring. These include beliefs that there is potential for a negative environmental impact associated
with production processes or farming practices and perceptions that there is uncertainty associated with unplanned human or animal health effects.
(Miles 2001)
Positives.
With the worlds population said to increase to 9.6 billion by 2050 (according to the U.N) demand for food supply will increase dramatically. 60% more
food will be required by 2050. (Alexandratos N 2012) Figure 3. Shows how much corn, rice, maze and soybean will have to be grown to meet the
demands of 2050.
Food production will be under pressure and at an all time high. Advances in food and agricultural technology need to be

Genetically Modified Food (GMF). Essay
Everything in our live have two sides: one is good and other one is bad. It is hard to find perfect things. The genetically modified (GM) Foods like
other things have both sides which are good and bad in the same time. Now, GM foods are a big debate if it is good or bad for people's health. The
GM Foods mean food that produced from organic that had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods ofgenetic engineering. Even
though GMF are like causing damage environment and original farmers, in general most GMF have some advantages. GM food can provide low
cost and it may be lower than the organic foods. It save the time. It provides a good size. It feed more people, especially poor countries.
The other benefits of GMF is...show more content...
Monsanto can attract a lot of consumers by putting labels in it is product. These labels can change consumers' attitude. Huffman, et al. (2003) agreed
when he wrote, "Two prominent environmental groups, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, believe GM labeling would benefit consumers, and these
groups advocate labels on GM foods to give consumers the right to choose whether to consume GM products" (483). Therefore, the label can change
the consumers' opinion.
Moreover, GMOs can save time and money especially with farmers. By using GM crops, help to farm the crops in any season and protect them in the
same time. In addition, it is saving the time, such as if the plant needs three months to grow, with GMOs needs one month to grow. This benefit Also,
for both farmers and consumers. Farmers do not need many months waiting their crops to be ready, and consumer do not wait until specific months.
They can find all vegetables and fruits in all seasons. Some consumers believe that GM crops are bad for their health. They think that the farmers think
about the profit by using GM crops. Even though it is correct or not, what about the nature and pests of crops. All of these are bad for health. Bennett,
(2013) pointed that "Assuming that farmers are attempting to maximize profitability, they will utilize the technology as long as the incremental value
of benefits is greater than the costs. The choice of the technology, as well as the outcome, depends on both

Genetically Modified Foods
The Benefits and Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods Elizabeth Oh Pin Hui (B1101785) HELP University * * * * * Outline Introduction Opener:
What are genetically modified foods (GMF)? Thesis statement: Genetically modified foods have both benefits as well as dangers to human health, the
environment, and economy. Genetically modified foods have contributed to better foods in terms of food quality and human health. * higher nutritional
value and better flavour * increased shelf life Genetically modified foods or organisms advocates enhanced farming techniques in terms of being
environmentally friendly. * inbuilt resistance to pests, weeds, and disease * more...show more content...
Secondly, increased shelf life of genetically modified foods will enable it to be shipped to distant locations and cut costs as well as minimize
waste to consumers. These foods are modified to be pesticide and herbicide tolerant, resulting in less use of chemical sprays; reducing soil
contamination and pollution. In addition, genetically modified crops are more resilient, weather tolerant and capable of surviving in adverse
climates such as droughts and extremely cold weather (Whitman, 2000). Last but not least, Whitman (2000) also states genetically modified crops
are more economical especially to farmers in third world countries because they have higher crop yields in lesser time enabling them to satisfy the
high demand for food. Genetically modified crops also take up very little land to grow improving profits for farmers. Because they grow in such
short time, the demand for more food in starving countries is more easily satisfied at a lower cost. However, due to the unknown nature of genetically
modified foods, it may lead to harmful effects to human health such as harmful diseases and new allergies. It has been argued that the adverse effects
of genetically modified foods cannot be predicted but only

Genetically Modified Foods Argumentative Essay
If you feed a machine bad fuel it still might run, but not as good as if you gave the machine good fuel see humans' bodies are like machines and if
you feed your body unhealthy food which Is like bad fuel it won't run at its best. Food is very important and society doesn't really pay attention to what
they're eating or how eating, certain things can affect their lives and health. Some serious problems people have with food is eating disorders another
would be eating genetically modified foods. People turn to fast food because it quick however it is not the healthiest option. The industries are getting
kids hooked on their products which lead to an unhealthy addiction. Food can benefit the human health if you eat healthy and eat right with...show more
content...
Examples of this could be found in [Michaels, Pamela V. "Genetically Modified Food." Biotechnology: It states, these foods can be healthier and
the right choice to go with because they are modified to help you fight off certain diseases, and the GM crops can be modified to not get prone to
disease and insect resistant crops. Proponents of GM foods assert that the methods used can produce increased crop yields, create foods that mature
and produce more quickly than traditional crop plants, and result in foods that are tastier, more nutritionally dense, and may contain added vitamins or
vaccines. In the [Michaels, Pamela V. "Genetically Modified Food." Biotechnology:] it states that engineered foods have greater resistance to
pathogens, insect pests, and herbicides. Having these crops that are much stronger and healthier than the fruits before that use to kill for these
weaknesses. The fruits that are GM will cause our country to become stronger because we won't have to deal with sick fruit that could sometimes
cause death now the fruits will make us healthier than before. These foods can even help in places that have natural disasters because the crops have
been modified to grow anywhere. The article [Michaels, Pamela V. "Genetically Modified Food." Biotechnology:] brings up the fat that these
conditions can change growing seasons or alter soil conditions, rendering traditional crop seeds and cultivation methods inadequate when there is
drought, flooding, increased incidence of catastrophic events such as earthquakes and tsunamis, or prolonged freezing temperatures, crops can be
destroyed, creating food insecurity for entire populations. These foods are better for our society because they make eating food safer and

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
...show more content...
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

Genetically Modified Foods Good or Bad?: Essay
What if people could create an organism that was stronger than it was previously? More resistance to diseases, poisons, and that could thrive in a
hostile environment? That is what scientist are creating with GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism) but mostly with plants that farmers produce for
food such as corn or soybeans. Scientist can create modified organism when they pick an organism (such as corn) and then have certain changes
introduced into their DNA using genetic engineering. It is different from breeding because instead of getting random genes, scientists are putting the
desired gene directly into the plants' DNA. Genetically modified foods are a controversial topic throughout most of the country but most Americans
would be...show more content...
In in an interview done by Live Science Anne Yonkers said "We should be using the precautionary principle with GMOs, and assume that GMOs have
to be demonstrated to be good rather than assume that they are good." (Yonkers 5), modified crops accelerated the evolution in weeds at an incredible
rate making them develop resistance faster. A commonweed called Palmer that grows near soybeans evolved to be resistance to glyphosate an active
ingredient in many weed killers such as Roundup. Do to how resistance this strain is it has spread to more than seventy–six countries and that is just
the palmer weed; twenty–four other glyphosate resistant weeds have appeared in eight–teen different countries as well. Some farmers lose more than
half their yield and while forcing others to go bankrupt cause of the massive money loss. With malnutrition being a very real problem can modified
food be a possible solution?
In many undeveloped countries that do not have varied sources of food, malnutrition is major issue for them. A solution would be modified foods
scientist engineered to include more vitamins and/or minerals meaning that the country would be able to use the rice to combat malnutrition. An
example of this would be rice that scientist modified to give vitamin A; deficiency in this particular vitamin can lead to poor eyesight and sometimes
even blindness. Even so, with the way plants breed with one another has been very

The growing demand for food poses key challenges to humankind. Both the biodiversity and arable land for future agricultural food production must be
safeguarded to ensure that genetic diversity is protected to safeguard ecosystem resilience. More food must be produced to feed and sustain the growing
South African population with less input, while deploying every effort to minimize risk. Agricultural sustainability is no longer optional but mandatory
to counteract possible social problems such as starvation.
The objective of this research task is to help determine whether genetically modified foods are a better alternative for South African population by
investigating various aspects such as: Regular agricultural methods used in South...show more content...
To be able to support and provide for the growing population, countries must maximize production of food, however there is a limit of availability of
arable land, water and fossil fuels which make this initiative difficult to fulfill.
Agriculture is the primary source of food; however modern, intensive agriculture and agricultural methods are placing a stain on the environment,
resulting in contamination of drinking water, degradation of soil and reduction of biodiversity.
"Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. 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. The technology is often called 'modern biotechnology' or
'gene technology', sometimes also 'recombinant DNA technology' or 'genetic engineering'. ... Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often
referred to as GM foods." (World Health Organization) Because of how genetically modified foods are made, this could mean that the same foods
can be made in a more efficient way, thus can meet the high demand of food needed to sustain the growing population and can thus mean that more
food could also be produced in a shorter amount of time for greater numbers. Additionally, this could also mean that the rates of death due to
starvation could be decreased as more food will be available, however the prices of products and the place where they are distributed must be

With an ever–growing population and the problems of world hunger, there has been a high demand for an increased food supply and a better food
supply. Technology has been called upon to meet this challenge. The advent of genetically engineered foods, sometimes calledtransgenic crops or
genetically modified foods, is not a new concept, but the controversy over it is. Can these "frankenfoods" be harmful to humans? What are their effects
on the environment? The following paper will focus on such questions as well as providing a better understanding of what genetically modified foods
are and how they should be regulated.
What are genetically modified foods?
Although traditional plant breeding has been...show more content...
The coding region of the gene is usually fused to a promoter, most commonly used is the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus (CMV), in
order to promote higher expression levels. (Snow et. al, 1997) The popular method for genetic engineering of crop plants is natural gene transfer via an
Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector, a bacterium normally found in soils. The transfer–DNA (T–DNA) vector is made by inserting the desired gene
fragment in between specific 25bp repeat domains in the bacterium. The vector is then inserted into the Agrobacterium and "the virulence gene
products of Agrobacterium actively recognize, excise, transport, and integrate the T–DNA region into the host plant genomes." (Conner et. al, 1999)
The amount of DNA transferred is only about 10kb and the nature of the gene is usually well understood. The expression of the gene introduced can
also be controlled by adding additional sequences that might allow the gene to be constitutively expressed, expressed only in certain cell types, or
expressed as a result of different environmental changes. This method of gene transfer, however, will only work for the natural host range of the
bacterium and therefore other methods are used for additional crop plants. Such methods are uptake of naked DNA by electroporation or particle gun
bombardment. The use of genetic markers, as mentioned previously, allows for the preferential growth of cultures that contain the new genetic

Essay Genetically Modified Foods
Hunger is currently one of the world's most widespread crises, affecting millions of people. In every single country of the world, there are people that
go to bed without food on a regular basis, and many that end up dying of starvation. One way that the eradication of hunger has been attempted is by
increasing the amount of food in the world, so that there is enough to go around. Scientists have tried to do this by creating new species of crops, using
genetic engineering. Though genetically modified foods were originally created to improve agriculture, their negative effects greatly outweigh their
positive ones.
Though they have a relatively short history, genetically modified foods have grown into a massive industry. In 1995, the United...show more content...
In mutating a plant's DNA, scientists can impact the crops' number of seeds, height, and resistance to disease, all of which can positively affect a
crop's yield (220). In one Indian study, GM cotton had a 30–80 percent higher yield than non–GM cotton (Diaz and Fridovich–Keil). Because of their
higher crop production and therefore their ability to provide more food for the world, GM crops may have a huge positive impact on the
approximately one billion malnourished and underfed people living in underdeveloped countries (Lerner and Lerner). Having enough food will be
even more essential within the next 50 years, as the world's population is expected to increase to 14 billion (Lerner and Lerner). Genetic engineers are
also working on creating crops that can withstand extreme weather conditions to increase the amount of farmable land globally (Diaz and
Fridovich–Keil). These positive effects provide a strong argument to support GM foods.
In contrast, however, GM foods have had negative effects on their consumers, and many of them can be directly attributed to the actual modification of
the crop's genes. To make GM foods, cells are grown into plants through the cloning of new DNA infused with certain genes (220). This synthetic
process causes genetic mutations in the GM plants, which may toxify the food (220). The negative consequences of engineering new crop species
include a reduction in nutrition; overproduction of

Genetically Modified Foods ( Gmos )
"Have you ever thought about what is in your food?" In today's society Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) can be found and purchased in most
farmers markets across the United States. Genetically modified foods are designed to resist or tolerate pesticides, insects, and viruses (Segen's Medical
Dictionary). When changing the DNA makeup of an organism it alters the gene pool and can in fact lead to an unstable living environment.Genetically
modified food is harmful not only to humans but to all organisms living in close proximity to genetically modified food crops. Genetically modified
foods have been proven to be unhealthy, cause organ disruption, and harm the environment. Genetically modified foods are enhanced to adapt to
different environments by genetically altering the genes of an organism by altering those genes it becomes unhealthy for human consumption.
Monsanto is a major corporation that is responsible for producing three fourths of Americas genetically modified seeds. In the 1990's Monsanto started
a study that fed genetically modified tomatoes too rats so they could record the effects for research purposes. The rats in the study started to develop
legions inside of their stomachs shortly after consuming the genetically altered tomato. At the conclusion of the study only seven of the original forty
rats survived. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the data from the study and made a statement that said genetically modified food
could in fact be a

Essay Genetically Modified Foods
Introduction Let's face it, the term genetically modified (GM) foods is not the most appetizing word in the English language and neither is the term
genetically engineered foods for that matter. Whether or not you realize it, you have consumed at least one product that contains genetically
modified foods. These "modified foods" are hiding all over your supermarkets and in some instances, there is no way to tell just by looking at it.
But, they have been around for more than two decades and it has helped to keep our food supply alive. The technological innovation that is
genetically modified foods was first introduced during the early 1980s. It took nearly two decades of expensive research and development to move
agricultural and food...show more content...
They wanted to create crops that were able to be insect resistant, disease resistant, herbicide tolerant, and climate tolerant. These altered crops also
benefit consumers and markets by having an improved texture and flavor, a longer shelf life, and at times, added nutritional value (Lessick, Keithley,
Swason, Lemon, 2002). The advantages of genetically modified crops range from a higher yield, due to its ability to withstand natural occurrences, to
an increase in nutritional qualities. In theory, this sounds like a foolproof method because the more resistant crops are, the stronger they are to
withstand any dangers it may face. In 1996, two types of genetically engineered seeds were introduced commercially, known as herbicide–tolerant (HT)
and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (Budinger, 2010). The herbicide–tolerant seeds were engineered to survive the direct application of herbicides.
Herbicides are used to kill unwanted weeds or plants that could damage the crops. Regular crops are not able to withstand the intensity of herbicides
and would otherwise die from direct application. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), other type of genetically engineered seed, was created to produce toxin
within the plant cells. These toxins are meant to kill certain agricultural insect pests that would destroy millions of acres of crops. By using these types
of GE seeds, farmers are able

Genetically modified crops are harmful to humans and the environment and shouldn't be used. Agriculture should proceed in harmony with nature and
nature only. That is why some people have decided to buy organically grown food. From their experiences with organic food, they believe that the
organic system can be economically practical. This system also provides a wide range of environmental and social benefits, and most importantly, it
enables consumers to make a choice about the food they eat. According to Diana Brander, an American biology teacher, we should have the choice of
the type of food we eat.
But at a time when sales of organic food are soaring, a development in agriculture is removing an...show more content...
Even if this is true, it is not the whole story. The government may fail to take into account the ecological impact of the farming industry. For
example, most of the genetically modified plants marketed so far contain genes from bacteria which make them resistant to a wide variety of
weed killers. When the crop is sprayed with this weed killer all other plants in the field are killed. The result is a very sterile field, providing neither
food nor habitat for wildlife. The genetically modified plants are capable of interbreeding with their relative plants which creates new weeds with a
built in resistance to the weed killer. In one incident modified genes from a crop spread into a conventional crop that was more than a mile away. As a
result of this, conventional crops and organic crops are in great danger.
Genetically modified crops are being developed to produce their own pesticide. This will bring the rapid appearance of resistant insects. Even worse,
these pesticide producing plants have killed some beneficial insects and pests that many farmers use in their crops. For example, inserting a gene from
a snowdrop, a perennial herb found in Europe and Asia into a potato, made the potato resistant to the green fly, but killed lady bugs that feed on green
flies.
Despite the huge acreages involved, there is no requirement to monitor genetically modified commercial crops to see what is happening at all times.

Essay on Genetically Modified Foods
During the last few decades, the field of genetics has been significantly advanced. One of these advancements is the understanding of how genes affect
an organism. Through this understanding, geneticists have begun to alter the natural genes found in food. The altercation of genes in food has given
these foods the name genetically modified. Currently, the affect of genetically modified food on humans and the environment is a controversial topic
among geneticists and environmentalists worldwide. This paper examines the controversy surrounding genetically modified food in the United States
and abroad. Introduction:
During the last few decades, the field of genetics has been significantly...show more content...
The bacterium acts as a transport mechanism for the plasmid and injects the plasmid into the organism's DNA (McInnis and Sinha, 2000).
In the Gene Gun Route, scientists also isolate the DNA for the desired trait and splice in a gene for antibiotic resistance. Then the isolated DNA is
coated on microscopic bullets of gold or tungston. The final step in the process is using a gene gun to fire the bullets of gold or tungston into plant
cells at the speed of sound. The result of this final step is to insert the donor DNA into the organism's DNA (McInnis and Sinha, 2000).
Now it is time for a short pop quiz to test the reader's knowledge of how genetically modified foods. Question one: Can you recall eating genetically
modified foods? Question two: How many genetically modified foods can you name? If you answered no to the first question, then you are either
unaware of what you are eating or not telling the truth. Most likely, your answer for the second question was well below the number of actual
genetically modified foods on the market. The reason why you probably guessed a lower number is because genetically modified foods have
successfully infiltrated the market at a rapid rate and are in a variety of foods that humans eat. Here is a list of just a few of them: soybeans, tomatoes,
potatoes, corn, squash, zucchini, and watermelon. In addition to these foods,

Genetically modified foods (GM) are foods that come from organisms whose genetic material has been modified in a way that is not natural.
Introducing a gene from a different organism to foods is an example of a way that genetic modification is used. This type of genetic engineering
involves altering, transferring, and recombining genes from disparate organisms. It is said that genetic modification is to be one of the most advanced
uses of technology to ever been devised. There are two common food genetic modifications one is for herbicide tolerance and the other is adding a gene
from soil bacteria. In order to give plants herbicide tolerance they are given a gene to protect them from herbicides that a farmer uses to kill off
weeds. The added trait from soil bacteria is called Bacillus thuringiensis and this allows plants to produce their own insecticide. In today's day and age
GM foods stem mostly from plants, but it is said that in the future
GM microorganisms and animals are likely to be introduced to the market. (World Health
Organization)
Development of GM Crops
The development of genetically modified organisms started with an Augustinian monk named
Gregor Mendel in the mid 1800's. Mendel carried out experiments with pea plants which he came to the conclusion that these plants pass on hereditary
traits from one generation to the next.
It was not until the 1900's when scientists developed early ideas around biotechnology. (Tucker)
The discovery of DNA

Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food Essays
Pros and Cons of genetically modified food, or GMOs
Genetically modified foods are a types of foods that have been genetically changed, to add or get rid of an unwanted trait in a food. For example,
seedless oranges. This is a type of orange that is genetically modified (had tits genes changed) specifically so it would grow without seeds. Many
foods are genetically modified today. Oranges, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, and many others have had their genes changed. In fact, the average
person will eat at least one genetically modified food everyday without realizing it. According to a survey by USDA 26% of people asked believed
that they had never eaten a genetically modified food.
Today, over 85% of the corn grown in the U.S is...show more content...
In less wealthy countries, kids stand in line for hours to get shots that treat infectious diseases that have the potential to kill. But what if the kids could
eat dinner and be safe from those diseases for years after they ate a meal? Anti–cholera potatoes are genetically modified potatoes that contain the fluids
that prevent cholera. Sometime in the future, there is a possibility that shots and treatments will be a thing the past. All you will have to do is eat a
potato, and for the rest of your life, you wont have to worry about getting cholera. There are some drawbacks in this though. For example, when the
plants spread pollen, the pollen will carry the gene the gene that makes the food medicated. If the pollen spreads, the gene will spread causing the
natural potatoes to become medicated. This could cause people who didn't want the medicine to take it without realizing it.
GMO foods are not the most healthy or honest foods, but they are the most helpful. Many fruits and vegetables are engineered to be resistant to bugs
and diseases that could cause famine. This helps farmers all over the country by giving them a better harvest. Also, non–sanitary soil has become a
large problem in some places around the world. The soil made it harder for crops to grow in certain environments. To solve this problem, scientists
could take a gene from a plant that can live in these conditions, and plant it into another crop's genome. This would make the crop that

Genetically Modified Foods Essay

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Featured

Featured (20)

Genetically Modified Foods Essay