Controversies Surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

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The controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) lies in the lack of acceptable research on the topic. While numerous studies and experiment have been conducted, unbiased results have yet to be published. On one hand, bioengineers claim their GMOs and GMO products are not harmful and may even be beneficial, while on the other hand, scientists and agriculturists claim they are terrified about the uncertainty surrounding these unnatural products. This paper will explain what GMOs are, then analyze positive and negative claims and determine if they have any validity. Genetically modified organisms, also referred to as "transgenic" or "genetically engineered" organisms (Emerson 1), are organisms created by "inserting a gene from an unrelated source" (Maghari 1). These eternal sources include, viruses, bacteria, plants, and animals (Maghari). GMOs can be found not only in produce, but in processed foods as well. The top two GMOs produced in the United States are corn and soy; GMO corn production accounts for approximately 80% of the total production, while GMO soy production accounts for approximately 90% of the total production ("Recent"). Beyond corn and soy, many other fruits and vegetables, along with countless additives, are considered GMO as well. The first claim, made by the bioengineering companies creating the GMOs, is that the products are "resistan[t] to insects or viruses, toleran[t] [of] certain herbicides and [have] nutritionally enhanced quality" (Maghari 2). With resistance against pests and tolerance to harsher pesticides, bioengineers claim to be creating a super food that requires less maintenance and costs less. In fact, for many developing countries, this seems a promising start to the end of w... ... middle of paper ... ...t: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "GMO-Crop Crisis a Rapidly Growing Concern." Santa Fe New Mexican 21 Oct. 2008. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 29 Mar. 2014. Maghari, Behrokh Mohajer, and Ali M. Ardekani. "Genetically Modified Foods And Social Concerns." Avicenna Journal Of Medical Biotechnology 3.3 (2011): 109-117. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2014. "Recent Trends in GE Adoption." United States Department of Agriculture - Economic Research Service. N.p., 09 July 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. . Van Eenennaam, Alison L. "GMOs in animal agriculture: time to consider both costs and benefits in regulatory evaluations." Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology 4 (2013): 37. Academic OneFile. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.

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