Since the beginning of genetic engineering, the technology has been thought of as unpredictable and harmful to human health. Nearly every person that hears the terms genetically modified immediately thinks that there is a risk involved, and this “myth” has been around since the introduction of genetically engineered foods in 1996. “According to this myth, members of the public are concerned because they think that genetic modification is ‘unnatural’. They do not realize that humans, through breeding, have been manipulating the genetic make-up of crops and farm animals for 10,000 years.” (Marris 1). Genetic modification is the selection of a desired trait by either manually adding the select gene to the crop, or breeding crops with those traits, eliminating those crops without that desired gene. The reason why breeding methods of genetic modification has faded is because “…plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very accurate. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, can create plants with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy.” (Whitman 1). With this technology, scientists are able to create crops that yield more produce, hold vaccinations, and even improved nutritional content. Therefore, there is nothing unnatural about genetic modification, and it opens up unlimited possibilities for crops, even adding genes from fishes to crops to increase their tolerance to cold. Also, there is no proven risk with the consumption of genetically engineered foods considering “The U.S Food and Drug Administration has established the safety and integrity of GMOs.” (Johnson 1). So, if there are no proven health risks with GMOs, then why does the general public have such a false sense of genetic... ... middle of paper ... ...enefits of Genetically Modified Crops for the Poor: Household Income, Nutrition, and Health. Elsevier B.V, Nov. 2010. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. Stellner, Alison. "Benefits of GMO Foods." Benefits of GMO Foods. Livestrong Foundation, 16 Aug. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. Strauss, Steven H., Peter Coventry, Malcom M. Campbell, Simom N. Pryor, and Jeff Burley. "Certification of Genetically Modified Forest Plantations." JSTOR. Commonwealth Forestry Association, 2001. Web. 01 May 2014. Walsh, Bryan. "Banning GMO Labels Is Bad for GMOs." Time. Time, 09 Apr. 2014. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. Wasserman, Robin. "Benefits You Get From a GMO." Benefits You Get From a GMO. Livestrong Foundation, 16 Aug. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. Whitman, Deborah B. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? ProQuest, Apr. 2000. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.
"Institute for Responsible Technology." - 10 Reasons to Avoid GMO's. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.
Premanandh, Jagadeesan. “Global consensus--need of the hour for genetically modified organisms (GMO) labeling.” Journal of Commercial Biotechnology. 2011. Web. 6 May. 2014.
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.
Smith, Nicola. “Roundup Ready Or Not: There Seems To Be Little Middle Ground On the Subject of Genetically-Engineered Crops”. Valley News. Valley News, 4 Aug. 2013. Web. 14 Apr. 2014
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Genetically engineered (GE) food crops have caused heated debate in the food industry for many decades and have caused many consumers major concern. According to Dr. Carroll Rawn, a biology professor at Seton Hall University, genetically engineering food entails taking genes from a certain crop and inserting those genes in the DNA of another. This process changes the nucleotide sequence of the crop and, therefore, its characteristics. The debate lies in the question of whether these changes are beneficial for the productivity and quality of the harvest. Jeremy Rifkin argues in his article, “Science and Technology: O Brave New World,” that GE foods are not beneficial for the environment by stating, “Virtually every genetically engineered organism released into the environment poses a potential threat to the ecosystem” (247). On the other hand, the internet article, “New Research Confirms Environmental Safety of GE Crops,” argues, “A comprehensive review of international research conducted on areas of potential concerns related to genetically engineered (GE) crops concludes that such crops do not provide unique ecological risks and may contribute to ecological benefits such as increased biodiversity.” Increased biodiversity means an increased number and variety of crops farmers are able to produce, which has many benefits, specifically feeding starving people around the world. Thus, it is clear that, while genetically engineered food crops do introduce some dangers to consumers and the environment, their benefits, specifically pest, herbicide, and disease resistant capabilities and the new opportunities they provide through biodiversity, clearly outweigh the...
Genetic modification (GM), also known as genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology, is a process that involves combining DNA, and later inserting the newly recombined DNA into cells to be expressed through protein synthesis. The use of this technology in food can result in both positive and negative consequences. Genetic modification of food can aid first world countries by improving the economy and increasing food supplies, and third world countries, by resolving the issue of nutrient deficiency. In spite of that, genetic modification of food can also have negative effects. These include disruption of the food chain and biodiversity, the production of new, unfamiliar allergens, and even economical decline. Currently, genetically modified food is permitted for use and importation in Australia (Benefits of gene technology, n.d.), which raises the question, whether the genetic modification of food can only have positive outcomes for today’s consumers.
Whitman, Debrah “Genetically Modified Foods.” Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? Web. 19 January 2014.
Connealy, Leigh. “GMOs: The Pros & Cons of Genetically Modified Food – Newport Natural Health.” Newport Natural Health GMOs the Pros Cons of Genetically Modified Food Comments. N.p. 17 Nov. 2014. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
How many of you hear the words “genetically modified food” and immediately think “BAD”? How many of you scorn the idea that genetically modified foods are useful? How many of you have been manipulated by the media to think that all biotechnology is evil? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have been genetically spliced to achieve a certain trait. As the demand for a larger food supply is increasing due to population growth, the benefits that GMO foods provide are being hailed as the only solution to the food crisis. However, many people are making inadequately informed decisions, and are pushing them to the back shelf. I will inform you on why genetically modified organisms may be the only way to a stable, safe future for the less fortunate.
This report explains genetically modified food (GMOs) and discusses the benefits and risks associated with the consumptions of GMOs. Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are foods that have been genetically altered using engineering techniques. The most common technique used today is called recombinant DNA technology; this technology combines different molecules from different plant species to create a plant with a new set of genes, a hybrid plant. Another recombinant DNA technology being used is recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) an artificial growth hormone; this hormone is being fed or injected into cows to improve milk production. (ThefreeDictionary)
What is genetic modification (GM)? (2011, October 14). Retrieved May 29, 2014, from CSIRO: http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Food-and-Agriculture/WhatIsGM.aspx
Boyers, Lindsay. "Genetically Modified Foods." SF chronicle [San Francisco] 03 03 2013, Demand Media n. pag. Print.