The history of biotechnology and genetically modified (GM) foods has a history of opposing sides. The two opposing sides argue on the ethical standpoint of the act of genetically modifying plants and animals. They also argue on the health problems that the foods may cause for people that eat it. Going towards the future, people question whether GM foods have a positive or negative effect on humans. GM foods cause many assorted viewpoints consisting of positive and negative effects based off of its recent history.
The history and the different ways of genetically modifying the GM foods started very recently, extending to only the past 50 years. The genetics all began when a monk discovered that all creatures are made up of genes. GM started with two different ways of genetically modifying organisms. Cisgenesis, the process of scientists taking genes from an animal or plant and altering the genes of an organism in the same species, was the first way. Transgenesis, the process of taking the genes of one animal or plant and putting those genes into an organism of a different species, was the second way. When scientists want to put those genes into an animal or plant, they have to use special gear. The scientists usually use either a syringe, a special gun, or even a virus with the gene encrypted into the code of the virus to implant the new modification (“Genetically Modified” n.p.). When researchers first used the technology to genetically modify food, the goal was to combat world hunger. Scientists first modified the tomato to be able to make the skin thicker so that it would have a longer storage life. Scientists soon discovered there was already an organic tomato in existence that possessed the same qualities, so the...
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...e. Rpt. from "Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods and Crops: Why We Need A Global Moratorium." Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 3 May 2014.
"Genetically Modified Food." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 3 May 2014.
Gertsberg, Deniza. "Genetically Modified Crops Contribute to Biodiversity Loss."Biodiversity. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Current Controversies. Rpt. from "Loss of Biodiversity and Genetically Modified Crops."www.gmo-journal.com. 2011. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 3 May 2014.
Miller, Henry I. "Genetically Modified Foods Have Numerous Benefits and No Known Risks." Genetic Engineering. Ed. Noël Merino. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "When Technophobia Becomes Toxic." 2012.Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 3 May 2014
...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.
Experts say, “Unless you consume only certified organic foods […] you’ve almost certainly eaten foods containing ingredients whose genes have been tweaked […].” (Anonymous, 2013, p.4). This assertion proves that people is eating food with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s), nevertheless they disown the consequences of its intake. The opinions in the scientific society are divided, however recent experiments let predict the possible effects that GM Food production and consumption generates in a global scale. Genetically Modified Foods should be banned because it generates a negative impact on humans’ health, affects the environment and harms the third world nations.
If you read the paper or watch the news, you’re undoubtedly aware of the debate raging over genetically modified food. Is it bad or is it good? Between the feuding sides, you might find yourself a little lost and wondering which side is right. Answers to seemingly simple questions have been blurred or exaggerated by both sides. On one side genetically modified food is more sustainable, safe, cheaper, easier to grow and has the potential of creating disease-fighting foods. Although this is positive and good intentioned, there may be unintended consequences that we have been quick to overlook. Those opposing genetically modified food clam that it is dangerous, harms the environment, increases health risks, and causes infertility and weight gain. Even things like the declining bee population may have closer ties to modified food than previously thought. We must look to science for answers. By studying genetically modified organisms (GMOs) we can guide our decision about whether we want to be consuming them.
Denson, Bryan. "Genetically engineered crops viewed as both benefit, threat". The Oregonian. February 10, 2000.
GM food has generated polemic debate amongst: governmental regulators, biotechnology companies, scientists, economic activists, environmentalists and consumers. The main areas of controversy correlated to GM food are the neutrality of scientific examination and publication, the results of GM crops on the environment and health and the role of the crops in feeding the world population.
It is evident throughout this essay that the risks do not outweigh the reward, and with every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. It also remains clear that something has to be done to remove these genetically modified products for the environment and the shelves at the
Whitman, Debrah “Genetically Modified Foods.” Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? Web. 19 January 2014.
Genetically engineered goods are a huge controversy in the United States. There has been a lot of conflict between different groups about whether or not genetically engineered foods should be so widely sold or at least not labeled. There are many people on both sides of the argument that have given great insight as to what genetically engineered foods can do for/to people. Those that are in favor of genetically modified food say that it allows for farmers to have a less risky harvest and this can then lead to producing more food for a higher population.
“Genetically modified foods are a "Pandora's box" of known and unknown risks to humans and the environment. They have been forced onto the American public by multinational biotech and agribusiness corporations without adequate oversight and regulation by the United States government (Driscoll, SallyMorley, David C).”Genetically Modified Food is food which has been chemically altered by scientists during the production process to give the food more nutrients, better appearance, and a longer shelf-life (Rich, Alex K.Warhol, Tom). The importance of this issue is that these GMO’s can actually have a negative effect in our society in general. It could mutate in a negative way and cause cancer or other diseases. Genetically modified food should be strictly controlled due to its various detrimental effects on the environment, human health, and potentially insect/animal effects.
Genetically modified organisms, a complex substance, have stirred up a global argument that is as equally complex. With people on both sides of the argument, who are firm believers in their opinion, it is hard to choose which opinion to believe in. It is important for the public to understand that “GM technology adds desirable traits from nature, without introducing anything unnatural or using chemicals, so that food is more plentiful” (“The Facts about GMOs”). The everyday person has a common misconception that genetically modified organisms are bad for humans and the environment because of the bad reputation that the non-scientific world gives them. The World Health Organization is cited saying, “Genetically modified foods are “foods derived
The safety of genetically modified food has been debated since it first became known to the public approximately 30 years ago. However, within the last decade the increasing use of genetically modified food has become more widespread, both through usage in food production and in public education. There are many scientists on both sides of the argument who either support genetically modified foods or are against them. On one side, it is said that genetically modified foods are more nutritious, better tasting, and overall better for human beings. On the other side, it is said that genetically modified foods are not, and can not be, verified as safe, they cause cancer, and increase allergic reactions in human beings along with causing new types
First of all having researched genetically modified foods and the effects that they can have on human health I must say that it has made me realise that I am against genetically modified foods and the idea that they are artificially made rather than naturally grown using traditional methods. It is not necessary to look far beyond what I am about to say to realise just how bad genetically modified foods are. In our society today it is becoming more difficult to know what we are consuming as farmers and scientists continue to alter the way in which foods are made and grown. The main issue is that there is lack of information that clarifies the effects of genetically modified foods and as a society we are unaware of the means and methods used to produce these foods. According to Professor Bevan Mosely who states that “when we use these methods, we don’t know what part of the chromosome that the new gene is being introduced ...
Genetically modified foods is one of the most controversial issues around the world. GMOs (genetically modified foods) are defined as organisms that have had their genetic materials altered in a way that does not occur in nature. Doing this is supposed to improve both the quality and shelf life of most agricultural products. GMO’s have spread worldwide concern with both health and environmental effects. Both of these concerns brought up a lot of controversy. People across the world are asking questions on the environmental and health effects that these foods will have on us and the world we live in. There are both advantages and disadvantages that genetically modified foods will have on our country.
Everything in our live have two sides: one is good and another 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 of genetic engineering. Even though GMF are causing damage environment and affecting on 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 and new products. It feeds more people, especially poor countries.
Boyers, Lindsay. "Genetically Modified Foods." SF chronicle [San Francisco] 03 03 2013, Demand Media n. pag. Print.