Contrasting crops that are genetically modified against crops that are not genetically modified.
As early as 1980, scientists had discovered that the possibility of transferring specific sequences of DNA from one organism to another organism. The beginning of modifying organism’s genetics was then started. 3 years later, building on this foundation, a tobacco plant that are anti-biotics immune was produced. Much later in 1995, a leading biotechnology company-Monsanto invented world-first herbicide resistant soybeans. The technology continue to accelerate quickly and when it came to the millennium, this genes modification technique was found to be able to enhance certain nutrients of foods. (“History of genetically modified crops”, n.d.). However, the society is still doubtful with crops that are genetically modified (GM) and are afraid about its potential health effects (“Genetically modified food controversies”, 2013). Hence raised organizations that protest (Leo, 2012) and support the consumption of Non-GM food (Non-GMO Project, n.d.). Meanwhile, scientists around the globe have presented more than 600 articles and researches proving that GM foods, including crops are harmless to human and the environment, yet proven to be beneficial to all, as according to Dr. David Tribe on his website-GMO Pundit. Why part of the public is so afraid of GM crops? Why scientists continue to advocate the benefits of biotechnology application on crops despite the disagreement from majority of people? Before these and others questions can be answered, it’s important to first understand the differences between crops that are genetically modified and crops that are not. The differences are the way there are grown, their tolerance towards herbicide a...
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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.
“Man has been modifying plants for over 10,00 years” (Pechan 2005). Whether man has been cross breeding or modifying, this has always been our nature since the agricultural revolution for the convenience of the farmer and the consumer. One such example of this modification is that of the potato. Potatoes have many cousins that can live in many different elemental conditions as well as have different shapes, sizes and taste (Pechan 2005). However, that process through breeding different plants is an ineffective way to farm for the convenience of the farmer and the industry as a whole. What this led to in recent times is what is called “biological technology”, or “Genetically Modified Organisms” (GMOs). The meaning of a GMO is that “scientists select one or a few genes from other organisms that have been studied previously and added into a specific living plant cell that can be regenerated into a whole plant” (Pechan 2005). However, GMO are not limited only to plants, but animals as well (Otero 2008). With current technology, scientist can now modify organisms manually so that they can have enhanced taste, repel bugs and viruses, be ingredient specific, and even better for health (Pechan 2005). With animals, GMOs can enhance the rate of growth and number (Otero 2008). However, this has turned into an ethical problem in regards to the principle of justice, human welfare, and human rights in regards to plants (Tao 2003). With GMOs, in regards to animals, it becomes an issue regarding animal rights. There is a social impact that GMOs have on people in regards to human health, environmental implications, and globalization.
You may not know it, but in the United States GM foods are quite prevalent. Approximately 65% of foods in the U.S. contain some variation of genetically altered ingredients (Ulrich 9). And of that portion, 89% of soybeans and 61% of corn is transgenic (Powell 529). This technology came to prominence in the 1990’s and since then has been a subject of much controversy. Proponents preach the undeniable health and growing benefits of this new development. Critics rail against biotech companies for the ambiguous safety status and ethical grounds of altering natural plant growth. The center stage for this conflict is Europe. While generally similar to the U.S., this region of the world is much more outwardly suspicious and hostile towards crop alterations.
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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.
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The most wonderful activity a human being can experience is new flavors and foods. For example, the first time a person tastes a delicious juicy piece of prime rib or a delightful hamburger with cheese and ham, his world is never the same. However, since the beginning of the twentieth century, the production of food has been supplemented by science. This has triggered an angry dispute between the people who support the advances of biotechnology and people who love nature. In order to understand the controversy, we have to know the meaning of genetically modified foods. With new technological advances, scientists can modify seeds from a conventional seed to a high tech seed with shorter maturation times and resistance to dryness, cold and heat. This is possible with the implementation of new genes into the DNA of the conventional seed. Once these "transgenes" are transferred, they can create plants with better characteristics (Harris 164-165). The farmers love it not only because it guarantees a good production, but the cost is also reduced. On the other hand, organizations such as Greenpeace and Friends of Earth have campaigned against GMO (“Riesgos”) because they think that they are negatively affecting the earth (Gerdes 26). Both the advocates and the opponents of genetically modified foods have excellent arguments.
Genetically modified food’s, or GMOs, goal is to feed the world's malnourished and undernourished population. Exploring the positive side to GMOs paints a wondrous picture for our planet’s future, although careful steps must be taken to ensure that destruction of our ecosystems do not occur. When GMOs were first introduced into the consumer market they claimed that they would help eliminate the world’s food crisis by providing plants that produced more and were resistant to elemental impacts like droughts and bacterial contaminants, however, production isn’t the only cause for the world’s food crisis. Which is a cause for concern because the population on the earth is growing and our land and ways of agriculture will not be enough to feed everyone sufficiently. No simple solutions can be found or applied when there are so many lives involved. Those who are hungry and those who are over fed, alike, have to consider the consequences of Genetically Modified Organisms. Food should not be treated like a commodity it is a human necessity on the most basic of levels. When egos, hidden agendas, and personal gains are folded into people's food sources no one wins. As in many things of life, there is no true right way or wrong way to handle either of the arguments and so many factors are involved that a ‘simple’ solution is simply not an option.
Withgott, J., & Brennan, S. (2011). Environment: the science behind the stories (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Scientists have been changing genomes of plants and animals by integrating new genes from a different species through genetic engineering, creating a genetically modified organism (GMO). Consumers in America have been eating GMOs since 1996, when they went on the market. There are benefits to genetically modifying crop plants, as it improves the crop quality and increases yield, affecting the economy and developing countries. But there are also negative effects from GMOs. Consumption of GMOs has various health effects on both body systems of animals and humans. GMOs also affect the environment, ecosystems and other animal species. The cons outweigh the pros in the case of GMOs.