Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms
analytical Essay
1908 words
Even though we may not know it, GMO’s are everywhere. From the trees in a lumberyard, the pets we own, and most common, the food on our plates. GMO’s are genetically modified organisms. They have even been called “part of the fabric of American life” (Lambrecht 3). New controversies have risen up to fight these “deadly” foods. Do we really know what we are eating? Does it even matter? Biotechnologies and altering the characteristics of food have been around for many centuries. These uses were put into use to create useful products such as wine and bread and more recently to create resistant crops and antidotes in the medical field. The difference is that modern biotechnology is now associated with the modification of genes. This is not only limited to food. There are many other practical and useful purposes for this type of engineering. Although recently this use of technology has received a lot of flak and hostility towards these crops that in turn has been holding back on advancement of the foods. Some of these misconceptions about these products are coming from people who don’t yet know how safe the GMO’s really are and don’t understand the possibilities that these foods have. Further innovation could develop into a long and jubilant rapport with genetically modified organisms. Thus, as long as GMO’s are labeled on the products then it is okay to sell them.
We walk into grocery stores everywhere and we see these stickers on our products that say GMO and wonder what GMO’s actually are. These GMO product sticker means the food that we are buying is engineered to be bigger, better tasting, and resistant to disease. In Nova’s movie, Harvest of Fear, they explain how scientists do this by inserting genes or proteins into the DNA o...
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...nd the global politics of food. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2001. Print. Mather, Robin. "The Threats From Genetically Modified Foods." Mother Earth News 251 (2012): 42. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 8 May 2012.Nestle, Marion. Safe food: bacteria, biotechnology, and bioterrorism. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2003. Print. Whitman, Deborah B. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? Apr. 2000. Web. 08 May 2012. Powell, Douglas, ”Genetically Modified Foods Should not be Labeled.” National Post (22 June 2001). Rpt in Genetic Engineering Ed. James D. Torr Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Current Controversies. Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 09 May 2012.
"GMO | Life Is Fare." Life Is Fare | One woman's approach to living life to the fullest by eating happy food.. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2012.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that gmo's are genetically modified organisms, which have been used for centuries to create useful products, such as wine, bread, and antidotes in the medical field.
- Analyzes how nova's movie, harvest of fear, explains how scientists insert genes or proteins into the dna of another plant to modify one gene out of thousands. mutation in nature is a good process.
- Explains that the use of genetic engineering on organisms first came about in the 1970's when they used bacteria to produce proteins.
- Argues that the benefits of genetically modified foods outweigh the minor repercussions, such as better taste and less damage to the product.
- Explains that these "miracle foods" are resistant to almost all pests, such as bacillus thuringiensis, or bt, which has reduced insecticide sprays by 46 million pounds annually since 1996.
- Explains that genetically modified foods have the potential to solve many world issues and tribulations, such as world hunger.
- Opines that the pessimism towards gmo's could be contributed from a lot of this erroneous information.
- Opines that genetically modified foods should not be discriminated against and banned from our diet.
- Analyzes how genetic engineering is changing what we eat, how we live, and the global politics of food.
- Explains that "gmo | life is fare." one woman's approach to living life to the fullest by eating happy food.
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- Gmo Persuasive Speechexplanatory essayHow 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.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that genetically modified organisms (gmos) are being hailed as the only solution to the food crisis, but many people are making inadequately informed decisions.
- Explains that gmo food can create healthy, nutritious food in greater quantities for the less fortunate.
- Explains that genetically modified organisms don't harm humans or animals in any way. the amount of gmo meals eaten by food-producing animals since gm foods were introduced would be trillions.
- Explains that gmos help the environment by incorporating biochemical pesticides into the dna of the plant.
- Explains that gmo crops have a higher yield and are less likely to require herbicides or pesticide. non-gmo varieties require more applications, which means more fuel for the use of machines and more time.
- Explains that gmos are helping reduce world poverty, but anti-gmo organisations are slowing the process. in tanzania, farmers and their families are starving because their main crop, cassava, has been failing because of a new disease called brown streak virus.
- Opines that gmo foods are not cancer-causing, they are beneficial, helping with climate change, reducing poverty, and serving the ecosystem. they beg of you to embrace them and help create a better, stable world for generations to come.
1022 wordsRead More - Monsanto Pros And Consopinion essayThere has been an ongoing debate about the use of GMOs in the food we eat since the late 1900’s. People try to decide what is best for the body, but never know what they are feeding themselves even after reading the nutritional labels. Whether eating at a local fast food joint or a high-end restaurant, people are unaware of where their food is actually coming from and the process it takes to their plate. Little do they know that in the beginning stages of what they eat, there is some modification to the crop. Monsanto is an agribusiness focused on the growth of crops involving GMOs. Produced by Monsanto, many genetically modified crops go into several foods that people eat. A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism that uses genes
In this essay, the author
- Argues that gmos should be reduced or stopped because they give more power to corporations, cause unfair deals between corporations and local farmers, and have harmful effects on the human body.
- Explains that monsanto's roundup ready herbicide contains noticeable levels of glyphosate, a proven carcinogen to humans.
- Explains that goldman sachs and monsanto are the only people benefiting from this unfair situation. getting rid of gmos would result in a healthier population, more productive and natural agriculture business.
- Opines that monsanto's main goal is to make money like any other large company.
- Explains that monsanto grows sugar beets, soy, and corn using genetically modified seeds and roundup ready to control the growth of crops before selling them to customers.
- Explains that monsanto has gained notoriety from the public due to their effects on food and humans. people are realizing the damages caused by mega companies on the environment and society.
- Opines that consumers should show more concern about the food they are buying because corporations have the most influence on what the public eats and how much they pay for it.
1751 wordsRead More - The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modifying Foodopinion essayThe genetic modification of food is a very controversial subject around the world founded by Monsanto, a company involved in agricultural technology, in the 1980’s (Wikipedia). Since then, many other companies have also started to modify their food to avoid using pesticides. I define genetically modified foods (or GM foods) as foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering (Wikipedia). There are many different views concerning GMOs and I will explore the ideological and ethical arguments associated with this subject. I will also analyse the global and national perspectives as well as my own, investigating what factors affect the decision of nations or individuals on whether GMOs are enriching or detrimental to health.
In this essay, the author
- Defines genetically modified foods as foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their dna using the methods of genetic engineering.
- Describes veganism as a vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, dairy products, and all other animal-derived ingredients.
- Opines that gmos aren't bad for humans' health if they are used properly. nestle uses them purely to benefit the consumer and save money, but the end product remains the same regardless of gene technology.
- Explains that the controversies about gmos and whether they are really bad are mostly based on personal opinions.
- Explains litcharts | romeo and juliet: themes.
- Argues that genetic engineering is the only way food industries can sustain their food demands with the little soil they have for cultivation.
- Opines that the washington gmo bill is overblown, and that new fda food label rules ignore the gm elephant in the room.
- Explains that "gmos are nothing to fear." us news. u.s.news & world report, 4 nov. 2013. hackett, jolinda. "vegan - what is a vegan?
- Opines that the majority of eu governments are set to oppose approval of gm maize.
- States singapore's biosafety guidelines for research, release and importation of genetically modified organisms.
1458 wordsRead More - The Genetically Modified Foods Controversyexplanatory essayYou 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.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified foods can increase pest, herbicide, cold, and drought tolerance. however, there are some concerns regarding gm foods.
- Explains that in the united states, gm foods are prevalent, with 89% of soybeans and 61% of corn being transgenic. europe is suspicious and hostile towards crop alterations.
- Explains that in the u.s., gm foods have received little public opposition due to the fact that food manufacturers are not required to label their products as containing genetically modified ingredients.
- Explains that the european populace has a different response to gm foods. the precautionary principle is based on the idea that even though there is no evidence of negative effects, that does not mean that no risk exists.
- Explains that the u.s. has a more "hands off" policy and places more trust and faith in corporations and biotech companies involved in the production of genetically modified foods.
- Explains that the conflict between the u.s. and the e.u. has permeated into other regions of the world, specifically developing nations.
- Analyzes how the gm food controversy is an example of how two very kindred cultures can be so split over one issue, enough to cause hostility.
- Cites haroon ashraf and c. d. viljoen. gm biotechnology: friend and foe?
- States falkner, robert, herrick, clare b., and sheldon, ian. the global biotech food fight: why the united states got it so wrong.
1350 wordsRead More - The Controversy of Genetically Modified Cropsanalytical essayYou may know about the emerging field of biotechnology - the medicine, the ethics, the DNA, the Human Genome, etc. But few realize the emergence of its agricultural branch, and the international conflict that has arisen from it. It may apply to you more than you thought, for half of the soybean products and a quarter of the corn you ate in 1999 may have been genetically modified (Kaufman A6). Genetically modified crops (commonly referred to as GMOs) are crops whose characteristics have been altered to produce a favorable trait, whether it be prolonged freshness, a more attractive appearance, or pesticide resistance (Activist 1). Genetic alteration is the act of inserting a gene, which contains specific DNA (usually from another species), into an organism so that it will produce a protein to create a specific trait. Many have argued over the ethical appropriateness of the issue, but this time new concerns come into view. Many consumers all over the world are worried about human safety, environmental preservation, and international trade.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified crops are crops whose characteristics have been altered to produce favorable traits, such as prolonged freshness, an attractive appearance, or pesticide resistance.
- Argues that the argument between the united states and the european union (eu) has dominated the controversy.
- Argues that bio-engineering is a new and efficient way of increasing crop production without increasing costs, time, or labor.
- Opines that the eu food safety rule may cost africa $700 million in trade.
- Explains charles marwick's "thesis article." e-mail to kate pielemeier. "genetically modified crops feed ongoing controversy."
- Explains that foods safe?" fda consumer. v34 i1 p.18. u.s. government printing office.
- Argues that the united states is the leading producer, manufacturer, buyer, and seller of genetically modified (gm) foods.
1402 wordsRead More - Negative Essay: Should GMO Should Be Food?opinion essayThere is no denying that the most important item in people’s lives is food. With the United States’ current technology and advancements in farming, food is overall easy to acquire and comes in a large selection. However, an important staple to the human life and diet is the source of a large heated debate. This debate is over the topic of whether or not America should continue to take part in the production of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Opposers say that GMOs are harmful to the lives of humans and animals, while supporters argue that not only do GMOs pose no harm to anyone’s health, but are beneficial in numerous ways. I believe both sides bring up excellent points, arguments, and research. However, I believe that the growing population of America cannot continue to be supported by current agricultural methods, and GMOs are the inevitable solution to keeping America’s food supply thriving.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that food is the most important item in people's lives, and that the growing population of america cannot continue to be supported by current agricultural methods.
- Explains that those who oppose the idea of america producing gmos state that these "improved" crops pose a serious health risk to living beings.
- Explains that the opposing side claims that scientists performed false, unreliable tests on gmos.
- Argues that genetically modified crops have been rigorously tested, and any complications that occur in the experiments are thoroughly resolved.
- Explains that genetic engineering has allowed scientists to produce superior crops that are more adapted to other climates, have more nutrition, and require fewer materials for growing.
- Opines that the supporting side of gmos is more convincing than the evidence brought on by the opposing side. they question whether the gm crops are to blame for the animals' poor health.
- Opines that genetic modification is becoming more effective and has a promising future.
- Opines that gmos can provide americans with advantages that are too great to discard and leave behind. both sides have strong opinions backed up with a plethora of research.
1274 wordsRead More - Genetically Modified Organismsanalytical essayGMOs, an abbreviation for “genetically modified organisms”, are a result of laboratory processes of taking genes from one species and transferring them into a different species as an attempt to obtain or remove a specific trait or characteristic. GMOs are also known as genetically engineered organisms and transgenic organisms. Genetically Modified Organisms were unrecognized until 1982 when the FDA approved the first Genetically Modified Organism, Humulin, which is insulin that is produced by genetically engineered E. coli bacteria. Then, in 1994 the FDA approved the first Flavr Savr tomato for sale in grocery stores, which had a much longer shelf life than regular tomatoes. Shortly after, GMO resistant weeds appeared in 1996. GM products do not stop at foods, but are also used in other products such as common garden plants, clothing, and medicine. Since appearance, GMO’s and labeling policies of products containing GMOs have been a source of great controversy both globally and nationally as to whether these “science experiments” are harmful to the environment and health of those consuming products containing them. Today, there are no restrictions or guidelines for products containing GMOs. Some think that there are no threats associated with GMOs, but it is fact that products containing GMOs are potentially harmful to consumers and a strict labeling method should be in place to inform consumers of what they are purchasing. I will argue that labeling of products containing genetically modified materials should be mandatory.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that gmos are a result of laboratory processes of taking genes from one species and transferring them into another species as an attempt to obtain or remove an specific trait or characteristic.
- Argues that labeling of products containing genetically modified ingredients should be mandatory due to health speculations, environmental impact, and consumers' prerogative to be aware.
- Argues that gmos are beneficial because they allow for greater production of food for both humans and livestock, which ultimately increases revenue.
- Analyzes the controversy over genetically modified organisms and labeling of products created using them. 90% of the crops produced in the u.s. are genetically modified.
1129 wordsRead More - The Danger of Genetically Modified Organismsargumentative essayHow well do we know the food we are eating? Ever wondered whether these foods are safe? In the recent years, people have become more aware of how genetically modified foods have substituted our diets with altered foods -- to which little we know about the long term effects on humans. These food being fed to us is called Genetic Modified Organism or GMOs. Just in 2012, prop 37 was proposed in California, which would have required labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food, with some exceptions. Although this prop did not pass, it did however raise the awareness. When one thinks about GMOs, it does not seem like a hot issue, but it still deserves some attention because it has to do with people’s health and people deserve to know what they are eating. Consequently, the Government should regulate GMOs by requiring labeling of such foods.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the government should regulate gmos by requiring labeling of such foods.
- Explains that farmers have manipulated plants and animals to obtain more desirable results. the big difference with gmos is the form the cross happens.
- Explains that gmos are when the dna of one organism is extracted and added to another plant or organism’s dna.
- Explains that the biotechnology industry has done well to keep gmos unregulated by the idea that "if a new food is substantially equivalent in composition and nutritional characteristics to an existing food, it can be regarded as safe as the conventional food."
- Describes the discovery of enormous tumors in rats fed with gm corn. ninety-four percent of them take effect on the mammary gland, which would equate to breast cancer.
- Analyzes how the graph (y-axis being the number of tumors and x-axes the days being studied) on the left illustrates that the rats with normal diet suffered far less cancers than rats with gmo diet
- Explains that morgellons disease is a mysterious condition that gives rise to fiber-like growths on the skin. recent research suggests that the fibers are biological with floral roots, and could be from cross contamination of dna
- Explains that most ge crops are altered to produce their own pesticide in the form of bacillus thuringiensis (bt).
- Quotes joe satran's article, "genetically engineered food labeling taken on by congress in right-to-know act," which is a better proposal than prop. 37 because it is more straight forward and does not allow for exceptions.
- Concludes that gmos are not safe for consumption and should be regulated by the government by requiring products to be labeled if they are or not present.
- States that the food and drug administration has issued a statement of policy regarding food derived from new plant varieties.
1114 wordsRead More - Pros And Cons: The Benefits Of Genetically Modified Foodsexplanatory essayThe debate over whether to keep the production genetically modified organisms, or to cease it all together. They help many countries around the world with low food sources, due to climate and other hindrances. With GMO’s aiding countries in need, it will have a helping hand for the availability of more food. These crops and livestock promote ideal solutions to nutrition, world hunger and the environment. With all that being said, GMO foods are one of the most frowned upon food sources in the world. We asked the question “How Does the Ever-Increasing Need for GMO’s affect the Food Industry in the States, and Abroad?” And what are some of the pros, cons, and ways of containment of GMO’s?
In this essay, the author
- Explains the debate over whether to keep the production of genetically modified organisms, or to cease it all together. gmo's help countries with low food sources, due to climate and other hindrances.
- Explains that biotechnology has been helping farmers increase their productivity, boosting crop yields, and providing protection from pests and viruses.
- Explains that genetically modified organisms are known to carry many risks along with its benefits. many gmo’s pose great environmental damage by cross-breeding with weeds.
- Explains that the benefits of genetically modified foods outweigh the risks when it comes to their mass production.
- Opines that re-searchers, farmers, and companies must become more responsible in the containment of genetically modified organisms from the natural environment.
1055 wordsRead More - Genetically Modified Foodsanalytical essay"Genetically Modified Food." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 3 May 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the history of biotechnology and genetically modified (gm) foods. the two opposing sides argue on the ethical standpoint of modifying plants and animals, and the health problems that the foods may cause.
- Explains the history and the different ways of genetically modifying the gm foods started very recently, extending to only the past 50 years.
- Explains that gm crops benefit the farmers in many ways, including a genetic modification that allows the foods to resist pests easier, and less pesticides that need to be bought.
- Explains the benefits of using gm on the land and in the organisms being modified.
- Opines that gm technology has disadvantages in the lives of animals and on the environment, and ethical questions of using it on animals.
- Opines that both sides of the argument make great points and people should believe what they want.
- Cites carpenter, janet e., "genetically engineered crops have had a positive impact on biodiversity."
- Explains that genetically modified crops contribute to biodiversity loss and current controversies.
- Analyzes miller, henry i., "genetically modified foods have numerous benefits and no known risks."
878 wordsRead More - The Benefits Of GMO Farming?opinion essayIn the world today, many Americans see terrorism as the leading threat to security, but for much of the human race, the effects of growing populations, rising temperatures, water shortages, and droughts on food availability present far more daunting challenges. Unfortunately, like most problems humans face, a clear-cut answer may not exist. However, with recent scientific advances, genetically modified crops have made it possible to help feed a hungry world through GMOs. People often ask the question, should farmers practice GMO farming? It seems ludicrous to say no to technological advances that could help one billion chronically hungry people in the world. The potential advantages of genetically modified foods, such as environmental, health,
In this essay, the author
- Opines that gmo farming is of utmost importance to benefit billions of people and should be practiced to feed the world.
- Explains that gmos are crop plants created for human or animal consumption using modern molecular biology techniques. genetic modification in farming means to manipulate traits and characteristics of plants to produce desired and specific features.
- Argues that gmos have the potential to provide a solution to world hunger resulting from human overpopulation.
- Explains that gm crops provide significant and beneficial outcomes through noteworthy environmental restoration and protection.
- Explains that gmo farming can positively contribute to the general health of the human population. genetically engineered crops produce nutritious crops full of necessary vitamins and minerals.
- Explains that gmo farming has several financial benefits for farmers and consumers, making a win-win situation through biotechnology.
- Explains that unlike genetically modified farming, organic farming has significantly higher environmental, health, and financial risks.
- Opines that genetically modified crops can improve the well-being of millions of people without considering the benefits of biotechnology.
1988 wordsRead More - There is a lot of confusion surrounding the use of Genetically Modified crops in today’s foods and products. First we must answer, what exactly is a Genetically Modified crop, or more commonly known as a “GMO”? According to the FDA, the U.S. food and drug administration, a GMO is simply “a plant developed through a process in which a copy of a desired gene from one plant or organism is placed into another plant to achieve a desired trait” (fda.org). For years, consumers have been purchasing products containing GMOs without any knowledge of doing so, and recently, GMOs have become a huge topic of conversation. Many questions have been raised regarding Genetically Modified products, but one of the most prominent is should products containing GMOs be labeled as so? The answer is absolutely not.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the definition of a genetically modified crop, or gmo, according to the u.s. food and drug administration.
- Argues that the labeling of foods containing gmos is unnecessary due to studies showing that genetically modified seeds are identical to those occurring naturally.
- Explains that forcing the labeling of gmo foods would be a costly venture, not only for the companies producing products containing genetically modified foods, but also for consumers purchasing these items.
- Opines that the burden of costly gmo labeling should not be enacted, or enforced, because of the safety hazards of genetically modified products.
565 wordsRead More - The Problem of Genetically Modified Foodsanalytical essayNow, in the year of 2014, biotechnologists have the ability to do things akin to that of science fiction novels. The idea of genetically modifying plants to behave in any way we want, an idea once fantasized about many years ago, is now a reality. In our modern age, we can manipulate the actual DNA of an organism using enzymes to copy, cut and paste genes in any location or order we please. This technology is even used on the plants we consume as food, provoking a huge controversy on a global scale. This issue is most prevalent within the US though. In the year 2000, 68 percent of all the transgenic food within the world was produced in the US [Nottingham 7]. Furthermore, estimates suggest that as much as 80% of U.S. processed food may contain an ingredient from a GE crop [Lemaux 777]. With these significant statistics one would assume the American public is very opinionated on the matter, but shockingly, research by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology has shown that in 2005 Americans’ knowledge of genetically modified foods and animals continued to remain low [Pew 2]. These shocking finding prove that, as a whole, Americans are uneducated about what they are eating and how it is produced. Genetically modified organisms, or GMO’s as they are called, will not be going anytime soon so it is absolutely necessary that every US citizen become educated on this possible life-...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that biotechnology is not new by any means. ancient egyptians produced beer by steeping a starch source in water and then fermenting it with yeast.
- Explains that biotechnologists can manipulate the actual dna of an organism using enzymes to copy, cut and paste genes in any location or order we please.
- Opines that genetically modified food isn't the answer to world hunger. it's a temporary fix that will cause more problems in the future.
- Explains that people disagree on the use of genetically modified foods for environmental, political, sociological, economical, and ethical reasons.
- Argues that biotechnology could be used to alter the genes of certain crops that would allow them to be grown in spite of extreme weather conditions.
- Explains that agricultural biotechnology (a lot more than just gm crops) is a lot more than just genetically modified crops.
1780 wordsRead More