Today there are many definitions of Genetic Engineering, such as “Genetic Engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms” (Kowalski) and “Genetic Engineering refers to the modification or manipulation of a living organism’s genes” (Genetic). No matter the wording all definitions of genetic engineering refers to somehow changing an organism’s genetic identity. Many people today support genetic engineering because it has many potential benefits for today's society; however, it also has many potential threats associated with it. Because of the potential threats many people advocate for putting labels on food and products that have been genetically modified, which is why despite many potential benefits associated with genetic engineering, regulations need to be placed upon it as well as labels identifying organisms and food as genetically modified because consumers have the right to know what they are purchasing and eating. Not so long ago genetic modification was a thing of fiction, of mad scientists with crazy hair making monsters in laboratories powered by lightning. This is not true; genetic modification did take place is laboratories by scientists who might have had crazy hair, but it was a much safer than described above. There were, however, some organisms created that could have caused terrible consequences to the surrounding environment which is why "…guidelines for experiments were developed, and today genetic engineering experiments are carried out with relative safety in labs" (Kowalski). Despite this assurance, the past and fiction lingers in the minds of consumers everywhere which is one of the many reasons they why advocate for labels on modified organisms. "Criti... ... middle of paper ... ...rmington Hills MI: Greenhaven Press, 2004. 142-149. Print. “Say no to genetic engineering.” Greenpeace. n.d. Web. 31 March 2010. . Steinbrecher, Ricarda. “Genetically Engineered Crops May Harm The Environment.” Genetic Engineering. Ed. Louise I. Gerdes. Farmington Hills MI: Greenhaven Press, 2004. 150-158. Print. Taylor, Robert. Genetics. Farmington Hills MI: Lucent Books, 2004. Print Val Giddings, L. “Genetically Engineered Crops Are Not Dangerous.” Genetic Engineering. Ed. Louise I. Gerdes. Farmington Hills MI: Greenhaven Press, 2004. 135-141. Print. “What is Genetic Engineering?” Mothers for Natural Law. Safe Food-Campaign 2001, n.d. Web. 31 March 2010. . Yount, Lisa. Genetics and genetic Engineering. New York: Facts on File, 1997. Print.
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Pamela Ronald, a plant geneticist, presented a Ted Talk “The case for engineering our food”, Ronald points out that engineered genetics for our plants is not harmful, yet better for our environment and health. “Now, genetic modification is not new; virtually everything we eat has been genetically modified in some manner”(Ronald).
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Genetic testing today is done on animals, humans and even plants. Most of our meats and fast food restaurants meats are genetically altered weather its processed or using modified feed or food to build up the animal. Some people believe that genetic engineering has gone to far and that there Is no need for it. Ronnie Cummins director of the Organic Consumers Association says “There’s no good reason to do it, he opposes all genetically modified organisms.“Does it increase the quantity of food? No. Does it make crops use less pesticides? No. Does it make animals healthier, happier? No.” A policy that doesn’t require labeling undermines the confidence in the technology. It looks like they’ve got something to hide,” says Margaret Mellon, the director of the food and environment program for the Union of Concerned Scientists. Both bring up good points which leads to the question why do they still do it. A case in which genetic testing of a embryo was helping Amanda Baxley and her unborn find out if she carried a rare neurological disease that had stalked her family for generations. Genetic testing of embryos has been around for more then a decade. This kind of testing is used more to fin...
Genetic modification is very harmful for human beings; it has a huge negative effect on animals’ and humans’ health. The manipulation of the genes of crops and animals may cause health damage. “Animal toxicity studies have shown that genetically modified foods may toxically affect several organs and systems” (Arvanitoyannis, 162, 2011). These studies concluded that genetically modified foods are dangerous and they may become one of the most harmful issues in the world. According to Arvanitoyannis research genetically modified foods cause some common toxic effects such as: hepatic, pancreatic, renal or reproductive effects and may alter the hematological, biochemical and immuno...
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.
“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.
Genetic engineering is a way in which specific genes for an animal or plant can be extracted, and reproduced to form a new animal or plant. These new organisms will express the required trait for that gene. This practice is a very controversial topic within the scientific world. It is being implemented in various areas such as agriculture, even though there are many alternatives that can be found for genetic engineered crops, such as organic materials and reducing leeching of the soil. The controversy regarding this practice occurs as it is believed to contribute both negative and positive implications and dangers, not only to oneself but the environment as a whole.
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