Genetically Engineered Crops

One way that genetically modified foods are hurting our environment is that process can involve the exchange of genes between two totally different species. People are actually putting scorpion toxin into corn and fish antifreeze into tomatoes (De Greef). These changes in the plants make the plant able to with stand the attack of pests and weather, but it is still possible that the plant’s DNA will cross and make bad toxins. If a farmer plants a crop that has the resistance to herbicides, drought, cold, and pests those plants can eventually cross with weeds and then the farmer will end up with weeds that are resistant to everything too. Then the scientists will end up having to make the plants stronger to fight off the weeds, then the weeds will get stronger, and the cycle will keep on going.

Arguments from both sides address the same issues from different points of view. These concerns include how the use of GM crops, or the lack of these crops, will have an effect on the environment, human health, and the economy. There are legitimate concerns on each side of the aisle but the “all or nothing” attitude of these debates will never end in a reasonable conclusion. Opponents of the use of genetically modified crops believe that their use will have a detrimental effect on the environment. One of the biggest concerns is that cross pollination will cause the introduced genes to be incorporated into the genomes of other plants.

So why were GMOs created? The answer to that is simple, they wanted to make their crops durable. That means that they are genetically modifying their crops, giving them insect resistance, virus resistance, and herbicide tolerance. Now before getting any further into what is happening to crops, there needs to be some clarification on how GMOs are put into food and crops. Scientists use a method using what they call, a “gene gun.” How it works is a piece of gold (1 micron in diameter) is coated with GM (genetically modified) molecules.

Causes of Genetically Modified Food Genetically modified foods are unhealthy. Human studies show how genetically modified (GM) food ca... ... middle of paper ... ...Many people feel that genetic engineering is the inevitable wave of the future and that we cannot afford to ignore a technology that has such enormous potential benefits. However, we must proceed with caution to avoid causing unintended harm to human health and the environment as a result of our enthusiasm for this powerful technology. References 1.

They argue that scientists are already in the process of creating alternative herbicide usage for farmers. When it comes to the health concerns the environmental protesters have the issue about public health and supporters say that (GM) crops will actually supply essential vitamins to children who need it. Both sides have compelling arguments that make one wonder which side to support. The usage of (GM) crops seems like a progressive step, but there should be limitations to how nations utilize it. Nevertheless, whatever route (GM) research takes the primary goal that should always be considered is how it will benefit people and society.

A person most likely has eaten a GMO food, and may not have even known it. In the beginning the mission was simple, to change the genes of the plants so that they could provide a resistance, and tolerance to any kind of virus, fungus, pesticide, or insect, that could pose harm to the crops. This was a process that was acknowledged by the USDA. Fast forward to today, and all kind of genetic testing is being done today to change, and modify crops. This can not be safe, and could be potentially harmful for humans, and animals that survive on eating from the food chain.

Natural deserts, swamps and salt marshes need to be preserved to protect biodiversity and the integrity of the Earth’s ecology. Introducing genetically engineered organisms into the environment means that these areas could be invaded by these new species therefore furthering loss of natural ecosystems. A major concern of farmers and scientists regarding engineered crops is that they are afraid that these new plants which would be resistant to herbicides and other chemicals would breed with a nearby weedy relative and thus creating a superweed that would be resistant to herbicide... ... middle of paper ... ...use serious allergic reactions, and bacteria genetically engineered to produce large amounts of the food supplement, tryptophan, have been suspected to produce toxic contaminants that killed 37 people and permanently disabled 1,500 more. Genetically Engineered foods will also lead to and increase in pollution of food and water supply. More than 50% of the crops developed by biotechnology companies have been engineered to be resistant to herbicides.

Also, with the pesticide everywhere in a farm, it will lead to a tolerance to the pesticide on the part of the bugs and they will sooner or later be immune to it. For many people including myself who are against genetic eng... ... middle of paper ... ... stop this process. Hopefully soon scientists will be able to minimize and control the amount of ‘beneficial’ genetic changes they make. Thus preventing any unwanted changes to our future society. Works Cited OMOTO, CHARLOTTE K. and LURQUN, PAUL F. Genes and DNA: A Beginners Guide to Genetics and It’s Applications.

The fundamental difference between traditional and genetically modified plant breeding is that genetic material from one species of a plant, bacteria, virus, animal, or fish is inserted into another species, which under natural circumstances could not breed. We do not know the long term consequences for human health and the environment of releasing plants bred in this way. We are assured by the USDA that the new plants are tested but unless a genetically modified crop is proven to be hazardous or unsafe, there is no reason to stop its use. There may be some problems that aren't evident for quite sometime that could harm the environment they are in. We are told by the USDA that genetic... ... middle of paper ... ...has brought tremendous benefits to mankind, but there is a danger, especially in areas as sensitive as food, health, and the long term future of our environment.

The concern is that GMO plants are transferring their genetics, and sometimes, full GMO traits, to conventional crops. Many now fear that under-regulated GMO crops could unintentionally alter a major food source in such a way as to make it incompatible with human consumption. Pharming is the process of inserting genes that code for pharmaceutical drugs into common crops, like carrots (kraemer). If those genes were to get outside of the laboratory setting, and into our conventional carrot crops, carrots could become toxic and inedible. The first vector in which GMO crops can transfer their genes to conventional crops is through cross-pollination, where GMO plant pollen is transferred, via wind or bee pollination, to conventional cro... ... middle of paper ... ...etically Engineered Microorganisms."