Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms

In order to understand the controversy of genetically engineered crops one must understand what genetic engineering or genetic modification is: “GMO are organisms that are generated by combining genes of different species using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. Resulting organisms are then said to be transgenic, genetically engineered or genetically modified (GM). This group of organisms includes... plants.” (Celec et al., 2005) The genetic modification of crops and plants was created so that crops could, “... protect themselves against insects and disease, to feed and vaccinate people at the same time, to flourish in poor soil and drought, or to improve the quantity and bioavailability of individual nutrients.” (Roberts, Struble, McCullum-Gomez, Wilkins, 2006). These benefits may seem to outweigh the risks and in reality they do, however this does not mean the consumer should not be notified of the risks they are taking. The hallmark of our free society demands that the consumer be able to choose whether or not they want to eat something that may have health risks product labeling that identifies GMO ingredients allows for consumers to choose a particular product while ensuring that the producer feel more at ease with the way they disclose information and promote their product.

Genetically modified organisms are defined as organisms “ in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination ” (Jensen et al.., 2012). Malaysia Agricultural Research Institute involves in research on genetically modified crops or GM-crops since 2000 with developing virus resistance chili pepper, passion fruits and rice are based on agronomic. In general, a genetically modified crop has three major characteristics which are the advantage, disadvantage and current state of the research in this GM crops. One of the major advantages of the GMO’s could be seen in regards to the GM-crops. When crops or plant are genetically modified by removing undesired gene on inserts desirable genes, the resulting germplasm is anticipated to allow plant breeders to respond more qui... ... middle of paper ... ...ger, J.,E.

Scientists have been using biotechnology to implant the gene that makes the plants act the way they want them to. Genetically modified foods have advantages and disadvantages on the environment and advantages and disadvantages on society. We have to weigh the positives and negatives to see if genetically modified foods are healthy for us and if we really need them. Genetically modified foods have a huge impact on our environment. One way that genetically modified foods are hurting our environment is that process can involve the exchange of genes between two totally different species.

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. Genetic engineering increases the agricultural economy, the yields of agricultural produce, and also causes negative effects on the ecosystem. Genetic engineering enhances plant resistance to drought, salinity, disease, pests and herbicides. The aim is to try and enhance the growth, productivity, nutrient value, and chemical composition of the plants. Chemicals are constantly being developed or improved to enhance the competitiveness and adaptability of crops, and to kill the parasites and weeds which plague the agricultural sector.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the agriculture health of the United States requires the concurrent feasibility, or coexistence of organic crops and genetically modified crops (Keifer 1241). The coexistence of these two crops has been threatened by gene flow. The modified crops spread their genes to the non-modified crops. This threatens the organic status and ... ... middle of paper ... ...Works Cited Charman, Karen. Genetically Engineered Food: Promises & Perils.

But opponents for GMO continue to fight and protest the safety of any GMO’s and are we truly ready for them, currently agricultural plants are one of the most frequently used examples of genetically modified organisms, some benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture are increased crop yields, which advocates believe will reduced the costs of food and reduce the need for pesticides. They also believe that they enhance the nutrient composition of food quality and is resistance to pests and disease, many feel that using GMO’s can benefit the world 's growing

GMOs compromise numerous aids to society, including enlarged crop yields and the development of fresh therapeutic agents which prevent and treat a wide variety of human diseases . However there are some concerns around the use of genetically modified organisms which include the risks stood to human health and the initiation of insecticide resistant superbugs. This essay will provide evidence to support the evidence that the genetic modifications of crops produces better results than selective breeding or mutation. The crops have one or more genes coding which have desired traits for insertion. The genes come from the similar or additional plants species or also from unrelated organisms.

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.

genes in corn and other crops. “B.t., or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae.” The active protein genes of B.t. are transferred into corn, allowing the corn to produce its own pesticides (Whitman). Due to advancements like this, experts in the United States have acclaimed genetically modified foods as the “food of the future” and as a tool to substantially reduce hunger in poorer countries (Laros and Steenkamp 1). The world population is expe... ... middle of paper ... ...hey are contingent on other states passing similar bills.

By insuring in genetically modified foods, it is possible to reduce the chance of widespread famine (“Genetic Engineering”). Genetically modified foods can vaccinate crops against harmful insects (Siedler 49). Applyin... ... middle of paper ... ...included almost worldwide (“Possible Benefits of GM crops in developing countries”). For example, the soybean is experimented and analyzed by thirteen different countries before it is fed to consumers (Siedler 57). As food regulators, they ensure that the food has enough nutrients and is safe to consume for buyers.