The Debated Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology

Through this understanding, geneticists have begun to alter the natural genes found in food. The altercation of genes in food has given these foods the name genetically modified. Currently, the affect of genetically modified food on humans and the environment is a controversial topic among geneticists and environmentalists worldwide. Genetically modified (GM) food is any food that possesses transferred genes from a different organism through the process of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering can be carried out in two separate ways.

In recent decades, producers have been experimenting with different methods (e.g. GM, conventional, organic) to ensure staple crops (European Commission, 2010, p. 236). Explanation and Spreading of GM Food GM food is based on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can be defined as organisms in which genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. (Marie Kreipe, 2010, p. 3) As stated above, GM food is a product that has been created and modified with specific techniques by people and not naturally produced by nature, nowadays plenty country has been using this technology to modified (mostly) crops, so that crops could be resistant against pests, could stay longer, and could even eliminate some threatening pests. It’s created by injecting genes/DNA into it so it could change how does the plant normally grown into GM Plants.

We are being introduced to new types of food, ones that are more healthy and fresh than before. This modifying process is taking place in biotechnical laboratories all over the world, where scientists study which genes are strong and which ones are weak. They then slice and dice these genes, sandwich them in any order, and pack them “to go”. With gene splicing these special scientists are on the verge of modifying certain foods to become “prefect”. Not only are we altering foods but also animals.

Will they save the earth or destroy it? Will they result in the cornering of the global food market by multinationals or will they bring to mankind the same benefits as genetically engineered medicines? Due to huge advances in science and technology, scientists can now identify and isolate individual genes responsible for producing specific characteristics. By altering such genes, or transferring them to another organism, sci... ... middle of paper ... ...ic resistance gene marker is used, many concerns have been expressed about the possible transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to gut micro organisms which could reduce the efficiency of antibiotics as a treatment. Genetically modified foods differ from normal conventional foods in that it contains or is produced from genetically modified organisms.

The all-encompassing use of biotechnology when applied to agriculture and food production increases the deeply felt environmental, economic and ethical concern. The liberation of genetically engineered organisms into the environment poses apprehensive questions regarding the serious promising risk to human health. Genetic engineering or genetic modification is a procedure that requires direct human manipulation of organism’s genetic makeup, altering their DNA that would not commonly happen under natural circumstances. Such applications include the implementation of human genes into animals as well as animal genes into other animals and plants. The industry which practices this gene modification is commonly known as biotechnology.

Genetic engineering is the set of techniques used to manipulate and modify the genetic material of living beings that have been the key to the rapid development of modern biotechnology. Recombination mechanisms provide limited genetic exchange. Mankind has spent his life correcting the habits of nature to make it to his liking, so that it would be more helpful; Mankind has transformed plants to make them more useful for their crops, has domesticated animals so that they could help them with the tasks of the field. In short, that man has modeled the nature around him to the point that can frighten us and everything. Mankind uses the universality of the genetic code and the mechanisms of protein synthesis of living things, in order to try the controlled combination of DNA of different species.

It is crucial that people conquer their fear of genetically modified food and realise its benefits Also, GMO’s are still at the beginning stages of development and continue to improve because of scientific advancements. A process of “editing” the genes in the DNA of the food is used. One of the most promising gene engineering tools is the Talens. Nucleuses and proteins are fused that cut DNA thus creating a precise editing tool. Then, a plant gene gun is use... ... middle of paper ... ...loped and if people don’t allow for more research and continue to protest against its research, the world will encounter a huge problem in the future when GMO’s will be needed the most.

On the other hand, the term genetically modified organism refers to an organism produced by means of any genetic modification technique. Whether these are modern techniques or traditional plant breeding methods, the resulting organisms are classified as genetically modified. Furthermore, the term genetically modified food refers to food that has been processed with ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms. FINDINGS These concepts are very controversial and pose important questions that deserve to be answered. Questions like: When did the process of genetically modifying our foods first begin?

Introduction The use of genetically engineering in agriculture and food production has an impact, not only on the environment and biodiversity, but also on human health. Therefore, thorough biosafety assessment requires, not only an evaluation of environmental impacts of genetically engineered organisms, but also an assessment of the risks that genetically engineered food pose for the health of consumers. Let us take deeper look at some of the aspects related to genetically engineered foods. What is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are the central subject of the movie Splice. A couple of brilliant but rebellious scientists combine genes from different plant and animal species to create a new life form. While this is a fictional film, GMOs are very real. The use of GMOs is currently under serious scrutiny and debate. Our foods and some animals are already being genetically modified, are humans the next step?