The Pros And Cons Of Biotechnology

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Recommended: Reflection about Biotechnology

In modern times the use of the word – biotechnology- has reach epidemic proportions. Many days it feels as though you can’t walk down an aisle in the supermarket or turn on the news without hearing about “genetically engineered crops!”, non GMO chips or non GMO snacks. But what exactly is Biotechnology? Are GMOs the future? And if GMOs and Biotechnology are the future, should I be worried about my health or the health of my loved ones? To begin let us define what exactly GMOs are and what role Biotechnology plays in our every day lives. Our textbook, Understanding Food Principles and Preparation defines Genetically Modified Organisms-or GMOS for short- “ plants, animals. Or microorganisms that have had their genes altered though genetic engineering using the application of recombinant …show more content…

Bio.org claims that farmers enjoy a far greater financial reward when using increasingly “greener” farming practice only made possible thought the use of agricultural biotechnology. Apparently, traditional soybean, soybean and corn require impressive amounts of sprays to control insects and greater tilling to control weeds. Because of those facts, Biotech soybean, Biotech cotton and Biotech corn have been selected in far greater quantities by –supposedly- savvy farmer- with 91 percent, 88 percent and 85 percent adoption rates respectively. Additionally the amount of insectside used worldwide has plummeted by 15 percent. There are more benefits that are not just advantageous to the farmer – there are some that target the consumer. According to the University of Hawaii Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences’ genetic engineering has led to the development of soybeans with higher protein content. In the works is also a form of rice known as” golden rice”, targeted at people in developing countries who traditionally have limited access to Vitamin A, that produces beta

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