Genetically Modified Crops

845 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: 3 benefits of genetically modified organisms

Genetically modified (GM) crops are being developed today to help supply the earths growing population with the plants that we all rely on for survival. Genes are being placed into plants to help them resist the adverse conditions that would have resulted as a loss of yield in the past. Plants are also being transformed to give us the most out of the crops that we grow. Even with these benefits there are perceived consequences that have resulted in much debate about this technology. 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. This could result in “superweeds” that are resistant to herbicides and are extremely difficult to eradicate. There are also concerns that bugs could be affected as well. Some believe that there is a possibility that crops transformed with genes that increase pest resistance could harm essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies. On the other hand some fear that pest will become resistant to pesticide that are engineered into crops.
Supporters of GM crops ensure that they are safe and can even help the environment. With built in resistance to pests, plants have to be sprayed with pesticides, less often. This helps ...

... middle of paper ...

... thought to be under the influence of agribusiness. I think the best way to address these concerns is to strike a balance between the two sides. In my opinion genetically modified crops are import for us to utilize as the Earth’s population grows and climates change. On the other hand I also believe it is important to preserve organic farming techniques to produce high quality, unadulterated, foods for human consumption. I think that this technology needs to be highly regulated and that products containing these organisms should be clearly marked so that people have the choice of using them or not. I also feel that this technology is important to humanity and should be made available at prices that will reduce inequality. With all arguments considered, genetically modified crops should be approached very carefully, but banning their use outright would be a mistake.

Show More
Related

  • Analysis Of Barbara Kingsolver's A Fist In The Eye Of God

    1131 Words  | 3 Pages

    Barbara Kingsolver discusses genetic manipulation through generations of different species in her essay A Fist in the Eye of God. These genetic manipulations occur due to the species acclimating to their environment. Diversity in genes is nature’s survival of the fittest. Only the strongest survive and they pass on their strong traits. With today’s technology, we have the capability of altering genes within a species DNA. This paper examines the detrimental repercussions that GMO 's cause to the environment and insects necessary for the progression of crops.

    Read More

  • Nicholas Copernicus' On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres Led to the Belief in the Scientific Method

    657 Words  | 2 Pages

    Undoubtedly, critics have raised counterarguments to most if not all the arguments presented by the proponents of GMOs. These counterarguments range from religious to empirical. However the most critical counterarguments stem from the visible negative effects of GMOs. A study published in Nature magazine concluded that the transgenic modification which resulted in corn stock being resistant to pests such as corn borers, additionally caused the pollen to harm monarch butterflies.

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Angiosperm

    1146 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the video, “Genetically Modified Crops: Hope vs. Hype”, reveals that a Cornell study followed-up by Iowa state researchers show that “pollen from GMO corn is killing the larvae of the Monarch butterflies, which is not at all what the corn 's designers intended” (“Genetically Modified Crops: Hope vs. Hype”). GMO seeds are contaminating our environment, which were presumed safe before. Genetically-modified organisms are the unorthodox procedure of moving genes from one species to a completely different and unrelated species. These unnatural transferring of genetics are causing death among insects. Undeniably, nature 's long-lived ways are safer compared to the bio-tech 's short-lived ways. They hold many uncertainties. Such as, Niagara

    Read More

  • Socialist Opposition to Genetic Engineering

    1077 Words  | 3 Pages

    A debate is ragging over the advancements being made in genetic engineering. Scientist discovered that genes are the map of every aspect of a living organism, this has furthermore led to the prospect of altering this coding. By modifying one’s genes parents will one day be able to pick the color of their unborn child’s eyes and farmers will have the ability to develop plants that will produce bigger and healthier harvest. With the growing anticipation that some feel towards genetically modified crops others question it effects on the surrounding environments. Often pesticides are more heavily relied on for genetically modified crops and some cases have found pollination decreased in areas dominated by GM plants. Since there are so many aspects of genetic modification that have yet to be explored, much more research is required before distributing GM seeds internationally, but from the information already available the sides have begun to divide.

    Read More

  • Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Foods

    1029 Words  | 3 Pages

    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. 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. Another argument for the ban of...

    Read More

  • Genetically Modified Foods Argumentative Essay

    1272 Words  | 3 Pages

    In an article titled “The Threats From Genetically Modified Foods” by Robin Mather, he has said that the use of glyphosate, a herbicide, can “significantly increase the severity of various plant diseases” which is very hazardous to the environment. In the same article “The Threats From Genetically Modified Foods” Robin Mather has stated that genetic transfers cannot occur in nature and are not so precise and predictable as people say they are. In another article called “Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering” from Issues & Controversies, it has been shown that genetic modification can affect many plants. For instance, the article stated that In Oregon, there was genetically modified grass that had affected plants nearby which began to ruin all of the crops near the genetically modified

    Read More

  • Genetically Modified Foods

    1336 Words  | 3 Pages

    Robert M. Hutchins, known for his contributions to philosophy, said that, “A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death.” While I do not necessarily agree with the former, or the latter, for that matter (no rhyme intended), it is imperative for us, as people, regardless of nationality, to ask questions. On the topic of important issues are genetically modified foods. The specific tangent on genetically modified foods is the question of whether or not genetically modified foods should have mandatory labeling. Instead of being a staunch absolutist and deciding so hastily on the matter of GMOs, the merits and drawbacks of this issue need to be discussed.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Speech On Gmo Foods

    436 Words  | 1 Pages

    Genetically modified crops and herbicides are harming marine ecosystems, soil organisms, insects, and birds. Populations like monarch butterflies whose habitats are being destroyed, are at serious risk. Amphibians and other animals are at risk because of Roundup Herbicide. GMOs and the herbicides that go with it are responsible for reducing biodiversity, which is crucial to our

    Read More

  • Thesis Statement For Gmo Research Paper

    453 Words  | 1 Pages

    The Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms in the Field of Agriculture Thesis Statement: Outline: • Reduces food shortages and provide more nutrients to curb malnutrition • Reduce the use of hazardous pesticides/herbicide which reduce exposure to toxic matters • Sustainable farming Introduction: There are controversies surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) which has led to numerous research on this topic. GMOs come into play when the gene of one organism is remove and replaced with by another through a process called Genetical engineering(GE) to make the mark up of the new organism better and more resistant to infection or pest. This topic came to my mind because I was fascinated by the outcome and the benefit of the hybrid organisms. To delve dipper, I will be using papers from four different authors to get a well-rounded perspective of GMOs.

    Read More

  • Negative Effects of GMOs

    846 Words  | 2 Pages

    If crops were affected by droughts, disease and insects, having destroyed many acres across America’s Midwest region, the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) would not be beneficial in regenerating new crops. Genetically modifying foods (GMOs) “are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding” (nongmoproject.org). Most research done has concluded no positive benefits in using GMOs. There are serious health risks associated with eating GM foods based on scientific research done around the world. The purpose of GMOs are to increase production of crop yield and reduce pesticide use but research says otherwise. If farmers wanted to continue using GMOs to produce crops, labeling should be mandatory to allow consumers to have a conscious choice whether or not to eat GM food. Through research it has been proven that the use of GMOs to increased production of crops during a time of drought or disease have no benefits, just risks.

    Read More

  • Gmo Persuasive Speech

    1022 Words  | 3 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods

    1288 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...ence of GM crops is that genetic modifications can develop proteins in plants which a consumer could be allergic to. For example, one of the most common allergies is with the peanut. What would happen if peanut proteins interlace into tomato seeds? Then people with peanut allergies would not be able to eat genetically modified tomatoes. There are many reasons to stop the production of GM food. It can produce serious long-term nature accidents, but there is no way to know much about it until is too late (“GM Food” 2).

    Read More

  • Genetically Modified Food (GMOs): Annotated Bibliography

    2902 Words  | 6 Pages

    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. Those who are hungry and those who are over fed, alike, have to consider the consequences of Genetically Modified Organisms. Food should not be treated like a commodity it is a human necessity on the most basic of levels. When egos, hidden agendas, and personal gains are folded into people's food sources no one wins. As in many things of life, there is no true right way or wrong way to handle either of the arguments and so many factors are involved that a ‘simple’ solution is simply not an option.

    Read More

  • Genetically Modified Organisms

    859 Words  | 2 Pages

    Scientists have been changing genomes of plants and animals by integrating new genes from a different species through genetic engineering, creating a genetically modified organism (GMO). Consumers in America have been eating GMOs since 1996, when they went on the market. There are benefits to genetically modifying crop plants, as it improves the crop quality and increases yield, affecting the economy and developing countries. But there are also negative effects from GMOs. Consumption of GMOs has various health effects on both body systems of animals and humans. GMOs also affect the environment, ecosystems and other animal species. The cons outweigh the pros in the case of GMOs.

    Read More

  • Growing Demand for Non-GMO Foods: Risks and Benefits

    820 Words  | 2 Pages

    It is evident that the majority of American farmers utilize biotech seeds, because of the risks that the insect resistant and herbicide resistant traits help reduce. GMO's make the life of a farmer much easier as they do not have to worry about rushing to spray herbicides, to keep weeds out, or worrying about insects damaging crops and having to spray pesticides. For instance, Brian Scott a farmer in Indiana, when corn root worms starts indulging on his organic crops, the worms will cause a significant damage before he can react accordingly and eliminate the problem with the use of chemicals. These corn root worms won't affect Scott's insect resistant GMO corn because the pesticide is always in the plant. In addition, the GM corn was created only to harm a small group of insects and this allows for other beneficial insects to survive and assist the crops, since Scott did not have to spray pesticides. Farmers use GM crops mainly because of a reliability issue, not only are biotech plants easier to maintain, but they are less likely to cause a devastating loss. To a point where even insurance companies will provide farmers with lower premiums. Troy Rausch, another Indiana farmer, states "... when you're delayed by a couple weeks by rain like we were this year, the GM traits come in awfully handy for weed control". The GM traits are of much benefit to Rausch as they eliminate the need for him to utilize his time and combat against pesky weeds. The use of GMO's in the agricultural space eliminates many risks that would be common in conventionally bred

    Read More

More about Genetically Modified Crops

Open Document