...Genetically Engineered Foods Regina Summers SCI 207: Dependence of Man on the Environment Instructor Apuzzo February 6, 2012 Genetically Engineered Foods In today’s society and towards our future there is a controversial statement that genetically engineered food may be the solution to feed the hungry in the world. Supporters believe that genetic engineered food will ensure and sustain food security all over the world as our population continues to grow. On the other hand there are concerns about the genetically engineered food. There are many researchers that believe that engineered food is not the solution to feed the hungry. In this paper we will discuss the pros and cons about having genetically engineered foods, is it safe and an even bigger question do we need genetically engineered food? Before weighing the pros and cons of genetically engineered food, people of today’s society need to know what it is. Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change DNA of living organisms. Scientists have learned and tested that there are ways of changing the structure of DNA in an organisms and customize its DNA. Genetically engineered food is commonly used in crop plants which in turn are used for feeding humans or animals. These engineered plants have been modified to resist herbicides or to improve their nutritional content. Millions of people all over the planet suffer from poverty and starvation. One very interesting but experimental...
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...Scientists have developed what they believe is the answer to potential shortages: genetically modified crops. The genetic make-up of these crops is altered, combining genes of multiple organisms such as plants, to produce favorable outcomes such as higher yields. With genetically engineered crops ever-present in our food supply, debates have risen in the media concerning the safety and overall implication of these crops. Conducting research on the topic, I have discovered three different perspectives on the use and implications of genetically engineered crops. One perspective, found in the article “Plant Genetics, Sustainable Agriculture and Global Food Security” by Pamela Ronald, states that genetically modified crops are essential to combat the growing population and other stresses on our agriculture industry. Another perspective, offered in the article “Genetically modified abominations?” by Jakub Kwiecinski, defines these crops as “taboo” and argues that they are ultimately morally unacceptable. The last perspective, presented in the article “Genetically Modified Foods and Public Health Debate: Designing Programs to Mitigate Risks” published in Public Administration & Management, acknowledges that there are risks associated with these crops and that more testing and regulation is needed to increase public acceptance. After review, I arrived at the conclusion that genetically modified crops are needed and that more stringent regulation and public awareness is necessary...
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...27, 2012 The controversial statement that genetic engineered food may be the solution to hunger in the world is gaining more and more interest by the media in today’s society. On the one hand, supporters of biotechnology believe that genetic engineered food ensures and sustains food security around the world as the population increases, but on the other hand, there are many concerns involved with genetically modified food. In fact, a lot of food that we eat on a daily basis contains genetically modified ingredients and usually without our knowledge. Yet, is genetic engineered food safe? Moreover, do we really need genetic modified food? Many researchers do not consider biotechnology the solution to hunger but they believe that poverty is the cause of famine in numerous countries. As a result, biotechnology raises various questions among citizens and farmers since there is the assumption that genetic engineered food is the key to eliminating global starvation (Genetically, 2010). Before weighing the pros and cons of genetic engineered food, it is essential to understand what is genetic engineered food? “Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms” (What is genetically, 2010). Scientists have learned that there are ways of changing the structure of DNA in living organisms and build customized DNA. Genetic engineered food is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using...
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...Genetically Modified Food: How can people ignore its benefits? English 101c-44 12/10/2010 The world population is constantly increasing, while the availability of agricultural land is steadily decreasing. How will the world feed the huge numbers of people with limited resources? Genetically modified (GM) food may be a solution. According to the book written by Eric S. Grace, Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises and Realities, genetically modification is a process that artificially transfers genes between same or different species that can be conventionally bred. GM food grows faster than non-GM food, so it can produce food at a faster rate. GM food is high in nutrients and can control the occurrence of diseases. Pest and disease resistant GM food can preserve the environment by reducing the use of herbicide. But there are some doubts about producing GM crops or livestock. Some experts worry about widespread distribution of GM food because GM food is not proven to be safe, may reduce biodiversity, and create “super weeds.” In spite of those opponents, GM food should become more widespread because it is a solution to world hunger; it has more nutrients than those of regular food; it reduces environmental damage, and it can help control diseases. Since Gregor Mendel’s discovery, certain traits show up in offspring without any blending of parent characteristics. People recognized the possibility of GM organism by selecting genes. According to the book, Plant Biotechnology: the...
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...living, since they were invented, biological engineering has the potential to do the same in the future. This new technology has a wide range of possible benefits, from helping farmers and sick people, to improving foods and helping the environment. Genetic engineering may even one day be used to help solve world hunger. Genetically engineered crops might seem an ideal solution. Yet both current data and past examples show problems and provoke doubts as to their necessity.There is no simple solution to end world hunger. Genetic engineering is not the answer, just as pesticides weren't the answer. Even increasing food production is not the answer. World hunger will only end when the underlying causes of poverty are addressed. Poverty stops people from obtaining their basic right to food - either because they have no means to purchase food or they have no access to the farmland and natural resources necessary to meet basic food needs (http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/edumat/IHRIP/circle/modules/module12.htm). Genetically engineering crops do not address the poverty that causes hunger – in fact it threatens to make it worse. Do the proponents of genetically engineered food think that agribusiness companies will distribute such food free to the hungry poor who have no money? There was food in Ireland during the famine in the 1840’s, for example, but those who were starving had no access to it or money to buy it (Donnelly, Jim). Those who wish to banish hunger should address the social...
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...Literature Survey: The Prince Edward Island Incident By: Sheila Suyo Jaime Rivera Jacyn De Leon Jonas Magcalayo John Mar Rosqueta Jacem Borromeo In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Chemistry 11 under Ms. Mary Vanessa C. Nartia Prince Edward Island and the Philippines Pollution of rivers, streams, and lakes contaminate ground and surface waters, thus exposing the population to environmentally-related diseases. The relationship between polluted water and disease has now been firmly established and accepted. According to the World Bank, just under a third, or 31 percent of illnesses in the country, monitored for a five-year period were caused by water-borne pathogens. In the agriculture sector, application of agrochemicals (i.e. fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides) remains a common practice among farmers in rural areas. Intensive use of agrochemicals has been known to create and result to both environmental problems and diseases. The hazards accompanying this practice, especially those associated with persistent organic pollutants or POPs have been known for years and the knowledge of the extent of harm they cause has increased. According to a study by Dr. N. Maramba (1996), most farmers may be aware that pesticides are hazardous but there is a lack of awareness of exposure risks. Pesticide handlers are the ones most heavily exposed. In addition, exposure of households in farming communities may occur due to spray drift from nearby fields. This exposure...
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...A great deal of controversy has arisen over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Genetically Modified Food, especially surrounding the production, sale, and consumption of genetically modified foods. Many people are concerned that the consumption of GMO foods may pose serious health risks. The concern is centered around the notion that there could potentially be various different unforeseen consequences due to the consumption of GMO foods. Even though there is a large controversy over GMOs not many people know what and how dangerous GMO’s are. GMO’s are organisms produced from crops whose genetic makeup has been altered through a process called recombinant DNA, or gene splicing, to give the crop a desirable trait (Bren). Genetic engineering is also defined as the copying of a gene from one plant or animal and adding it to another plant or animal. Monsanto is one of the large producers of GMO seeds. Monsanto offers farmers a wide range of GMO corn, soybean, cotton, wheat, canola, sorghum and sugar cane seeds. Theses seeds have been genetically altered to produce a pesticide, yields more per seed, and withstand harsher weather conditions. Some of these plants are now, what is called, roundup ready (Monsanto). Roundup ready plants can be sprayed with roundup and not be effected by it. Due to the use of Roundup ready plants farmers are not having to be as careful when spraying these plants and more often then not they spray more roundup on them then needed. Roundup...
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... |1 | |Group members |2 | |Index |3 | |Introduction |4 | |Definition |4 | |Methods |5 | |Reason for genetically modifying | 6 | |Advantages of GM food |6 | |Disadvantages of GM food |9 | |Environmental Hazards |9 | |Human Health Hazards |9 | |Economic Concerns |10 ...
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...Genetically Modified Food. The way to go? Name Institution Genetically Modified Foods also known as Biotech Foods are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They differ from traditional foods in that their DNA have been introduced to genetic engineering techniques to enhance desired traits such as improved nutritional content and much more. Over 40 plant varieties have federal requirements for commercialization as GMOs. It all started in 1946, when scientists discovered DNA transfer between organisms. The first genetically modified plant was produced in 1983 and now 165 million acres annually are grown. However, along with rapid adoption of technology have come myths propagated by proponents and opponents. Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways. All GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. The general population has showed no effects on human health because of the consumption of such foods. Continuous use of risk assessments based on the Codex principles and, where appropriate, including post market monitoring, should form the basis for evaluating the safety of GM foods. (Winter & Gallegos, 2006) The GM foods controversy is a dispute over the relative advantages and disadvantages of food derived from GMOs, GM crops used and other uses of GMOs in food production. The world population has topped 6 billion people and is predicted...
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...Not So Organic Organic materials which cross pollinates to become highly nutritious and valuable are genetically modified foods. In middle school we did a lesson on the Gregory Mendel’s experiment. It was an example of genetically modified foods using peas. During the developing stages the pea pods looked much brighter. Genetically modified foods also have bad consequences. Although the can be filled with nutrients and vitamins and it can be endangering to humans health. GMOs can also be very expensive in some cases. These modified products also only require limited farming. Buyers only need a few products from Agricultural and Business Bureau to stop the sales of GMOs (Walters, 2013). Genetically engineered foods should not be heavily consumed because those who are on genetically modified diets end up having more problems like economic instability, health and human risks, and environmental hazards (Fukuda-Parr, 2013). Farmers feel that harvesting genetically modified foods are healthier and more nutritious. Although famers feel that genetically harvesting these foods is the best way to produce more it is not good for human consumption. The farmers in Georgia are doing really well with their genetically modified crops (Walters, 2013). Although Georgian farms are doing well finically they have second thoughts about the growth of gene transmissible crops into food because the foods are very harmful (Walters, 2012). In the past twenty years people in the United States...
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...Ethics Juliet Knowles December 23, 2013 Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are mankind’s solution to how the world supplies food. The effects are controversial, to all species. This paper will discuss inherent value, GMO’s the controversy, and insight into the difference between natural and GMO’s life, and how they are different. Inherent Value is the value that an entity has on itself, for what it is, or as an end. Many people value what they consume, some might say genetically modified organisms have made it harder for mankind to cure itself form deceases, as repercussion are unknown. GMO’s have been an ongoing debate for decades. While farmers fight to keep going they have been given an option to plant genetically modified seeds that might grow longer and more ample crops. World hunger and the pressure to produce a more ample harvest can not only cost farmers more, but can lead to lawsuits and accusations of mistrust between the producer of these seeds and the consumers. In 1986 genetically engineered tomatoes reduced many of the normal methods of preparation needed in preparing the growth of crops and made the tomatoes more resilient to many herbicides. The Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency did not seem too concerned over this new innovative technology. Eventually Bacillus thuringiensis was used in plants, an insect killer. This prevented farmers from having to spray their crops as an inspect preventative. ...
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...The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms The demand for food will continue to grow each year and will always be continuous. Farming is one of the methods for producing food established by our ancestors many years ago. The farming process is still in use today and its techniques are pretty much the same. It is more industrialized and is on a much larger scale due to the high demand of food and food products. This high demand creates the opportunity for companies to develop new ways of producing crops more efficiently while making large sums of profits. One controversial technology is the process of genetically engineering modified seeds, also known as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). GMOs are made with engineered materials with the goal of improving the original organism. They can then be used to produce GM food. This new technology has a wide range of possible benefits, from helping farmers, to improving food, to helping the environment. Genetically modified food may even one day be used to help solve world hunger. However, it also has its dangers and risks, which need to be considered along with its benefits. The fact that not everything is known about GMOs, and that large corporations use it to make a profit, is scary for many people. The recent technology of genetically engineering crops, which involves modifying their genetic structure, has led to benefits for farmers and everyday people; however, there are also numerous concerns due to the fact that the...
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... The discussion about genetically modified organisms (GMO) is enormous and intense. GMOs do not require any scientific testing on humans to examine the safety, but society is told that these GOMs are safe for consumptions. Other countries have various beliefs. The main drawback is the excessive use of herbicides. Often, weeds can become resistant the GMOs, and more powerful chemicals may be required. Furthermore, plants that cannot be controlled through current measures could create a problem in the future. Significant issues arise when arguing against the use of GMO crops and the potential for environmental damage and human well-being. The United States Government should be more aggressively involved in restructuring federal laws forcing Biotech companies to test its products scientifically and label them accordingly? History Genetically Modified Food is the method by which genes segment are altered and transferred artificially from one organism to another. Genes, which are constructed of DNA, contain the order to which cells generate certain proteins; these proteins in turn form the foundation for maximum purpose of a cell. Therefore, it is central to understand what GMOs are. GMOs are well-defined organisms whose DNA has been altered in a non-natural technique. GMO plants are typically changed to be resistant to insect, virus, and herbicides. However, Deniza Gertsberg stated “as we enter the era of second generation of genetically modified organisms where...
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...GMO The foods most Americans eat today are genetically engineered in some way. There are many harsh side effects to this process starting with the soil. The chemicals also are harsh on our bodies as well as the animals that are eating them. Major us foods are genetically engineered some are , “86% of corn, 93% of canola, 95% of sugar beets planted 2008-2009 and 93% of cottonseed oil.” Usually all products that are not marked 100% organic are highly likely to contain a GMO product. A brief description of what GMO actually is, “While genetic breeding combines the DNA of two varieties of the same species, or of two related species by normal sexual breeding, genetic engineering removes part of the DNA of one species, then combines it with the DNA of a totally different species [that would never breed together naturally]. This is done by manipulating the biochemistry of the DNA during cell division (splitting of one cell into two new cells) and DNA replication (producing two identical copies of the cell’s genetic material). …For example, … part of the DNA from Bt bacteria, [is] inserted into the DNA of corn, to produce a totally new species of corn [Bt-corn] that produces the Bt toxin as a built-in pesticide.” Pesticides are sprayed onto crops on regular intervals throughout the growing process. One of the most commonly used pesticides is called “roundup” this is made mostly of glyphosate. The crops that have been continually spayed have mutated into super weeds which have...
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...The Problem with the Safety of Roundup Ready Soybeans Aurelia Bright Abstract: Farmers have been looking for a labour and time effective solution to weeds that grow and compete with their crops since they began farming. In 1970 when Monsanto introduced Roundup, a systemic herbicide, farmers rejoiced. Because Roundup is effective against annual and perennial weeds it was time efficient as it enabled farmers to treat a field once rather than twice as was previously necessary. The next landmark innovation came in the form of herbicide resistant crops, specifically, Roundup Ready crops. These were crops that genetically engineered to be resistant to Roundup which allowed farmers to spray fields with herbicide. They no longer had to discern between what a weed was and what was a crop, they could spray everything indiscriminately. This simple weed management system went on to revolutionise the entire farming industry. Introduction: Charles Darwin first set out the theory of evolution in the 19th century. He proposed that plants and animals were in competition for the same resources and that only the fittest and strongest survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. Farmers have been giving their crops a helping hand in that fight since 10,000 B.C. by weeding, using salt to deter pests and keeping seeds from high yielding crops to sow the following year (Kingsbury, 2009). Over time, as farmers came to understand more about breeding techniques, they began to choose superior...
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