...Thesis: Genetically modified organisms are all around us, more dominantly in the food we eat. From the good at your local fast food chain, to the milk you drink, bananas, chicken, tomatoes, and the beef you buy at your local grocery store. Scientists have discovered that by inserting genetic information from one organism to another and modifying it into another organism, it makes the food crops stay fresher, grow bigger, and make the crops produce their own pesticides. However, the technology to modify these genes has gone beyond its practicality. If science continues to genetically modify foods they have the potential to pose various risks to our bodies, the environment, as well as, have a huge impact on the global economy. Some risks associated with genetically modified food is the lack of research, lack of regulations, and the possible long term health risks associated with eating genetically modified food. In our paper, we plan to discuss all of these issues and show that while there are some benefits to genetically modified foods, the risks associated with the genetic modifications vastly outweigh the benefits. Introduction: Genetically modified organisms are any organism that has had a gene from one organism implanted into another organism in order to improve or change the genetic makeup of that organism. It can also be referred to as transgenic, due to the process being the transfer of genes from one organism to another. Other names also referred to are biotechnology...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Group B: Erica Grigg, Kaneka Jackson, Gene Kim, Kathryn Lynn Content Introduction/Description (Kathryn Lynn)………………………….………...………… 2 Historical Development (Kathryn Lynn)….….……….………….….…….…………… 4 Political/Legal Influences (Kaneka Jackson)………………….….……..…….……….. 11 Economic Questions (Erica Grigg)…….…….……..….….….….…..…..…..…….……15 Psychological Considerations (Erica Grigg)…………………….…………………....... 19 Cultural/Media Influence (Kaneka Jackson)………………………….…..…………….. 24 Environmental Implications (Gene Kim)……..….….…..….….……….……………..... Moral/Ethical Implications (Gene Kim)………………..….…….….…….………....... References…..….…..…….…….…….…….…..…….……..…..….…..…….…….…. Introduction The world is forever changing. New technologies are being introduced and discovered as generations grow and the need for basic food items is increased. Technology is involved in every facet of our lives. It is used continuously every day whether it be waking up to an alarm clock, watching TV that you recorded on a digital video recorder, brushing your teeth with a mechanical toothbrush, or using your GPS navigation system when going to your latest vacation destination. The latest technology has made it possible for people to communicate with others all over the world in both audio and video formats. Scientists are continuously looking for ways to make living easier and more productive. They are looking for solutions to world hunger, new medical advances to...
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...phrase ,” You are what you eat” and that takes literal meaning, but seriously, have you ever wonder where your food comes from and maybe even what has been done to it in the process. Everyone knows that genetically modified foods are a huge industry, and almost everything we eat has been modified. For those of you who are wondering just what is genetically modified foods or crops? Well, they are organisms such as plants, animals or microorganisms, in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. You know now that you’re probably saying ”How does this concern me?” but in just a few paragraphs we are going to examine how genetically modified...
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...most atrocious thing that foods industries are doing today is the implementation of genetically modified organism in agriculture. According to Behrokh Maghari and Ali M. Ardekani in their article titled “Genetically Modified Food and Social concerns” which was published in 2011 in the Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology, “Genetically modified organisms are being made by inserting a gene from an external source such as viruses, bacteria, animals or plants into usually unrelated species. Genetically modified food (GMF) means any food containing or derived from a genetically engineered organism” (119). Nowadays, genetically modified food can be founded everywhere in supermarkets, restaurants, and grocery stores (Guthrie 1). Its production has been a dilemma in our society since the 90s. Many people claim that the production of genetically modified food will cause improvements in our society. In the other hand, many studies have claim that it wont. The goal of this paper is to find out if our society really needs genetically modified food by explaining what are the benefits and consequences that GMF offers. To achieve this goal, I have organized my paper in three main sections; historical development of GMF, how the consumer, the producers, and the government feels about the use of genetically modified organism in agriculture, and to find out if our society really needs genetically modified organism in agriculture. Historical development. According to Ian Murnaghan, in the...
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...It is toxic to bees and causes colony collapse disorder among them. Colony collapse disorder is when workers bees suddenly disappear from their bee colony. It causes adult bees to be absent with dead little bees. This is caused by honeybee enterprises feeding their bees high fructose corn syrup. For instance, a research project was conducted where there are five hives and four of them would be fed high fructose corn syrup with pesticides in them and the fifth would be fed just high fructose corn syrup (Helman 3). At first, nothing seemed to happen but as the experiment continued and a large mass of bees were seen fleeing from their hives. After several weeks, 15 of the 16 hives the researchers had fed the pesticide had colony collapse disorder showing that high fructose corn syrup, although not a direct cause of it, still causes the bees to become weaker and more vulnerable to pesticides (Helman...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Group E- Chrystalyn Northcutt-Warden LAS 432- Technology, Society & Culture Kira Leavens DeVry University December 7, 2013 Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Political Influences Economic Questions and Considerations Psychological Affects Moral and Ethical Implication Conclusion Works Cited Appendix Abstract Introduction The Hunger Games trilogy dwells upon genetic modification. With genetically engineered animals such as the jabberjay, mockingjay, tracker jacker and wolf mutts, monkey mutts and even genetically engineered roses, the trilogy explores the ethics and consequences of toying with Nature. This paper will discuss the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms. Also the economic, psychological effect on society as well as the moral and ethical implications that this technology can have on today’s society. History Genetically modified organisms have continually been around but have recently evolved and came to light in the past 10 years. Genetically modified organisms are described as “An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered by the insertion of a modified gene or a gene from another organism using the techniques of genetic engineering (www.medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com, 2013).” genetically modified organism (GMO) is used to refer to any microorganism, plant, or animal in which genetic engineering techniques have been used to introduce, remove, or modify specific parts...
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...Genetically Modified Plants Melissa Turner Professor Angela Tringali Introduction to Biology August 29, 2013 Genetically modified plants, crops are secretly becoming second nature to the United States. When you hear genetically modified you automatically assume you will not eat it or even thought that you have never bought any food containing that. You will be surprised how many people have bought or have eaten something that has been genetically modified. With that being said majority of the food we eat now has been or have ingredients that have been genetically modified. Now you have to ask yourself if you know what genetically modified food was, would you still eat the things you do knowing it was modified? When you hear genetically modified, the first thing I think about is an oversized tomato or a giant pumpkin of some sort. That is the complete opposite because by definition, genetic modification is the manipulation of DNA by humans to alter the essential make up of plants and animals. Genetically modified organism is define as organisms that the genetic material have been altered that did not come naturally, another terminology for this is called...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Technology, Society, and Culture Table of Contents Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Page 3 Moral and Ethical Aspect of GMO by Ronald Claude Page 7 Cultural and Legal Aspect of GMO by Evangelina Ramirez Page 14 Environmental Issues of GMO by Donovan Collins Page 23 References Page 32 Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Description of GMOs and the associated science Most of the populations that do shopping in the groceries to buy food for their family are not aware of the “naturalness” of the food. Groceries sell items such as; cotton seeds, rice, soy, sugar beets, yeast, cassava, papaya, bananas, food flavoring, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, squash, oils, beef, pork, chicken, salmon, peas, alfalfa, and honey. Notice that most of the items listed either came from a plant or an animal. Those are the top 20 grocery items that have been genetically modified. What are genetically modified organisms? A genetically modified organism is any living thing that has had their DNA tampered with. This can be mutating, removing, or adding genetic material into the organism. All of the items listed in paragraph one has had their DNA tampered with. Most times when people talk about genetically modified organisms, they mostly refer to plants that are genetically modified. You may be wondering how the animals listed are considered genetically modified. This is because scientists modify the plants that are being...
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...sort of genetically modified ingredients. Americans’ lack of knowledge about genetically modified foods was clear when a survey was conducted by the Pew Initiative on whether they had eaten them: just 24% believe they have consumed genetically modified foods (“Pew Initiative”). In the United States, an estimated 60% of processed foods now contain genetically engineered ingredients (Fox 12). With such ubiquity of genetically modified foods, there is much to be discovered about the risks and consequences of their entrance into our food supply. How do we know we are asking the right questions regarding genetically modified foods and crops? The honest answer: we don’t! To fully understand the issue at stake, we must take a look at what questions are currently being asked by delving deeply into the realm of genetically modified foods. The typical American now eats up to 34% of calories away from home; most often in the form of fast food, which is notorious for being high in fat, calories, and sugar (Spake 1). Busy Americans often do not have time to consider the specific ingredients being used in food, and most are not even aware of how widespread genetically engineered ingredients are in society today. In fact, knowledge concerning genetically modified (GM) foods remains low. In 2001, 44% had heard something about GM foods; in 2003, that number dropped to 34% (“Pew Initiative”). Even for those who do wonder if the food they eat contains genetically modified organisms...
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...Abstract The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has become a chief topic of controversy through out the global world. Many countries around the world have stringent laws about genetically modified organisms and their use, but the U.S. does not, why is that? The majority of countries believe that genetically engineered foods are not safe for human consumption or the environment. Yet, the USDA or the FDA has not proved genetically modified organisms harmful or dangerous nor have any major studies conducted in the United States found them to be dangerous or harmful. However, there are studies that have shown that genetically modified organisms are producing “super” weeds and “super” bugs. The major advantage to using these genetically modified foods though, is they could possibly end world hunger in the future by the assumption that they increase crop yields. Although the long term health, environmental, and economical effects of genetically modified organisms is not fully understood, the majority of people from around the world are leery and therefore opposed to the use of genetically modified organisms. This research paper will attempt to analyze the health, environmental and economical issues surrounding genetically modified organisms. According to Dictionary.com, “A GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there.” Genetically Modified Organisms are most...
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...The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering Research & Position Paper Table of Contents DNA Fingerprinting/ Genetically Modified Foods --------------------------------------------------- p. 3 Gene Therapy/Cloning------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ p. 4 Stem Cell Technology------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ p. 5 Position Paper------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 6-7 Bibliography-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 8-10 Evaluation Rubric----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 7 DNA Fingerprinting DNA fingerprinting are tests that help to identify and analyze a person’s DNA. The term “fingerprinting” is used because finger prints, like DNA, vary from person to person and no two people have the same DNA or fingerprints. So, when scientists identify a person’s DNA, it can only be linked back to one individual and can help to obtain information about that specific individual. DNA fingerprinting can be done through many different ways. Some ways are through blood samples from a vein or heel, saliva samples, skin samples, or hair samples. The purpose of DNA fingerprinting is to help link family members together, find things that cause diseases, to help aid in crime scene investigations, and to...
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...The issues of Genetically Engineered of food have entered media in many countries. A lot of food that individuals are eating during these times that has been characterized with global warming, economic turmoil, rising food prices and wide spread famine. Genetic modification has been defined as the alteration of genetic make up of organisms either through addition or even deletion of gene(s), in a manner that such changes will be will be inherited in a fashion that has been defined as being Mendilian. As an effect, genetically modified (GM) foods originate from genetically modified organisms. Such changes that lead to modification are much more precise as compared to mutation breeding. GM foods were introduced in that market in early 1990s, where such foods were typically plants, however, in 2010, animal products were also modified. On several grounds, critics have ended up objecting GM foods. Due to this reason, this research paper critically discusses whether Genetically Modified Foods: Global Savior or Anti-agriculture biological terrorists, (Shah, par 5). Advantages of GM food In times of global warming, economic turmoil, rising food prices and wide spread famine, the topic of genetically modified food is vital and relevant. As a mater of fact, in such times, genetically modified food has lots of economic and social benefits. It has been proved that, GM food saves farmers a lot; for instance, farmers will no longer spray their plants with the use of pesticides. This...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Andre Thomas Soc/215 10-14-15 Dr. Melisha Plummer Genetically Modified Organisms Much has been written about genetically modified organisms. These are commonly known as GMOs. Genetically modified organisms have some positive attributes. However, GMOs also have adverse effects on animals, the environment and the health of the consumer. In order to understand why GMOs have these effects, it is important to know exactly what a GMO is and how these differ from the normal breeding farmers have done for years. The Free Dictionary defines a GMO as “An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered using the techniques of genetic engineering.” It goes on to explain that modern science has the ability to modify the genetic makeup of plants and animals. Scientists can even transfer genes from one species to another. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/genetically+modified+organism Advocates of genetically modified organisms say that the use of the gmos could end world hunger they also say we could create plants and animals that are resistant to disease and tolerant to pesticides. They can also engineer plants to be drought resistant. They argue these changes would stop famine because the plants could naturally resist. The proponents use pathos to convince people they have the answer to world hunger. They show you pictures starving people around the world and tell you their “improved” seeds make hunger go away. Perhaps it could but the studies...
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...Genetically Modified Foods According to the World Health Organization, Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) are "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in such a way that does not occur naturally."1 This technology is also referred to as "genetic engineering", "biotechnology" or "recombinant DNA technology" and consists of randomly inserting genetic fragments of DNA from one organism to another, usually from a different species. For example, an artificial combination of genes that includes a gene to produce the pesticide Cry1Ab protein (commonly known as Bt toxin), originally found in Bacillus thuringiensis, is inserted in to the DNA of corn randomly. Both the location of the transferred gene sequence in the corn DNA and the consequences of the insertion differ with each insertion. The plant cells that have taken up the inserted gene are then grown in a lab using tissue culture and/or nutrient medium that allows them to develop into plants that are used to grow GM food crops.2 Natural breeding processes have been safely utilized for the past several thousand years. In contrast, "GE crop technology abrogates natural reproductive processes, selection occurs at the single cell level, the procedure is highly mutagenic and routinely breeches genera barriers, and the technique has only been used commercially for 10 years."3 Despite these differences, safety assessment of GM foods has been based on the idea of "substantial equivalence" such that "if a...
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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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