... | |GMOs: Genetically Modified Organisms | |EN1420 | | | | | | | | | GMOs: Genetically Modified Organisms What is a GMO, also known as genetically modified organisms? Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are any organism that has had its genetic material doctored using genetic engineering techniques. Genetically modified foods find their origin in GMOs as well as many other goods available today. For those of you unaware, uninformed, or even misinformed here are the basics of your everyday GMO. The rather primitive process engineers volatile compounds of plants, animals, bacteria’s and viral genes that would not otherwise occur naturally or through long established methods. GMOs currently make up close to 80% of our...
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...they need. Prior to this discovery there was a shortage of insulin since it is found in the pancreas of cows and pigs. Genetic engineering has also helped plants to have higher resistance to pests and disease, eliminating a great deal of food waste. Even though we can see many benefits from this technology, there are also problems that have risen with genetic modification. One of these concerns is the company Monsanto, and other food companies which have dominated 70% of America’s food production. While farmers and large industries reap the benefits of having high resistant plants, consumers gain nothing. The question of whether this food is healthy for people to consume is an issue and other countries around the world do not allow GMO food. Besides the suspicions about America’s modern agriculture, inexperience in the lab with genetic modification could be very dangerous. While there are potential hazards that come with genetic engineering the possibilities of this technology to help humanity are endless. The future could bring access to cheaper and more effective drugs, the creation of synthetic human organs, or maybe even a solution...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms are a very hot topic in North America today. There are many arguments arguing if GMOs are beneficial or detrimental. If the impact us health-wise it could be a very big risk to put these products inside of our body. One may ask, what is a Genetically Modified Organism? How is it even made? One popular method is called Recombinant GMOs. This is where a scientist takes two different strands of DNA and merges them into one . This will just entail a protein or two, but just that little bit of alternate information can alter the organism dramatically. The most common example of this would be altering a crop to make it resistant to certain herbicides. The benefit of this is that these crops will survive the herbicide while the weeds will not. On the other hand, weeds have been found to eventually build a tolerance to these herbicides and create super weeds. Possibly the largest element of the Genetically Modified Organism debates is the safety concerns. How safe are GMOs to consume and what effects can they have on humans and animals? Many argue that GMOs are unhealthy and can lead to sickness and disease. These questions have lead to many tests, specifically on lab rats. One such experiment saw a ninety day feeding of glyphosate, a broad range herbicide, tolerant maize. This experiment saw three groups of rats eating the GM corn in different quantities, with each group having a corresponding control group eating non-GM corn in the same quantities...
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...of knowing this because genetically modified organisms are not banned nor or they labeled here in the U.S. Some of you may be wondering what exactly is a genetically modified organism. I will spend this time today to explain to you what GMOs actually are, the history behind them, and the effects they have on us and on the world. BODY GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated by genetic engineering. This process is called “gene-splicing”, and it occurs when a certain strand of DNA is targeted, cut out, and removed. They then insert that particular piece of DNA into the gene sequence of another organism. Genetic engineering is capable of creating a combination of plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses that do not occur in nature or through traditional cross breeding methods. Genetic engineering can manipulate these organisms in such a way that they may mature at a very fast rate, or at a very slow rate, depending on what their intended purposes may be. Some may be able to withstand conditions such as drought or freezing temperatures. Others can handle direct application of herbicides without dying or produce their own insecticide from within. (TRANSITION: In hopes that you all understand what GMOs are and how they are created, I will run through a brief timeline explaining how they have come about in our world today.) Genetic engineering came into play when the US issued the first patent in 1980. Shortly after, Humulin was introduced...
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...GMOS are the present equivalent of the green revolution and will end hunger and famine all over the world. The green Revolution rose from the need for humanity to survive famine and hunger was killing people in the millions. The green revolution changed agriculture everywhere and hybrid seeds introduced new way to cultivate faster growing food putting those who can afford the hybrid seeds in an advantage. GMOs also have the potential to help humanity eradicate hunger and famine by helping decrease the cost of production of crops. Hunger and famine are usually caused by combination of natural and physical conditions, but, primarily it is due to drought. There are some other causes of famine and hunger connected to politics and government apprehending’s...
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...First of all, in the fact that mankind doesn’t have tried to eat GMOs injected a gene from another species, GMOs will not be ensured food security unlike proven organic foods which has been eaten for human history. In despite of the dangerousness, the foods have still been on our table without verification. No one can guarantee that how GMOs’ side effects will be long-term and continuous and proving safety is beyond the capabilities of current technology. Supporters of genetic engineering argue that the application of biotechnology to improve the nutritional contents of various foods will help people who suffer many deficiency diseases. Also, they claim that GM foods can yields medical benefit by injecting a particular genes or vaccine. However, GMOs are only a temporary measure, not the fundamental solution for nutritional improvement of foods and medical benefits. Their own disadvantages far outweigh their own advantages. A study by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAME) advised precaution because GM foods have not been tested for human consumption and because there is significant evidence of probable harm (AAME, 2009). The harmful effects that have raised up to now are that GMOs can cause food allergy reactions, indirect and non-traceble effects on cancer rate, unknown effects on human health and malfunction immune system. Several studies bear testimony to the dangerousness. For instance, according to the study conducted by Dr. Árpád Pusztai at the Rowett Research...
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...there is a lot of unknowns with it comes to GMO’s a lot of statistics used isn't conclusive scientific link to these foods. Some of the positives that I found were “Seeds are genetically changed for multiple reasons, which include improving resistance to insects and generating healthier crops, according to Healthline.com. This can lower risk of crop failure, and make crops better resistant to extreme weather.” also “Engineering can also eliminate seeds and produce a longer shelf life, which allows for the "safe transport to people in countries without access to nutrition-rich foods.” (www.newsmax.com) these all seem like good reasons to develop these foods to me. Now some of the negatives were “Lowered resistance to antibiotics. Some GMOs have built-in antibiotic qualities that enhance immunity, according to Iowa State University, but...
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...Here is my technical analysis report, The GMO Effect. Writing this report has been a great experience. I have learned many facts about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as well as their effect on our bodies and the environment. This report, in turn, has taught me many life changing tools that I plan on utilizing in order to live a healthier lifestyle for both my family and myself. It has inspired me to encourage more people to eat organic foods and to avoid GMO products. I am very excited to share this report with you all. Being a nursing major, personal health is of the utmost importance for myself and should be for all individuals. Researching genetically modified organisms has been an eye-opening experience. So often, we as consumers eat whatever is most inexpensive, convenient, and readily available; however, these food items often consist of excessive amounts of GMOs. I have learned that organic food, which is free of chemicals and genetic modification, is the healthiest option available. Before writing this report, I was hesitant to buy organic foods because of the cost. Since performing my research, I have learned that buying organic is the smartest decision to be made at the supermarket. The potential health risks associated with ingesting foods that have been genetically interfered with by bioengineers are not worth saving a few dollars at the store, when it could be much more expensive in healthcare costs later on. I have learned that heath related ailments...
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...Why GMO’s are Beneficial Are genetically engineered/modified organisms dangerous, neutral, or beneficial to human health? Genetically Modified Organisms have been used for thousands of years, dating back to the times where farmers were using techniques such as grafting. Studies have shown that opposition to GMOs are on the rise. Despite the many negative connotations of altering the genetic material of a plant, it has been statistically proven that GMOs have not posed harm to human health (Digging for seeds of truth in GMO debate). Through the utilization of GMOs, humanity has the opportunity to benefit our health through creation of potential vaccines, ability to create a sustainable food source to end human hunger, and the ability to create more nutritious disease and pesticide-free foods. GMOs have been very helpful in creating vaccines for many diseases. For example, during the 1980s, humanity was blessed with the first genetically engineered vaccine to fight STDs. Benjamin Hall of University of Wisconsin and then-postdoctoral researcher Gustav Ammerer fused a gene-controlling antigen that fought HIV and Hepatitis into yeast cells. With this biotechnology, they were able to create one of the first vaccines to fight Sexually Transmitted Diseases (A Triumph of Biotechnology). This has proven highly important, because without the use of such technology, this life-changing vaccine would not have been created. In another case, INB Biotechnologies of Philadelphia created...
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...Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops Genetically modified crops (GMOs) have been around for a long time. The first time the world was introduced to this world changing form of crop was in 1986. This is when a GMO for of tobacco was tested in Belgium. Not far after, in 1987, the first GMOs were introduced to the United States. The two GMOs that were introduced were tobacco as well as tomatoes. In 1992 the FDA declared the altered crops "not inherently dangerous", so they don’t need special regulations (1). The list of benefits that follow suit with GMO not only help the farmer but also the consumer. GMO crops are known to produce bigger yields. This allows the farmer to get more efficient use out of his land. Iowa State University observed 377 fields that grew Bt corn (GM) and non-GM corn. The fields with GM seeds yielded 160.4 bushels corn per field, while crops grown from fields of non-GM seeds yielded 147.7 bushels of corn per field (2). Genetically modified crops are also known to have better texture flavor, and nutritional value compared to non-GMO crops. For example, in Asia, many people suffer from the lack of many key vitamins. One of those is vitamin A. The majority people cant afford to eat properly, so scientists created a GMO version of rice to help supply the people with this vitamin they were missing. They took a gene from a carrot and implemented it into the common white rice, thus creating golden rice. It is a cheap way for the people of Asia to get vitamin...
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...Your health is one of the most important aspects in your life. What if the food you buy from stores threatened that? Genetically Modified Organisms, also known as GMOs, might be putting your health in jeopardy. As early as 1953, scientists have been trying to find ways to genetically change the DNA of food. Making the food more durable and longer lasting is apparently much more important than creating a healthy and safe environment for the people. Our very own government is allowing GMOs to be created and distributed among the people. The real question here is, what is a GMO? Genetically engineered food is produced from crops whose genetic makeup has been changed unnaturally to create a specific trait among the produce. This is possible by a method called gene splicing, in witch a gene that creates a specific trait in an organism is identified, then taken out from the rest of the genetic material of the produce. Scottish doctor Árpád Pusztai conducted a study on the effects of genetically modified foods in 1998. During a ten day period, he fed genetically engineered potatoes to one group of rats, natural potatoes to another group, and finally a third group was fed potatoes that were laced with insecticide. After the ten days he discovered that the rats who ate the genetically engineered potatoes were very sick. They had precancerous cells in their digestive organs, noticeably smaller brains, livers and testicles, and damage to their immune system. The other two groups were declared...
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...Julie Owens Bio 220 Steven Lenks August 10, 2013 The environmental issue that I am choosing is Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO for short. I am actually going to take it a step further and do Genetically Modified Organisms in food. This topic seems to be getting a lot of attention in the news lately. GMO Foods are those that have been genetically altered to be pesticide and disease resistant and altered to be able to be produced quicker and in more abundance for faster sales. Many people believe that Genetically Modified Organisms in food are a good idea. We can produce mass amounts of foods that are of good quality and can stay fresh longer. Some other benefits with GMO foods are higher nutritional values in the foods that we are consuming. Another benefit is that farmers can reduce the amounts of pesiticides and herbicides that they use on their crops which is a plus for the environment. Future benefits are already in the works. They are currentally working on making carrots that have a higher antioxidant count. Banannas that have ediable vaccines in them are also in the works. Another big project being worked on is modifying strawberries with the genes from cold water sea fish to help the strawberries withstand the winter frosts. I am against using GMO in foods. There have not been enough studies on the future effects on human or animal consumption. When you alter any species genes there are bound to be some ill effects somewhere down the line. Until...
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...Abstract The case GMO: The Value versus Growth Dilemma describes Dick Mayo’s puzzlement by the New Economy’s continuous bias toward growth-investment strategies. As one of the most celebrated value investors in the United States, he examines the basics of his philosophy versus that of a growth orientation by evaluating long-term expected returns of several value and growth stocks. The following paper was examined to pursue several objectives: (1) to define value and growth investing – where the differences lie and whether one approach is superior to the other or whether both have merit; (2) to perform basic valuations of Cisco Systems (a growth company), CVS, R.R. Donnelly and Manor Care (value companies) and to compute their long-term expected returns; and (3) to discuss issues concerning the consistency of GMO’s investment philosophy even when the market seems to run counter to it for a prolonged period of time. In this respect we will also consider the issue if value investing can still deliver significance in this New Economy or if is it only an Old Economy concept and if we would invest in GMO. Background GMO was founded in 1977 by Dick Mayo, Jeremy Grantham and Kingsley Durant. From its beginning the company applied a fundamental bottoms-up approach to institutional investing, focusing on out-of-favor, sometimes unexciting domestic companies trading below intrinsic value (U.S. Active). Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s this strategy of identifying and investing...
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...GMO Awareness The people of California and many other states in our country deserve the right to know what is in their food and exactly what they are putting in their bodies. California's proposition 37, states the requirement to label all food products that contain genetically modified organisms (GMO). It is important to the health of humanity to be aware of the harmful effects of GMO. Unfortunately, due to the dangers of the food they consume, that to them seem ''healthy'' as this Prop did not pass. Even organic food is not safe to eat anymore because there might very well be GMO in it. Why is GMO bad? I believe, in order to improve the culture of humanity and unify a healthy way living there must be a change in notifying people what they are putting into their uninformed bodies. Genetically modified organisms may have benefits that make food look better, taste better, more plump and juicy, or have more color than its original pure form. In order for GMO's to achieve this, the food must be changed in a laboratory by a specialized scientist. Companies portray their product to be all naturally grown and organic, but it's likely that they contain GMO unless there is a label saying there is no GMO. GMO's harmful effects that people need to be aware of are increase in toxicity, decreased nutrition, new allergens, cancer, and tumors. For example, Monsanto is the world's leading producer of GMO and scientists there have discovered cancer in their lab rats after the consumption...
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...Genetically Modified Crops Tara Singleton Professor Sherif Sci 115 August 19 2015 Genetically Modified Crops In recent years genetically modified (GM) plants have grabbed a significant amount of attention in both positive and negative ways. This topic is discussed in the media and seen labeled on products in grocery stores, yet the general public remains uninformed of what genetically modified plants are. The Technology Genetic engineering is known to be the most favorable technology advances in biotechnology today. The results from genetic engineering are normally named genetically modified organisms or as seen on labels GMOs. There are many techniques scientist use to create these plants and in recent years produce crops. The two most common methods are by using the “gene gun” and a bacteria called Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Key, Ma, & Drake, 2008). The “gene gun” is genetic engineering method that shoots microscopic elements coated with DNA into the plant cells. Distinct plant cells are targeted and are renewed into a whole different genetically modified plant. The other way, use of the bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens, is the process of naturally transferring DNA to plants (Key et al., 2008). In principal, a strand of one plants DNA can be extracted from its cell and inserted into another plant's genome. On the topic of crop development, it is done with the same species of plant. Biotechnology speeds up the process of identifying the particular gene for...
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