...KHADIJAH SBI4U1.10 | [GENETICALLY MODIFIED ANIMALS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION] | STSE | Although genetically modified animals have many benefits in a commercial, agricultural or aquaculture condition, there are numerous risks that are present similarly. According to the textbook, some of the benefits of genetically modified animals are that they increase food security, and reduce pollution. But as also stated in the article, there are likewise many possible risks that are present due to genetically modified animals. GM (Genetically Modified) foods can contain allergens which cause allergies in humans if a gene from a certain allergen is incorporated into a GM organism. Another risk factor is that antibiotic resistant genes are also used in the process of creating GM organisms, which could be conferred to the bacteria that naturally live in the human digestive system. Some scientists also believe that if GM organisms escape from their containment areas and mix with wild animals, it could negatively affect the wild population since they could reproduce with the wild population. The mix of genes from these two species may no longer be controllable by scientists anymore. Knowing these risks, I believe that the benefits of genetically modifying animals do not outweigh any of the possible risks. Knowing that there are many risks from genetically modifying an organism, I do not feel that it is safe for humans to take a chance and consume these foods. Because of this, it is...
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...Issues This case is about the usage of genetically modified foods and up till today, this problem is continuing. It was stated that Taco Bell was accused of using StarLink corn (a type of genetically modified corn) in their taco shells. The StarLink had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it is safe for animal but not human consumption. From the time when this case happens, the public started to be aware of the possible dangers of genetically modified foods. Other than that, the prices of corn start to decline. This case had generated debates about genetically modified foods. There are two groups that shares different views about genetically modified food. One of the groups is the proponents of genetically modified food. This group believes that genetically modified food is not harmful and thinks that it helps to feed the hungry world. On the opposite are the anti-GM foods. Basically, this group deem GM food as a hazard and harmful to humankind and environment. Ethical Issues Technology has become more as more advanced as the time passes and technology are slowly playing a very important role in people’s life. However, there are advantages as well as disadvantages of using technology. One important issue that arises with the use of technology is ethical issues. The management’s goal of each company should attempt to keep away from immoral as well as amoral practices. They should instead adopt a moral management practice. The aims of the management...
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...Gene Therapy: Genetically Modified Crop Plants Coward Introduction to Biology - SCI 115 Professor Johnson March 4, 2014 Genetically modified organisms have become a standard rather than an exception in America. Since their introduction in the 1990’s, genetically modified (GM) products have conquered agriculture in the United States and hold a large share of the food on American’s plates. (Dupont) Everyone has been exposed to it whether they know it or not. According to the US Department of agriculture by 2012, 88 percent of corn and 94 percent of soy grown in the United States were genetically modified. The purpose of this essay is to explain what genetically modified crop plants are, to discuss the social and ethical implications and to provide my personal view point. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are defined as organisms whose genome has been modified as genetic engineering. Transferring a gene from one species to another to provide an organism that is transgenic or a gene that may be altered and reinserted into an individual of the same species are the results of a genetically modified organism. Genes can be introduced into plant cells by way of electric or chemical shocks, by blasting them. The most common GMOs are bacteria and yeast, which have been modified to produce medically important proteins which has benefitted people with diabetes. (Starr, Evers, & Starr, 2013) GMOs or GM is used to refer to...
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...Is Genetically Modified Food Safe? Shana Kritzer Lourdes University 23 April 2013 Is Genetically Modified Food Safe? In the spring of 1998, a riot broke out, just outside of Norfolk, England. The cause was not labor disputes or race relations, but a crop of genetically modified food. What began as a peaceful demonstration of anti-genetic modification Greenpeace protesters evolved into a riotous crowd of about 150, who after trampling security guards, marched onto the field and began uprooting and destroying a plot of genetically modified (GM) corn. Protesters used bare hands, trimming shears, and a mowing machine to destroy over 4 acres of the 6 acre plot. Farm workers tried to drive protesters away with a mechanical digger and shovels, while the farm manager disabled the mowing machine by ramming it with his tractor, but the protesters continued to demolish the crop field. After fifteen minutes police arrived and managed to break up the riot. The protest led to 30 arrests and 26 injuries (6 police officers, 12 farm workers, 8 protesters) (“GM Protesters”). After 12 more incidents like this one, numerous raids and attacks on food stores and labs selling or producing genetically modified products, the controversy and upset in England has still not reached an end. Around the world the debate on genetically modified food continues. Products containing genetically modified ingredients dominate the grocery shelves, with at least seventy-five percent of processed...
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...In the essay by Pamela Ronald, “The truth About GMOs”, Ronald talks about how genetically modified organisms are safe to consume. There are no reasons why GMOs are unsafe, “Genetically engineered crops currently on the market are as safe to eat and safe for the environment as organic or conventional foods.” GMOs have been around for many years and not a single person has died from them. Over the years people have been changing and modifying crops left and right trying to creating stronger and more durable crops to withstand insects and diseases. GMOs are safe for consumption and great for the human population growth because without GMOs people would have an even more serious issue with hunger in the world. With the help of GMOs, farmers are able to use less pesticides on plants allowing the crops to be less harmful and toxic to our environment and to us. With modifying crops they can create them to be resistant to pests and other things, “Genetic engineering can be used not only to combat pests and diseases, but also to enable farmers to use less harmful chemicals to control cropchoking weeds.” Using a lot of herbicide is more dangerous and harmful than genetically modifying crops. Scientists found a better way to help the environment by creating GMOs. In many ways using less herbicide helps the planet, thus helping the people. Using less means less toxins in the air and it allows all of the beneficial insects to live while the bad insects die...
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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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...Wheat” BMGT 496 – 4021 Dr. Alan Goodman University of Maryland University College April 11, 2011 I. Thesis Statement Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are the result of splicing foreign genetic material, like a transgene, into a target organism’s DNA to create an organism showing at least one new genetic characteristic. With the world’s population continuing to increase, farmers and their crops will be heavily relied on to produce the worlds agricultural needs. As one of the leading agricultural company in the world, Monsanto is focused on sustainable agriculture and has been one of many company that has assisted farmers in developing seeds that can lead produce the necessary result the world needs. One of the ways they do this is by creating genetically modified seeds such as the Roundup Ready Wheat seeds that can yield increase crops and be safe for consumption. However, because of opposition to GMO from other countries and organizations, Monsanto has the answer the moral question of whether or not to introduce the wheat or delay it or drop it entirely. I think Monsanto should introduce the wheat but only on a trial and timed basis. II. Significant Facts – Monsanto’s Roundup Ready Wheat Monsanto is one the of the world’s largest agricultural companies that specializes in both conventional and genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds and other products. They pride themselves in respecting all those that are affected by their actions, including...
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...or genetically modified organisms, have been around for about 40 years now. A genetically modified organism is a plant or animal whose genes or “DNA” have been modified in such a way that the product is not naturally found in nature or through natural cross-breeding. Traditionally, the genes with the desired characteristic are introduced to the genes of the plant/animal that is being genetically modified. This results in a plant that is very similar to the original, but contains varying amounts of genetic change. Many GMOs have been modified in such a way that they can withstand a certain kind of herbicide, or survive certain kinds of harsh climate conditions; while others have been modified so that they can produce a certain kind of pesticide to ward off would-be crop killing insects. Through these modifications genetically modified organisms are touted as lasting longer, and producing more abundant crop yields. Also, organisms that have undergone modification require fewer pesticides, water, and reduce production costs for crops used for food, such as soybeans, corn, and sugar beets (www.factsaboutgmos.org). According to the USDA, the most common kinds of GMOs are corn, cotton, and soybeans, but a variety of foods can be found in your local supermarket that have been genetically modified, and according to the Non-GMO Project, up to 80% of processed foods in the United States contain food items that are genetically modified. The issue as to whether or not genetically modified...
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...Abstract With the production of genetically modified foods (GMFs) becoming more prevalent today, debates about whether it is right to use technology to create new forms of plant and animal life are on the rise. Proponents of GMFs believe these crops will reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals, and are just as safe as traditional crops. Opponents, on the other hand, feel the use of chemicals is scarcely reduced in GMFs and fear contamination of traditional farm crops. One example of this was displayed in October 2000 when a brand of genetically modified corn, approved only for animal feed, ended up in taco shells and other foods intended for human consumption. It is possible that GMFs are not bad for us at all and might be rather beneficial to building a sustainable future for all forms of life. The solution to its success lies in careful moderation, and this is where research is crucial. Genetically modified foods should not be banned, though studies on the effects of human consumption and economical impacts are necessary. Genetically Modified Foods: Advancement or Shortcoming? For nearly ninety years farmers have altered crops or animals using a method called crossbreeding. In crossbreeding, breeders select desirable traits of the parent plant or animal to produce a new species of that organism to achieve improved quantity and the quality of their crops. Though many seasons may pass before growers achieve their desired results, the harvests can produce...
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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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...What are genetically modified foods and organisms? “Genetically modified food or genetically modified organisms is commonly used to refer to crops and plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques” (Whitman (2000). The modified plants and organisms have been modified in laboratories to enhance the desired traits. Some enhanced traits might be to improve nutritional content or make plants resistant to herbicides. In order for these traits to be enhanced scientists breed the desired traits. Genetically modified foods have had foreign genes from other plants or animals inserted into their genetic codes (Heit (2012) 2nd slide- What are genetically modified foods and organisms? For scientists to achieve the desired traits for genetically modify organisms they us selective breeding. Selective breeding is where over time selected plants, animals, and microorganisms are bred to produce the desired traits, but the genetic modification allows scientists to speed this process up by moving desired genes from one organism to another (Heit (2012). The organisms that are selected for the genetic modification are organisms that exhibit a variety of different traits and then these organisms are bred The most common genetically modified organisms are plants. 3rd slide- Genetically Modified Food and Organism Benefits Genetically modified foods and organisms were created to provide the same nutrition and the genetically modified...
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...Research for the Campus President: Genetically Modified Foods Vicky Warren National University Research for the Campus President: Genetically Modified Foods The President’s Student Advisory Council has been asked to make a recommendation regarding the sale of Genetically Modified (GM) foods on this campus. In order to determine if the university should continue to allow GM food sales on campus, the council has conducted research into both sides of this issue. We have come to a conclusion based on the evidence found that the school should continue to sell GM foods. Our recommendation is based on economic considerations, environmental impact, and most importantly, the health and safety of the students and faculty at this university. While great debate surrounds these issues, we will present the unbiased findings that support this recommendation while addressing the concerns of the opposing views. Upon conducting research on the GM food debate, the council found that many claims regarding the production and sale of GM foods were ideological in nature. Ideological reasoning is based on assumptions linked to core beliefs an values (Facione & Gittens, 2013). Ideological opponents of GM foods assert that changing the genetic makeup of plants and animals is unnatural, and therefore wrong. Humans are not intended to mess with nature. However, others may claim that humans are intended to use their powers of reason to solve problems and improve their lives and the lives...
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...high that these foods contain some 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...
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...Abstract GMOs are a promising and exciting revolution in agriculture. The technology, if safe, could allow humanity to make hunger a thing of the history. On the other hand a technology as powerful as GMOs also has the potential of changing our lives and ecosystems irreversibly. This paper is a basic introduction into the topic of genetically modified organisms and the concerns consumers and advocates around the world have about this technology, its approval, and future impact in the environment and societies around the world. Keywords: GMOs, FDA, agriculture, Monsanto, patents, corruption, environment. GMOs: An Introduction We live in an area where the acquisition of knowledge is only a few keystrokes away for any given subject. The pace at which new technologies are developed and become obsolete is unprecedented. Each new invention brings the hope and promise of a better tomorrow, an improved tomorrow. One of these revolutionary technologies are genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Companies that produce GMOs offer the technology as the answer to at least two of our most pressing issues, sustainable agriculture and world hunger. Both issues speak to one of humanity’s most basic biological needs, food. In effect, anything that affects this need should be treated with importance and urgency, because of the essential nature of food for human existence. Food plays a major role in our day to day survival and it was at the heart of the development...
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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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