...GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS INTRODUCTION These are crops whose genetic composition has been artificially manipulated. It is done through inserting DNA into a species that has been extracted from another one. Advancements in the biotechnology in cell and molecular biology make it possible. Involves growing of plants in less than favourable climatic and geographic conditions than required. Development of the tissue culture technique that enables the cells to regenerate to the whole plant is also another method. Venturing in this type of agriculture is to produce crops that tolerate different factors like herbicides. Specific herbicides will be sprayed, and weeds killed sparing the cops. Insect tolerant plants through gene coding toxins ensure plants are tolerant to worms and insects that destroy them. Cotton worms and Colorado potato beetles are an example of these. These plants were introduced with a view to improving the quality and nutrition of the produce of the farmers. They process of production has significantly been modified reducing the cost and wastages enabling a bigger yield. The fruiting characteristics also improved extensively to higher levels than when using traditional crossbreeding methods. These crops are mostly grown in greenhouses and, therefore, can be grown throughout all seasons enabling continued production. Consumers can be supplied with them throughout the year hence an efficient method of production. Some of the crops that are produced...
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...Today, anyone can go to the grocery store and purchase fruits and vegetables that have been genetically modified. As a matter of fact, most of us do it unknowingly all the time. But, what exactly are genetically modified foods and what sets it apart from traditional breeding? The biotech industry and our departments of agriculture claim that genetic engineering is a natural extension of traditional breeding. However, traditional agriculture methods, such as cross-pollination or selective breeding, are based on natural reproductive mechanisms. These traditional methods will cross only one kind of plant or animal with a similar species. To be specific, genetic engineering crosses the coded DNA barrier and utilizes very powerful (and unnatural) laboratory techniques for transferring genetic material directly between plants and animals. Using these techniques, genes from any plant, animal, virus, or other organism, including a human, can be inserted into any other organism. Therefore, scientists have been able to take “beneficial genes” from some plants or animals and splice them into the DNA of fruits and vegetables. This modification process can make them resistant to pesticides and or insects. Some have even been able to modify rice to have vitamin A as well as the high carbohydrates it also contains; they call it “Golden rice.” This all seems like great progress. At a glance, one might even conclude that this technology could end world hunger. It might even be concluded that this...
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...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 crop plants...
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...Although James McWilliams acknowledges that genetically modified crops have the potential to be harmful, he explains that these crops can also be helpful in creating a system of sustainable agriculture. In fact, McWilliams explains that genetically modified crops have the “ability to reduce the extensive agricultural use of synthetic pesticides” (McWilliams, 86). Genetically modified crops are often engineered to protect themselves without the increasing use of synthetic pesticides. In fact, McWilliams explains that studies have already shown that genetically modified crops have already reduced the use of synthetic pesticides. The practice of spraying biopesticides and chemical pesticides is damaging to agricultural habitats as well as to human...
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...and as a consequence suffer severe health problems such as malnutrition and starvation. The global food prices rose in 2008. One of the products which had a large increase was rice which resulted in riots in Africa and Asia. Even people in MEDC’s spent a large portion of their income on food and daily essentials. As a result, people either cut down on quality of food, amount of food or spend more money trying to still afford the luxuries of high quality food. However the increase in food prices would have had an effect upon the rest of the global or local economies. Green Revolution, a possible temporary solution? The Green revolution took place in the 1960s the green revolution was the development of high yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops such as rice and wheat were selectively bred from thousands of varieties to increase yields. Techniques such as fertilising, irrigation and pesticides were also introduced to increase yields. The green revolution helped bring a large increase in global food production. This encouraged farmers in the developing world to ‘leapfrog’...
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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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...Lauren Caruso 4/24/14 Intro to Speech Final Speech Can genetically engineering crops be helpful or harmful to human life? Over the years we have seen a steady rise in the production of genetically modified foods. This has caused a swelling of opinions from people on the GMOs. There are advantages and concerns about this process of enhancing food. Controversy about the thought of modifying food has spread worldwide. People are wary about the idea because they want to know exactly what is in the food that they are eating and because we are swaying away from naturally growing crops. However growing these modified crops could possibly put an end to some of the world’s challenges, such as food security for families. A GMO or genetically modified organism is a crop that is made for consumption by humans and animals. These crops are made in a laboratory by using the latest molecular biology techniques. The reason for making genetically modified plants and organisms is to enhance desired traits. This way is much easier and quicker than the alternative, breeding, which is not always accurate. Some traits that scientists want these plants to have are better resistance to herbicides, increase in nutritional value, and being able to stay ripe longer. Some of the most common modified plants are corn, soybeans, canola, rice, and cotton seed oil. Since the approval to sell genetically modified foods they have become significantly more available. The approval of GMOs has affected us...
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...Genetically-modified food are food in which its genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. This allows certain desired genes to pass to its “offspring” and also allows cross between those that are not from the same species. Researchers from the Food Policy Institute at Rutgers’ Cook College found that only 52% of Americans realized that genetically modified foods are sold in grocery stores and only 26% believed that they have ever eaten genetically modified foods. (WebMD) Genetically-modified are being developed because of the perceived advantages they are being portrayed to the producers and consumers of the food. Initially the purpose of genetically-modified was to improve the crops protection versus insects and insecticides as well from plant diseases. According to Scientists and U.S. government regulators genetically engineered crops are safe and can provided much needed food in starving nations. But if you talk to biotechnology critics and other scientists though they would disagree with believing that there are not enough testing and regulation on genetically-modified food that we do not know if it’s safe or not. In the European Union they dislike genetically-modified food and prefer the healthier organic food. They believe that only the biotech companies that are creating the product are benefiting and that there are no health and environment gains from genetically-modified food. There is quite a few foods in the US food market that...
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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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...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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...provided, and write an academic essay in which you discuss the effects of genetically modified food on South Africans and the economy Name of lecturer : Ms Lutasha Ndesi Name of tutor : Gaynor Godlo Due Date : 6 May 2015 | Marking Criteria | Mark Allocation | Mark Achieved | 1 | Presentation | 2 | | 2 | Introduction and Conclusion | 5 | | 3 | Structure ( Paragraph development: Topic, Supporting and Concluding sentences) | 8 | | 4 | Language | 20 | | 5 | Content | 50 | | 6 | Quotations | 10 | | 7 | Reference List | 5 | | | Total Mark | 100 | | Declaration 1. I know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is to use another’s work and pretend it is one’s own work. 2. Each contribution to, and quotation in this work that I have taken from the work of other people has been attributed and has been cited and referenced. 3. This submission is my own work. 4. I have not allowed, and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as their own work. Signed: …………………………………………… Date: 6 May 2015 1. Introduction Genetically modified food is a widespread problem all over the world. Many years genetically modified foods have been used to help overcome poverty. Although genetically modified foods are inexpensive,...
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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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...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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...Genetically Modified Organism is one of the most important issues from around the world.GMOs are organisms that have been manipulated by through genetic engineering. This new science makes an unstable combinations of plant and other living organisms that doesn't occur in nature. Scientists recognized that genes are shared among the individual members of a species, but also among members of different species. All GMOs are made to withstand direct application of herbicide and to make a insecticide. In the mean while, evidence connects GMOs with health problems like environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights. Agrochemicals are aiming at enhancing crop and protect crops from pests. Every year higher amounts of new chemical compounds are used to...
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...A genetically modified organism is a plant, animal where the genes have been artificially changed using genetic engineering by adding in a new gene that doesn’t belong to change or improve the organism. The reason we modify organisms is essentially to combine different genes that don’t occur naturally. The discovery of GMOS has had significant impact positively and negatively on society benefits such as increased agricultural and risks such as the possibility of new diseases need to be considered but I believe positive such as creating more outweigh the negatives. Plants and animals can both be genetically modified but today I will be focusing on genetically modified plants. Genetically modifying organisms happens in 4 stages identifying a trait of interest, isolating that genetic trait, inserting that trait into the genome of a desired organism, and then growing the engineered organism. Identification of the gene of interest, researches search for a new gene of interest...
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