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Genetically Modified Organisms: Pros And Cons?

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A topic that can and has raised numerous arguments, whether it be agreeing or disagreeing with the argument, is the controversial one of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The history of GMOs is notably long and the conflict that is created regarding their safety should not be about whether they are safe for human consumption, but rather the way in which they will influence long-term, justifiable agricultural efforts.

A GMO is any organism (plant or animal) that has a genetic material which has been manipulated through genetic engineering. Genetic engineering involves the modification of an organism's phenotype by altering its genetic make-up. (World Health Organization, 2016). They are the result of scientific process where genes from …show more content…

This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit either durability, nutritional value or both. An example where a crop has had genetic modification to enhance its nutritional value is in the case of golden rice. (Genetically Modified Organisms , 2013). At first, GM seed developers wanted their products to be recognized by producers which is why they mainly focused on innovations that bring direct benefits to farmers, as well as the food industry in general. GM crops that are on the market presently are specifically aimed at increasing the level of protection on the crops. This is done by bringing forward an idea to amplify the resistance against plant diseases possibly cause by insects through a higher tolerance of …show more content…

Although farmers originally gave the most control to nature, unlike present times, they have always strived to improve their crops’ durability, resistance to diseases and at the same time maximize customer satisfaction with their produce. As years passed, and humans chose to have certain characteristics over others in plants, farmers have molded crops into what would please most people such as bigger, tastier or juicier produces. (Bushak, 2017). According to an executive director of the Biotechnology Center at the University of Illinois, plants have been changed so significantly by humans that they have developed into crops that would never survive in the wild without the supervision and care of humans. This same director also stated that plants such as strawberries, wheat and cabbage, along with almost all the other crops, stemmed from ancestors that were nowhere near the strawberries, corn or cabbage in prehistoric times. (Chassy,

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However, GMO's are controversial because chemicals are used to alter the genetic information of a crop. Those chemicals can increase the risk for certain illnesses, such as diabetes and cancer. GMO's are meant to be the perfect organism, however many factors can go wrong with so much genetic modification since its going against nature (Food Policy Institute 2003). The process of how GMO's are created is through the help of gene transfer technology. The desired gene from another organism is placed in the other organisms genome

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Although GMOs have managed to do their job but here has been reasons as to how the chemicals in foods consumed on a day to day basis are unhealthy and unsuitable to live a long and fulfilling life. Now feel more informed about the GMOs dilemma, considering the insufficient amount of examination that has been accomplished and the accidental contamination of food products which posts an issue to the amount of money countries owe to citizens that have been affected. All in all, as of right now GMOs should be the item to think twice about when purchasing it at a local grocery

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Some experts claim that GMOs can solve the world 's hunger problem, however, it is not a black and white question, meaning that it is not a simple question to answer and people have different opinions on whether it is positive or negative for our country. A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. This can cause problems, that can be extremely dangerous, nevertheless, it can help plants protect themselves from certain diseases or animals.

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In the future, it may be equipped with genetically modified plants with mechanisms designed to prevent gene flow. This is important for the co-existence of GM and traditional crops, especially that medical and industrial use of genetically modified plants. Environmental indirect effects of genetically modified crops include changes in agricultural or environmental practices associated with new varieties. Whether the net effect of these changes had to be positive or negative on the environment is still controversial, calling for a more comparative analysis of new technologies and agricultural practices.

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Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) has sparked major controversy throughout the world. Genetically Modified Organisms are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. Some nations including Japan and Australia consider GMOs unsafe and harmful to the population. In the novel, Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, the theme of Science is developed. “I prepared myself for a multitude of reverses; my operations might be incessantly baffled, and at last my work be imperfect, yet when I considered the improvement which every day takes place in science and mechanics”(4.7).

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GMOs are considered to be the next agricultural “innovation” as some would say, but this is incorrect. They think that GMOs are a way to feed everyone on earth. Giving them the nutrients that they need to grow in conditions that most plants can’t live in, while not causing harm to physical and environmental health. They are wrong. GMOs do more harm than good.

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Introduction In the year 2000 6 to 7 million indigenous people were estimated to be living in Central America. When referring to Central America one identifies it as the nations of Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize and San Salvador, a map of this can also be seen on Appendix 1. The term indigenous is not specifically defined by anyone but there are similar characteristics between indigenous people, those being they are specific to a region and have specific traditions and cultures originating from very long periods of times. In this case the indigenous people of central America refers to the people who remained unaffected and unchanged after Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America.

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Genetic modification has risen to the public eye as a highly controversial issue over the past few decades. Starting with the FLAVR SAVR tomato in 1994, we can now genetically alter any organism, including ourselves. We can, and have, manipulated crops to resist insects or herbicides and animals to glow in the dark, grow faster, change their color, or even make spider silk. However, out of the limitless applications of genetic modification, three in particular stand out as relevant to our everyday lives: genetically modified foods, gene therapy, and designer babies.

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What do a tomato, soybean and a french fry have in common? They are all some of the most commonly genetically modified foods sold on the market today. By using the genetic information from one organism, and inserting or modifying it into another organism, scientists can make food crops stay fresher, grow bigger, and have the crops create their own pesticides. Nevertheless, the technology to modify genes has surpassed its practicality. Genetically modified foods need to be removed from everyday agriculture because of the threat they pose to human health, the environment, and the impact on global economy.

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Genetically modified animals involve the changing of the genetic information by adding or removing DNA sequences in an uncommon way that is not natural. Genetic modification aims to modify certain characteristics of animals and/or introduce new traits. Those traits include resistance of diseases and growth enhancement (Ormandy, Dale, & Griffin, 2011). Keyword(s): genetic modification What is Genetic Modification?

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Genetically modified crops also aim to lower the failure of crops, which can maximize the benefits of farmer through the increase of income from selling crops. Nevertheless, this technology created chances for biotech companies to exploit farmers, even causing farmers to commit suicide. Big companies developed the genetically modified seed, and sell it to farmers. But farmers have little bargaining power only, they can only rely on the biotech companies. These companies do not aim to help farmers to increase their income, but aim to maximize their own profit.

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Imagine that as you walk through the grocery store with your family, you are presented with a view into the unknown. You see that, behind the scenes, the food in your cart and your children’s bellies is being formulated and altered from its original biology. You see that the fruits, veggies and canned goods you once feasted upon, have been genetically altered and induced with chemicals that parallel to weed and insect killers. Next, you observe as cows, pigs and chickens are shot up with steroids and growth hormones to provide you with the meat patties and yogurt in your cart. This is the unfortunate reality that we are hidden from as consumers; the thoughtfully concealed world of GMOs.

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Between now and 2050, the global population is projected to rise from 7.2 billion to 9.6 billion. Almost all of that population growth will occur in the developing world, where about 870 million people are already suffering from hunger and malnutrition (Van Montagu). The question of how to nourish two billion more people in a changing climate will prove one of the greatest challenges in human history. To meet it, we should embrace an agricultural approach that combines the best features of traditional farming with the latest technology. The current popular attitude against all things genetically modified is totally unfounded, and will prove to be disastrous if used to stifle research and development of new ways to produce more crops in an environmentally sustainable way.

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GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS WHAT ARE GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS? Genetically modified crops are crops which have their genetic material manipulated by means of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the modification of the characteristics of a specific organism by having their genetic material manipulated. Genetically modified crops are engineered to introduce new traits into the species.

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3)SUSTAINABILITY: Gm foods gives us a constant and efficient ways to feed the growing population in the world. This is the main goal of the genetically modified crops. 4)RESISTANCE TO DISEASE: Most important modification done to the crops is the disease resistance ability. Scientists have genetically restructured the DNA to withstand diseases. This helps to keep the price low for the customers.

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