Running Head:The advantages of GMOs 1 An Assessment Of The Benefits To Be Brought On By Introducing Genetically Modified Organisms Into Modern Society Jonathan W.E. Abbott Sydenham High School The advantages of GMOs 2 Introduction With any new discovery, there are always risks involved, some being serious and some being trivial. Issues such as starvation and diseases brought on by lack of food or malnutrition in developing societies are much too serious for people to neglect or shy away from a relatively …show more content…
Although this practice is relatively new to humanity, the idea itself has been around for 10,000 years when humans began to domesticate crops while utilizing selective breeding. The advantages of GMOs 3 Many people across the globe believe that genetically modified organisms are dangerous and should be more heavily regulated, but genetically modified crops are among the most rigorously tested and regulated food products on the market (Bayer CropScience website, 2015) [1]. Why is such testing mandatory? This is because of the way allergic reactions can be triggered by certain proteins. When genetically altering an organism, new proteins are introduced into said organism. These proteins can be responsible for allergic outbreaks if an intolerant person consumes it. (American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, 2015) [2]. To prove that GMOs are in fact safe for human consumption, scientists cross reference the chemical composition of the newly introduced proteins against over 500 known allergens (such as the protein in peanuts), to ensure that the new protein is not similar enough to any known allergen to cause an over reaction from the human immune-system. (Saleh Al-Muhsen, Ann E Clarke, Rhoda S Kagan, 2003) [3]. These strict guidelines are enforced by the Food and Drug
Here is some history of GMO: In 1980 the first GMO patent was issued by the U.S. Patent Office. This in where the battle of GMO started. Many years later in 1994 the first GMO begins sale in grocery stores. In 1999 the amount of GMO crops has skyrocketed with over 100 million acres worldwide planted with GMO seeds.
Supported by Goodman, Entine also indicates that the risks from GMOs are infinitely small. The scale of harm, which is not empirically linked to any approved GM food, is tiny in proportion to the scale of other food-related harms, yet Shetterly and other
To understand the modern concept over field of the Genetic Engineering, one must note that, Genetic Engineering has been around since the early stages of human society. Most prominently is the domestication of plants and animals.
Genetically modified crops are an incredibly important issue that everyone should be aware of since it is something we are exposed to at a daily basis. Genetically modified crops also known as GM crops or Biotech crops has been one of the most heated debates of issues within our society. The debate about the safety, concerns and disadvantages of GM crops have raged since the mid 1990 's but this is due to the lack of knowledge of the general public. Many people are unaware of what the GM crops actually are and what they offer. Genetically modified crops are plants that are used in the agriculture and have been modified to initiate a new trait to plants that does not happen naturally in the species. These plants are modified using genetic engineering techniques to enhance desired traits. GM crops are made when genes of commercial interest are transferred from one organism to another.() There are many methods used for the production of GM crops but the two primary used for plant insertion are gene guns and agrobacterium tumefaciens. There are also three types of modifications which are transgenic, cisgenic, and subgenic plants. However, there are a number of issues that surround this controversial topic such as environmental, health, and economic concerns. Even though there are some worrying facts about GM crops people don 't realize the advantages or the ways it has helped humans as well as animals. There are many reasons why GM crops are proven
Many health concerns accompany the production of GM foods. Genetic engineering can transfer allergens from foods people are allergic to, to foods they believe to be safe (). A case study by the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates that when a Brazilian nut was engineered into soybeans people who were allergic to nuts had severe allergy reactions to the product (). If GMO labeling and regulations are not taken seriously people with food allergies have no way of eluding possibly harmful health consequences caused by consumption of GM foods containing concealed allergenic material ().
Genetically modified crops have been developed and harvested since 1996 on a wide scale in the world. Genetically modified crops are generally defined as the biotechnologically designed genes that are chosen and transferred from one organism to another, often unrelated, organism with the purpose to achieve certain results in harvest. According to Carton, Mochini, and Sheldon (2011), “[These] crops can survive under harsh conditions, costs are lowered, and yields are improved” (p. xxi). These crops are now widely grown worldwide. Naturally, corn is rooted in a 6000 year old history of South America (Wilkes,
Genetically modified foods adversely affect our health. The consumption of these foods increases the risk of contracting diseases such as cancer. The genetically altered foods contain harmful toxins that have adverse effects on people’s health (Tourte, 2003). Some of the notable effects that have been identified include; increased allergic reactions, antibiotic resistant bacteria as well as other toxic hazards. The allergic reactions come as a result of genetic modification which often requires mixing or addition of proteins that are non-indigenous to the animal or plant.
Nutrition is a vital part of everyone’s life. What people chose to put into their body dictates whether their nutrition benefits or jeopardizes their health. Many people worry about overly indulging in carbs or sodium, but the greater threat in our grocery stores. Sadly, many of the fruits, vegetables and meats people eat are genetically modified. There have been many studies conducted involving the effects of Genetically Modified Organisms (or GMOs), some include “creation of new allergens, increase in toxicity, and a decrease in nutritional value” (Paarlberg,Philip). The consumption of GMO products can cause harm to those with food allergies, some may not have an allergic reaction to the organic form of a certain food, but after the genetic modification the foods have new possible life threatening components to them. As for plants, when genetically modified they have a metabolic response to the stress of having its DNA morphed and the result is an increase in the plant toxicity. This means genetically modified plants have the potential to poison those that consume it. Genetic modification also causes fruits and vegetables that were once nutritious to become as healthy as foods rich in carbohydrates. Genetically Modified Organisms have progressed too far in the U.S. to stop, but if the Food and Drug Association provide accurate and informative labeling for consumers the results would bridge the gap of misinformation.
It may indeed be true to say that in modern society there is a dispute about genetic modification of animals and its use. There are different opinions about this topic, and one is that these animals should be a part of our life because of some benefits for the human. Some people state that genetically modified animals cause more harmful consequences than benefits. The following research will provide the information about genetically modified animals, its advantages, and disadvantages. It will also give an idea for the reader about the application of genetically modified animals.
Now, you make ask what is a GMO? A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified using gene modification, and I believe Genetically Modified Organisms are beneficial to our society.
Imagine a time where you’ll be able to choose what colour hair, what colour eyes, how intelligent or even how tall your child will be. Scientific advances in gene editing techniques have paved a way for genetically engineered humans. In 2015, the UK became the first country to approve laws that will allow the creation of three-parent babies. The rapid progress in germ-line engineering has caused controversy between scientists and the public and thus journalists first coined the notion ‘designer baby’. Whilst, there are benefits that this brings, is this ethically acceptable?
It is a proven fact that we humans have been tinkering with our food's DNA since the dawn of agriculture. By selectively breeding plants and animals with the most desirable traits, our ancestors transformed organisms, turning something not so desirable into something more valuable. For the
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is organism that has been altered to become more congenial to their surroundings. The engineering of these organisms is a process in which genes of the original organism are manipulated and inoculated with other genes, which leads to the production of traits that is naturally foreign to the organism. However, There is an immense deal of controversy involving GMOs, because of the belief of their unnaturalness and possible abnormalities, such as it capable noxious toxins and allergens. Studies though, show that genetically modified organisms increase crop yields and are beneficial to the environment in terms of increasing production and reducing harmful pesticides.
Creating Genetically modified food is a fairly new practice that started in the 1990s. The newness raises concern over long term health risks that they may cause. Critics believe that the foods contribute to the growth of food allergies among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Food allergies in children under 18 years of age have increased; from 3.4 percent between 1997 and 1999 to 5.1 percent between 2009 and 2011.” although the percentage increase is not proven to be related to GMOs, it is known that cross-breeding plants can cause allergic reactions and create new allergens.
A Genetically Modified Organism or GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the process of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found within. These genetically modified organisms are a relatively new phenomenon in the United States, introduced in 1994. However, beginning in 2014 these chemicals could be found in 90% of corn, cotton, and soybeans produced in the United States. The looks and taste of genetically modified organisms may seem inviting but are the health risks really worth it? In my opinion, I believe that while genetically modified organisms do have positive feel and comfort they pose a large health risk to all who choose to consume them.