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Genetically Modified Organisms ( Gmos )

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Depolarizing the GMO Debate Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have served as a topic of great debate in recent years. Before the existence of genetic engineering, humans have used the process of artificial selection to only breed certain organisms with desirable traits or genetic qualities. While this practice has been proven to be effective, selective breeding can only manipulate the naturally occurring variations within different breeds. Genetic engineering allows scientists to break this limitation by introducing genes into an organism from a completely unrelated species. This practice is commonly carried out on consumer goods such as crops, livestock, and bacteria. These GMOs can offer a variety of advantageous products, including …show more content…

It wasn’t until the year 1971 that scientists developed the first concepts of genetic engineering. Building off of breakthrough discoveries in the field of genetics and DNA, American scientists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen used the newly discovered science of recombinant DNA to successfully combine DNA from different species and insert the hybrid DNA into a host cell (Liban). This groundbreaking discovery set the foundation for genetic engineering and eventually paved the way for the biotechnology industry (Liban). Today, this now multibillion dollar industry fuels a massive portion of the world’s production needs in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and industrial goods (Liban). With such a large amount of consumer goods being manufactured from GMOs, certain groups and citizens have voiced their concern over the environmental hazards, economic issues, and health risks that could be associated with the new technology. Alternatively, supporters of genetic engineering dismiss the significance of these threats and rather look toward the benefits offered by GMOs. In either case, both groups One of the most prominent issues facing the world today is the challenge of producing an adequate food supply for the planet’s over 7 billion residents (Liban). Genetically engineered crops present a solution to this issue through a number of alleged benefits. In an analytical report published in GM Crops, lead author Graham Brookes describes how

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