Essay Genetically Modified Organisms

Submitted By atkaplan
Words: 3167
Pages: 13
Open Document
Genetically Modified Foods
Wendi Fletcher
Kaplan University
HS305 Research Methods for Health Science
Joseph Moore
April 1, 2014

Genetically Modified Foods
Research Problem/Introduction
Bioengineering, a technology that allows for the transfer of genes between species are currently dominate industrial agriculture in the United States. The first genetically engineered crop was tobacco. In 1986, the modified plant was resistant to direct application of herbicides, the following year engineered to resist insects. The process of isolating bacteria and protein crystals toxic to insects then consumed binding to insect gut, breaking down gut wall and flooding the insect with toxins and bacteria, and the insect dies. This provided the way to field trials for all of our plants and food products for the modification for specific traits (Swanson, 2013). Patented by chemical companies, synthetic biology of corn, soybean, canola, cotton and sugar beets are the most common of the genetically modified crops to produce a desired trait. As of August, 2012, transgenic plant totals approved by the FDA is 144 and 75% of those are genetically engineered with glyphosate-resistant enzymes, Bt toxin or stacked with both (FDA, 2013). Currently plants, microorganisms and animals are integrated, manipulated through extraction or integration with foreign DNA coding of one or more new genes and have become prominent in human and animal nutrition (FlachowskyY, Chesson & Aulrich, 2005). Issues and concerns surrounding evidence about the safety of first generation genetically modified organisms and as we evolve into second generation biotechnology where we a likely to see more radical changes of what was previously possible in mainstream synthetic biology (Hoffman, 2014). The question remains, have these synthetic materials been backed by enough research to be deemed safe for human consumption in all of its varieties for the introduction to a new paradigm of pharmaceutical and animal genetic modification and can our environment sustain these materials?
Many questions surrounding our Eco system as a protectable “good” has been a topic of debate for many environmentalists aimed at preventing damage to the eco system. According to the EPA, glyphosate, a widely used pesticide and a known enzyme added to genetically modified plants, has acute health effects such as lungs, kidney and reproductive effects. Used in our environment as a spray for controlling woody weeds, right of way cropped and non-cropped sites, the sites may have water or wetlands. Release during manufacture, formation, transport, storage, disposal, cleanup or spills. The EPA reports that traces in soil can be found up to 60 days later (EPA, 2014). Pesticide evidence detected in our natural eco-system has been an ongoing concern, resulting in residues on food, ground and surface water contamination, damage to non-targeted species, increasing the chemical resistance to insects. Additionally, human safety issues when working with these chemicals with multiple concerns both direct and indirect to the environment (Marlow, et al 2009). According to the USDA, from 1991 through 2010 on the use of GMO crops, the pesticide use increased 6,504 % (Swanson, 2013). While our plants have been modified to withstand the pesticide, runoff as well as human consumption has multiple catastrophic side effects that should be acknowledged. Further can these organisms co-existence in the environment without threatening an endangering the natural strains through the natural course dominance of strains. Observations have been made along railways in Switzerland in light of the organic farming and the boycotting of GM products in this country in which seeds inadvertently burst from transport and crops have contaminated and provide early evidence of uncontrolled spread (Schoenenberger & D’Andrea, 2012). Legal action has taken place in several instances in which farmers have been sued, the
Show More

Related Documents: Essay Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms Effect

Abstract In this paper will introduce the world of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) also known as “transgenic”. Unlike other countries, (Japan, Australia, England, etc.) The United States isn’t required for companies to label products containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). This passage will discuss the impact it has brought on farming and on the community. Many believe that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) cause harm and should not be something that Scientist should be tempering…

Words 1339 - Pages 6

The Purpose Of Genetically Modified Organisms

purpose of genetically modified crops has many advantages to include “reduced costs for food, enhanced nutrient composition and resistance to pests and disease” (T. Phillips, 2008). The purpose of genetic engineered animals has multiples reasons. Salmon for example takes one to two years to mature to adult size; engineered salmon grows market size sooner. Chickens have been engineered to combat the spread of the Avian Flu to other birds. According to the Food and Drug Association Genetically Modified…

Words 736 - Pages 3

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) For a very long time humans have tried to modify the agricultural and live stock production by selecting certain characteristics or properties of plants and animals with the objective of improving their production. But before all this men used conventional breeding methods such as selection and crossbreeding in order to improve performance, product quality and adaptability to natural conditions. “Today there are breeding programs which have come a long way…

Words 845 - Pages 4

Essay on Genetically modified organism

BISI 001 April 17, 2014 Genetically modified organism (GMO) What is Genetically Modified Organism? Genetically modified Organism is plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from the bacteria, viruses, or like from other animals and plants. A Genetically Modified Organism is created when a DNA from one organism is combined with another organism’s DNA to make into one molecule. Currently, many types of GMO crops like sugar beet, maize, rice, cotton and etc. have been…

Words 695 - Pages 3

Genetically Modified Organism Essay

GMOs: The Good, Bad, And Ugly Genetically modified (GM) foods are rising as a new contender to the good ol’ natural crops we have known and loved for all of human history. No longer are we satisfied with having a sufficient amount of food, we want a surplus, and how do we plan on getting that? Genetic modification! All of these procedures attempt to create superior crops which can withstand all pests, weeds, pesticides and can end world hunger. Scientists construct these “super-foods” by taking…

Words 846 - Pages 4

Genetically Modified Organisms Essay

Genetically Modified Organisms: Impacts on Health, the Environment, and Economics Kevin Perry Southern New Hampshire University Abstract This paper discusses the impacts of GMOs on human health, the environment, and the economy. It talks about potential effects on humans including increased allergies, cancer risks, and new diseases. The impacts of GMOs on the environment include ecosystem disruption, “superweeds” and “superbugs”, and effects on nearby species. Impacts on the economy…

Words 3087 - Pages 13

Dna and genetically Modified Organism Essay

to the use of genetically modified organisms, and do the benefits outweigh the possible risks? Initiate and Plan: My genetically modified organism is cows. Scientists are trying to genetically modify them to produce non-allergic milk for babies so that mothers who don’t want to breast feed don’t have too. Perform and Record: What type of genetic modification have scientists made to the organism? Does this modification…

Words 475 - Pages 2

Pros And Cons Of Genetically Modified Organisms

1. What are GMO’s? A genetically modified organism 2. How and Why are they made? Genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes. When genes are inserted, they usually come from a different species, which is a form of horizontal gene transfer. To do this artificially may require attaching the genes to a virus or just physically inserting the extra DNA into the nucleus of the intended host with a very small syringe, or with very small particles fired from a gene gun.…

Words 297 - Pages 2

Gmo's Effectiveness Of Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) Transgenic plants are those who have been genetically engineered in a lab. It may be to express a gene that is not native to the plant or to modify endogenous genes. Some improvements are to make the plant resistant to stressing things like drought, extreme temperature or salinity, and insects or pathogens. These little things will change a plant’s growth and survival tremendously. GMO’s can also improve the nutritional value of the plant. GMO crops are now…

Words 576 - Pages 3

Essay Genetically Modified Organism and Monsanto

Case Study Analysis: Monsanto Attempts to Balance Stakeholder Interests Monsanto is the largest agricultural company that specializes in both conventional and genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds and other products. Overall Monsanto has tried to maintain a good ethical culture to their different stakeholders. Because even with all the issues the organization faced, the company has taken the blame and fixed it the best way possible. For example, when word got out about Monsanto dumping toxic…

Words 798 - Pages 4