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Genetically Modified Food

            Genetically modified food has been a major topic on the minds of many individuals as of late. Basic questions arise such as what exactly are genetically modified foods, what are the health risks, how does it affect the economy, and what are the benefits? .
             The term genetically modified food (or GM foods) is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants are created to enhance nutritional value or increase the resistance to herbicides. The old method of enhancing plants was done through breeding them over and over again. This was deemed too time consuming and not accurate enough in the minds of some. Now, scientists can isolate a gene responsible for a certain characteristics of one plant and put it into another. Genes from non-plant cells can also be transplanted into the plants. The best known example of this is the use of BT genes in corn and other crops. BT is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. BT. crystal protein genes have been transferred into corn, enabling the corn to produce its own pesticides against insects. .
             There are some major advantages of using biotechnology in plant production. The earth's population continues to get larger and an abundant food supply will be needed. Gm foods claim to do this in a number of different ways. Gm crops can be engineered to have a higher tolerance to herbicides. When crops are grown farmers usually have to spray weed killers and other herbicides to let the crop grow healthily. If the crops are engineered to be resistant to one extremely powerful herbicide then many herbicides would not be needed. This could prove helpful to the environment. Another advantage of GM food could be pest resistance. Farmers can lose an unbelievable amount of money if their crops are destroyed by pests. Many farmers have to use a large amount of pesticide.


Essays Related to Genetically Modified Food

1. The Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods

Initially consumers reacted positively to the idea of genetically modified foods. ... Allergic responses are very prevalent with genetically modified foods. ... Additional misconceptions associated with genetically modified foods include the idea that genetically modified foods have been heavily tested and haven't been proven to cause any harm. ... ("Genetically Modified Foods: Get the Facts ") The controversy behind the production of genetically modified foods is primarily composed of environmental, health, and ethical issues. ... In lieu of banning all genetically modified foods, the l...

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2. The Safety of Genetically Modified Foods

First off, what is genetically modified food? ... The source of all genetically modified food is genetically modified organisms. ... Transgenic food, genetically engineered food, and genetically modified food all refer to foods derived from genetically modified organisms. A genetically modified food is a food product which is or is made from a genetically altered organism. The most common sources of genetically modified foods are genetically modified soybeans, corn, and canola (Food Inc.). ...

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3. The Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified organism food can be helpful to get their food supply, at a cheap price. ... The farmers in different continents such as Africa, South and Central America, Asia, use genetically modified soy beans and genetically modified cotton. ... Genetically modified organisms will increase food production, which is the most successful way to get foods to around the world. ... Additionally, they are creating some plants to be resistant to dangers, such as, weeds, pest, and other diseases, (GMO: The benefit of genetically modified food'). ... Genetically modified food is very help...

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4. Health and Genetically Modified Foods

Every day we unknowingly consume genetically modified foods: they are simply unavoidable. ... Genetically modified foods have been a part of agriculture for many years. ... In some cases the purchaser will not buy risky food because the farmer will react to the genetically modified food. ... No matter what genetically modified foods will always roam the earth. ... Having no food allergies also is a positive characteristic for me when it comes to genetically modified food. ...

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5. The Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods

Recently, there has been a serious amount of tampering in our food source called GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms). ... So what exactly are Genetically Modified Organisms? ... Furthermore, genetically modified plants may become resistant to the DNA changes that have been made in them. ... Monsanto is a company that focuses mainly on genetically modified organisms to replace nature. ... In conclusion, Genetically Modified Organism are a huge danger to the environment. ...

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6. The Increase of Genetically Modified Foods (GMO)

Much to her surprise there were no labels on her food regarding whether they were genetically modified or not. ... In the process of trying to understand the effects of genetically modified foods, people should be made aware and informed of what type of ingredients are in their food in order to make informed decisions about their daily diet. ... Body Card #3 With the increased use of genetically modified foods by the producers, more and more of our everyday food has become genetically modified either through one ingredient or multiple ingredients. Today about three-fourths of our food on gr...

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7. Genetically Modified Crops

Genetically modified food on agricultural biotechnology has generated considerate interest and controversy in the United States. ... Genetically modified food crops grown by U.S. farmers include corn, cotton, soybeans, canola, squads, and papaya. ... Genetically modified foods are potentially better for the environment. ... Food regulatory authorities require that genetically modified foods receive individual pre-market safety assessments. ... The Americans have largely accepted genetic modified foods; with nearly 70% of them saying that they would buy genetic modified foods even if they wer...

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8. Understanding Genetically Modified Foods

However, many people are questioning whether these genetically modified crops are actually good for us. ... Genetically modified foods should continue to be produced worldwide because they provide pharmaceutical benefits, increase both food production and healthier crops, and benefit the environment by using herbicide tolerant varieties that require minimal tiling. ... These are examples of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). ... With the framing of both sides to the argument on genetically modified foods, it is easier to understand why many believe it should be required by federal law to...

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9. Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)

The issue of genetically modified food, often referred to as GMOs, is one of the most important arguments we can have as a society. A huge part of the argument stems from genetically modified foods. Some people regard genetically modified wheat and corn for its drought resistance and the possibility to feed millions of people in parts of the world that desperately need food. ... The benefits vs. risks that genetically modified organisms pose from a scientific standpoint in regard to the environment and human health is still inconclusive. ... The question of big corporations and the influence t...

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  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

10. Changing the World with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

These genetically modified organisms (or GMOs) could generate higher yields, leading to an increased supply of food and products created from these plants. ... However, the benefits of genetically modified crops are enormous. ... While genetically modified organisms produce a higher quantity of food, they also produce food with higher nutritional value. ... There was found to be no lethal effects from consuming the genetically modified organisms. ... The use of genetically modified organisms has grown quickly as well. ...

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