Benefits Of Genetically Modified Plants - 1187 Words

Genetically Modified Plants The term GMO Plants (genetically-modified organisms) is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human, or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides and improved nutritional content. The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding, but conventional plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very accurate. Genetic engineering can create plants with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy. The world population is growing every year and is predicted to double in the next 50 years (WHO). Ensuring an adequate supply for this booming human population is going to be a major challenge in the years to come. GM foods promise to meet this need in a number of ways: Pharmaceuticals, medicines and vaccines often are costly to produce and sometimes require special storage conditions not readily available in third world countries. Researchers are working to develop edible vaccines in tomatoes and potatoes. These vaccines will be much easier to ship, store and administer than traditional injectable vaccines. Nutrition, malnutrition is common in third world countries where impoverished peoples rely on a single crop such as rice for the main staple of their diet. However, rice does not contain adequate amounts of all necessaryShow MoreRelatedTo An Anthropologist, Food Is The Basis To Social, Cultural1181 Words   |  5 Pagesagricultural land we have had to switch our approach to food production. Genetically modified or engineered food has become a heated topic in the media for the past few years as there is not a clear decision on whether their benefits outweigh their concerns. Genetically modified food is a grey area to discuss as there are strong opinions surrounding which tend to be very biased. The difference between genetically modified food and genetically engineered food isn’t explained and the terms tend to be used interchangeably-Read MoreEssay on Effects of Genetically Modified Foods1452 Words   |  6 PagesGenetically Modified Foods have quietly become second nature to the U.S, it may surprise you just how many foods you are eating that have genetically modified ingredient. Experts say 60% to 70% of processed foods on U.S grocery shelves have modified ingredient. The mass demand for food around the world is pushing scientist to alter genetic material of the plants to make them stronger and able to withstand the harsh chemicals they are exposed to during the season. Growers use harsh pesticides of manyRead MoreGenetically Modified Foods : Harmful Or Helpful?1199 Words   |  5 Pagesagainst genetically modified foods because they believe that these foods are associated with many health problems. Sixty percent of people in the United States do not realize tha t they have ever eaten a genetically modified food. These foods are all around us and constantly being improved by scientists. Genetically modified foods are really good for the world’s population. First of all, genetically modified foods have been around for centuries. Gregor Mendel had the first genetically modified food whenRead MoreGenetically Modified Foods1198 Words   |  5 PagesGenetically modified foods have recently been in the new headlines for both their positive attributes and the negatives of genetic modification, this essay will look at the effects Genetically Modified foods have on the economy, environment and you. Genetically modified (GM) foods refer to crop plants which have been created for human or animal consumption, these foods have had their genetic material modified in a way that would not occur naturally within the food. Desired traits such as increasedRead MoreGenetically Modified Crops1056 Words   |  5 Pagesto embrace genetically modified crops, the citizens would have much better lives. According to Osakabe, Yuriko, Kajita, and Osakabe, in their article â€Å"Genetic Engineering Of Woody Plants: Current And Future Targets In A Stressful Environment†, genetic engineering in plants is better than traditional breeding methods because â€Å"†¦they bypass the long generation for breeding†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (106). Genetically modified crops have been given the best genes for survival, quickly making them superior plants (113). IfRead MoreGenetically Modified Organisms And The Environment1284 Words   |  6 Pagesabout genetically modified organisms and think that they are g od sent other countries are weary of them and think that they are dangerous. While many other countries label genetically modified organisms because they think that people should have a choice whether or not they want to consume them America believes that their people should not have to know therefore taking the people s choice away and making the decision for them. There have been studies that have shown that genetically modified organismsRead MoreAdvancements In Biotechnology Essay1088 Words   |  5 Pagesreport discusses the merits and demerits of extensive applications of biotechnology, specially the impacts of genetically modified/engineered crops which brought up in market 1990s. According to Wikipedia, the definition and process of genetically modified crops is summarised as â€Å"Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering, using a process of eitherRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Science And The Economy1495 Words   |  6 Pages Imagine eating at a dining establishment and being asked if the ordered main course would preferably be prepared baked, fried, or genetically engineered. Though odd, this question is coming sooner than later. Even though genetic engineering has been around for a long time, due to its increased advances, no longer is it an ignored issue. In fact, it is causing quite a controversy. Some feel, genetic engineering is a scientist s way of playing God, creating elements and bodies that were notRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms1485 Words   |  6 PagesA genet ically modified organism, or â€Å"GMO,† is defined as being, â€Å"an organism or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering.† This process is often used in plants and animals to produce desirable attributes. In the past, a plant with a desired attribute would be bred, by using selective breeding, to yield more plants with that desirable attribute. Now with the advancement of genetic engineering, this technique can be performed in a laboratory by moving orRead MoreGenetically Modified Foods : The Food Supply951 Words   |  4 PagesGenetically Modified 2 The world today is plagued by famine and a shortage of tillable land. Millions worldwide are needlessly starving or suffering from severe malnutrition. Science has come forward and offered a solution to these problems with the development of genetically modified foods that promise to give us more food with enhanced nutritional value, but at what cost?