Genetically Modified Grain Essay - 3270 Words

Genetically Modified Grain Thesis: Genetically Modified Grain has many benefits and problems which have become very controversial. While these problems need to be addressed, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. GMO grain should be grown and foods containing them should not be required to bare a label. Introduction Genetically improved crops are not a new phenomenon. Plants have been selectively crossbred for centuries to develop heartier and more productive hybrids. Now, Biotechnology offers us the ability to transfer desired traits into plants much faster and more selectively by merely transplanting the desired gene into the grain. Genetically Modified Grain (GMO grain) is now available to the public. It has the potential to†¦show more content†¦This protein is not toxic to humans; it is broken down in the digestive system. Bt corn does not completely eliminate the need for insecticides, but greatly helps. In 1997, 4.5 million acres were planted to Bt. hybrids (Beeler, 1998). Today, 30 to 40% of corn and 50% of soybeans are GMO crops (Hein, 1999). This is quite a substantial percentage of our crops considering that many consider the existence of GMO crops to still be controversial. More than thirty genetically engineered plants are permitted for sale by law world wide (Hein, 1999). Knutson, Texas AM professor, estimates that we will not be able to feed the global population in the next 50 years unless we continue to increase crop production. In fact, we must triple farm output over the next 50 years to meet growing demands for food (American...1999). Biotechnology offers farmers capability to significantly increase yields without sacrificing huge tracts of forests and wetlands to low-yield crops and pasture. We can not significantly increase yields without the helping hand of technology. Without the use of pesticides we could not have met global food demands for the past 50 years. Before pesticide introduction rice yields were down by 57% and corn was down 32% (Knutson, 1999). Insect-protected corn allows American farmers to increase their yields between 5 and 20% (Gallivan, 1999). With GMO seeds, anyone who can plant a seedShow MoreRelatedGenetically Modified Organisms : An Organism1471 Words   |  6 PagesIn today’s world, genetically modifying organisms is a very common practice in the world of science. Scientists are genetically modifying a variety of different organisms, including a number of different plants, foods, medicines, and animals. To genetically modify an organism, the genetic structure of the organism has to be changed (Goldbas, 2014). The main purpose of genetically modifying an organism is to change something genetically about the function of a particular part of the organism. ThisRead MoreGood Or Bad? ( Parent Vs O Leary Debate1639 Words   |  7 PagesGMFs: Good Or Bad? (Parent vs O’Leary Debate) Genetically modified foods, known as GMFs, are an extremely controversial subject. By definition, GMO’s are, â€Å"organisms whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there.† Scientists genetically engineer these foods to, for example, contain an additional vitamin or weather withstanding qualities. Relatively recently, Kevin O’Leary, who was in favor of GMFs, and RachelRead MoreThe Controversial Issue Of Public Health Issue725 Words   |  3 PagesPraphul Joshi 10/23/2013 Controversial Public Health Issue There are several controversial issues confronting us today; from Universal Healthcare (Obama Care) to Stem Cell research, to vaccinations, to genetically engineered (GE)/genetically modified (GM) foods. However, I shall look at genetically modified foods as the controversial issue for this article. I shall look at an article from the mass media about this controversial public health issue and place emphasis on the message the document wants toRead MoreAshley Ligonde. Writing In Health Diseases. Professor Eicher.850 Words   |  4 PagesAshley Ligonde Writing in Health Diseases Professor Eicher Food Essay I believe that the government should remove GMO’s and all genetically modified products off the market. A genetically modified organism, or GMO, is an organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering. Even though they are beneficial, they cause a lot of bad side effects. Some of the effects are harmful to environment and to human beings. The effects of GMOs can affect us long term if weRead MoreEssay about Biotechnology Seed Agreeance 831 Words   |  4 Pagesdifferent types of the seeds, they are all have special names to classify what they do. The crops are now able to produce more grain when they grow which create better yields. Weather effects on the crops will be decreased because they can now grow stronger and better to withstand harsh weather conditions . Bacteria and fungi can break down a crop and make it useless not growing any grain, making the crop sick, or dead. With improved seed methods they can make the crops where they can withstand these bacteriaRead MoreEnvironmental And Consumer Organizations Protest Against Genetic Engineering1495 Words   |  6 Pages1990s, when genetically modified organisms became available, its consumption has been increasing rapidly (Nelson, 2001). The most common genetically modified crops include corn, sugar, cotton, dairy, rice, potatoes and tomatoes. There are opponents and supporters of GMO alike. Environmental and consumer organizations protest against genetic engineering claiming that the GMO foods bring risks to human health. On the supporting side, it is believed that the use of genetically modified crops providesRead MoreThe Food And Drug Administration898 Words   |  4 Pagessuch as fruits, vegetables, grains, and their byproducts, derived from plant varieties developed by the new methods of genetic modification are regulated within the existing framework of the act† (FDA). In other words, instead of creating new regulations that are specific to these completely unique food products, they are put within the umbrella of other â€Å"natural† products. As time passes it appears to be harder to establish strict regulations to manage genetically modified food. According to the CenterRead MoreGenetically And Genetically Modified Foods822 Words   |  4 PagesGenetically Modified Foods What is it that we are eating? GMO’s are unnatural. Is it healthy to eat something that doesn’t belong in our digestive system? GMO’s are genetically modified food. Genetically modified foods are created by taking genes from plants and animals and inserting into our food to alter the genetic engineering. In 1984, GMO’s were first introduced when a plant was modified from antibiotic resistant tobacco. In 1994, genetically modifying food was approved by the FDA and theRead MoreWe The People Of The People’S Republic Of China Established820 Words   |  4 Pagesdiet, we have found genetically modified organisms, or GMOs to be of value. A genetically modified organism (GMO, also known as a genetically engineered organism) is defined as â€Å"any living organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques (i.e., a genetically engineered organism),† as stated by Cartagena protocol on Biosafety. Our nation is the main consumer of genetically modified grains. As a whole, our country uses up â…“ of the world’s grains. Our government isRead MoreGenetically Modified Organism For Commercial Sale1372 Words   |  6 PagesFood and Drug Administration approved the first genetically modified organism for commercial sale, which was the Flavr Savr delayed ripening tomato (DNAP CONSULTS WITH FDA†¦ N.P) DNAP sold however to Monsanto the maker’s roundup and they have the bad reputation as one of the manufacturers Agent Orange and DDT in the past, Fernandez and the team summarize research from the scientific consensus of genetically modified organism in the article Ge netically engineered crops in the United States publish