Genetically Modified Food

Genetically Modified Food

Introduction

Biotechnology is based on biology, the harness cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products, which help improve the health of our planet, including a long-lasting life. Biology is the study of living organisms, including their structure, functioning, evolution, distribution, and interrelationships (Dictionary, 2014). Genetically Modified Organisms, also known as (GMO) is classified as a genetic modification used to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using current molecular biology techniques (D.Whitman, 2010). The plants are modified and cleansed in the laboratory to enhance their traits in order to increase their resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content. Genetically Modified Organisms are selected by farmers to reduce yield loss or crop damage from weeds, diseases, and insects, including weather conditions, such as drought. The genetically modified organisms reduce the impact of agriculture on their environment and their costs by applying pesticides in more targeted ways. Farmers also use genetically modified organisms to save other crops from being threatened by diseases.

Technology is doing everything they can to produce things so that they are more efficient and interesting. Science implemented genetically modified food so that we may experience the same issues as farmers. Altering food organisms at the genetic level, crops are able to grow taller, hardier, and much easier than before (What is Genetically Modified Food, 2014). Plants can be genetically engineered to create specific seeds, which will produce specific types of plants with specific features, through a cisgenesis or transgensis process.

A Brief Description of the Technology and an Explanation of the Associated Science

THE BASICS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS

Genetically modified foods are derived from organisms with DNA; which have been modified that does not occur naturally (WHO, 2014). Genetic engineering has the capability of creating plants with the exact desired traits rapidly with sufficient accuracy. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacterium occurring which produces crystal proteins that have been transitioned into corn in order to produce insect pesticide. There is a widespread resistance to the marketing and development of genetically modified crops as well as other organisms, due to the pest resistance.

Genetically Modified Foods consist of corn, soy, yellow crookneck squash and zucchini, alfalfa, canola, sugar beets, and milk. Nearly 85% of corn that is grown in the United States is genetically modified, including Whole Food’s brand of corn flakes (C. Young, 2013). Soy is the greatest genetically modified food in the United States. Protein genes that protect against viruses are found in genetically modified yellow squash and zucchini. Alfalfa was approved in 2011 and contains a gene that makes it resistant to herbicide Roundup, which allows farmers to spray chemicals without damaging the alfalfa (C. Young, 2013).

As of 2006, approximately 90% of United States canola crops are genetically modified and was approved in 1996. Sugar Beets were approved in 2005, banned in 2010, and officially deregulated in 2012, which makes them very controversial. Sugar beets make up approximately 95% of the country’s sugar beet market and half of the United States sugar production (C. Young, 2013). Oftentimes cows are given Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH), which increases the quantity of milk produced. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) is banned in the European Union, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Currently, genetically modified applies are under review by the USDA since 2010, when Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc. developed a variety of apples that don’t turn brown for an entire week after slicing. The enzyme that causes the browning of Granny Smith and Golden apples is called polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Researchers show stripping fruits of polyphenol oxidase can impact a plants susceptibility to diseases; however, creators want people to continue eating apples while activating the gene slows the natural browning process.

There are many advantages of Genetically Modified Foods, considering the world population has topped 6 billion people, predictions are to have an even greater increase throughout the next 50 years. The biggest challenge is ensuring there will be an adequate food supply for the increase in population. Genetically Modified Foods has promised to meet this expectation utilizing the following: pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, cold tolerance, drought/salinity tolerance, nutrition, pharmaceuticals and phytoremediation (Whitman, 2010).

Many farmers suffer a tremendous financial loss from crops due to insect pests. Many farmers utilize chemical pesticides to protect their crops from insects however, due to potential health hazards consumers are cautious about what they eat. Also, the run-off of agricultural wastes due to excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers often poison the water supply, which can cause great harm to the environment. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn, a form of growing genetically modified food aides in eliminating the application of chemical pesticides as well as making the crop to market more cost effective for consumers.

Farmers spray large quantities of various herbicides to get rid of the weeds because manual labor is time consuming and it isn’t the most cost effective method to remove weeds. The fungi and bacteria found in plants cause viruses and diseases which causes farmers to utilize more precaution. Plants are very sensitive to cold weather, which is why many wrap their plants during the cold for protection. As time progresses and population increases land for food production will be utilized for housing and farmers will need to seek alternative locations to grow their crops. Many third world countries suffer from malnutrition and their citizens rely on crops such as rice for their main diet. Third world countries also do not have the recommended storage to produce medicines and vaccines and can also be very costly. Researchers are working to implement edible vaccines in tomatoes and potatoes (Whitman, 2010). Throughout the world, there is a continuous issue with soil and groundwater pollution; therefore not all genetically modified plants are grown as crops. Many trees have been genetically engineered to clean heavy metal pollution from contaminated soil (Whitman, 2010).

While there are many advantages to genetically modified foods, there are also some disadvantages that cause people to be more concerned about what they eat. For starters, there are health