Gmo's
Robles 1
Harley Robles
English 1A TTh/8:00
Ms. Stamper
21 March 2013
Mini RP 1.3 We’re Not Your Lab Rats Up until the 1980s’ people had to resort traditional methods of farming to improve their harvest, such as: breeding, using pesticides, and changing irrigation and/ or planting techniques. However since the 1980s’ scientist have been breaking biological boundaries with a technology called genetic modification. Genetic modification creates genetically modified organisms (GMO). According to Dr. Arne Holst-Jensen, “GMO is a living organism whose genetic composition has been altered by means of gene technology”. That means a piece of DNA and/or synthetic combination of smaller pieces of DNA are placed into the genome of organism being modified. GMOs have been used for pest control and disease resistance, to increase yield of crops, and to add extra nutritional value to food. Some are even manufactured to create their own antibiotics. Indeed genetic modification is a pyridine shift; however, GM (genetically modified) products should go back to the lab and stay there until the results show us that they are completely safe and helpful. GMOs are thought to be helping farmers; however, GMOs are creating their own worst enemy. Farmers are always looking for ways to rid pests and weeds from
Robles 2
destroying their crops; when GMOs came on the market what better way to conquer those invaders while saving money by not spending on herbicides and pesticides.
According to “Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Food Security or Threat to Food Safety” by S.J. Khan et al., the 2003 insect epidemic in North Carolina and Georgia were linked to the bioengineered plants. Bioengineers can try to create an organism that will help/improve an aspect of life except sometimes they fail to analyze all effects of the DNA being put into the organism. Not until after the negative effects occur do the scientists/companies retest their “Frankenstein” plants,
Harley Robles
English 1A TTh/8:00
Ms. Stamper
21 March 2013
Mini RP 1.3 We’re Not Your Lab Rats Up until the 1980s’ people had to resort traditional methods of farming to improve their harvest, such as: breeding, using pesticides, and changing irrigation and/ or planting techniques. However since the 1980s’ scientist have been breaking biological boundaries with a technology called genetic modification. Genetic modification creates genetically modified organisms (GMO). According to Dr. Arne Holst-Jensen, “GMO is a living organism whose genetic composition has been altered by means of gene technology”. That means a piece of DNA and/or synthetic combination of smaller pieces of DNA are placed into the genome of organism being modified. GMOs have been used for pest control and disease resistance, to increase yield of crops, and to add extra nutritional value to food. Some are even manufactured to create their own antibiotics. Indeed genetic modification is a pyridine shift; however, GM (genetically modified) products should go back to the lab and stay there until the results show us that they are completely safe and helpful. GMOs are thought to be helping farmers; however, GMOs are creating their own worst enemy. Farmers are always looking for ways to rid pests and weeds from
Robles 2
destroying their crops; when GMOs came on the market what better way to conquer those invaders while saving money by not spending on herbicides and pesticides.
According to “Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Food Security or Threat to Food Safety” by S.J. Khan et al., the 2003 insect epidemic in North Carolina and Georgia were linked to the bioengineered plants. Bioengineers can try to create an organism that will help/improve an aspect of life except sometimes they fail to analyze all effects of the DNA being put into the organism. Not until after the negative effects occur do the scientists/companies retest their “Frankenstein” plants,
Cited: Cummins, Ronnie. "Genetically Engineered Foods Are Hazardous." Genetically Engineered Foods. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods and Crops: Why We Need A Global Moratorium." Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. Emerson, Jessica. "Genetically Engineered Foods Should Be Labeled." Genetically Engineered Foods. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "GMO-Crop Crisis a Rapidly Growing Concern." Santa Fe New Mexican 21 Oct. 2008. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. Hirschler, Ben and Kate Kelland "Study finds tumors in rats fed on Monsanto 's GM corn." Reuters Health Medical News 20 Sept. 2012. Science In Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. Pollack, Andrew. "Foes of Modified Corn Find Support in a Study." New York Times 20 Sept. 2012: B5(L). Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. S.J. Khan, et al. “Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Food Security or Threat to Food Safety.” Pakistan Journal of Science 64.2 (2012): 6-12. Academic Search Premier. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. Smith, Jeffrey M. "Genetically Modified Foods May Cause Allergic Responses." Food Safety. Ed. Judeen Bartos. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. At Issue. Rpt. from "Genetically Engineered Foods May Cause Rising Food Allergies." Institute for Robles 7 Responsible Technology, 2007. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. Union of Concerned Scientists. "The Safeness of Genetically Modified Foods Is Unproven." Genetic Engineering. Ed. Louise I. Gerdes. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Risks of Genetic Engineering." 2007. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2013.