... 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 the same concerns arise with this issue as well. An example is farmed raised salmon. A report from a panel of authorities stated that if farm-raised salmon that have had their genes altered to speed growth were released into the wild, they could compete more successfully for ...

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• Grade Level: High School

... desired trait. Once introduced, the selected genes acts like any other gene- it provides instructions for making a protein. The protein then determines a characteristic in the genetically modified plant or animal. In short, the process has been speeded up and refined. Farmers no longer need to wait patiently for breeding to yield improved crops and animals, nor must they even respect ... natural lines of reproduction among species. Laboratory scientist can now copy genes from any organism-plant, animal, or microbe. Their work is changing not only the way farmers plant, fertilize, and har...

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... when a plant modified to be resistant to a herbicide or pesticide spreads and cross-breeds, creating plants that are also resistant when they shouldn't be. For instance, modified plants planted at a farm can spread and grow in an unwanted area, taking over (since they are resistant and therefore better adapted) and possibly killing the original plants in that area. This could lead ... unaware and put into danger. A perfect example is when "Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. developed a genetically engineered soybean using a gene from a Brazil nut to increase the protein content of its a...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... reasons as well. However, genetic engineering is imprecise and unpredictable. By inserting genes from organisms that have never been eaten as food, new proteins are introduced into the human and animal food chains. There is concern that these could cause serious environmental problems, or worse it can cause health problems to humans. Splicing foreign genetic material into genomes, creating new organisms ... USA EPA predicts that most target insects will be resistant within 3 to 5 years. Furthermore, the crop is toxic to harmless and beneficial insects. The caterpillar of the Monarch but...

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