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The Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods

            The environment is something that is very extremely fragile and unique. It is because of this that it is important that the environment be cared for. Damage that is done to the environment cannot be easily repaired. Plants are huge contributing factors in the environment because they are a source of food to all species. Recently, there has been a serious amount of tampering in our food source called GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms). There is heavy debate about the safety and ethics surrounding the use of genetically modified organisms, and both sides are quite heated. .
             So what exactly are Genetically Modified Organisms? GMO's are plants or animals that have been genetically altered with the DNA from bacteria, viruses, chemicals and other plants and animals. The purpose of this process is to make the animal or plant immune to herbicide or produce insecticide and grow faster for more profit (The NonGMO Project). A perfect example of a GMO food is the Hawaiian Papaya, which was created to solve the issue of the ring spot virus. The ring spot virus was killing the plant and sickening those who ate the fruits. The way the scientist made the papaya into a GMO was by taking a DNA extract from the ring spot virus and adding it to a papaya seed, essentially making the deadly virus now part of the plant and fruit (Hawaii Seed).
             Changes in plants that have been genetically altered have the potential to pose a major threat to the environment and the ecosystem as a whole. The rate at which GMOs are produced and consumed continue to increase, and while this is happening, a large number of the population is essentially being used as test subjects for what long-term effects that GMO's may have, since foods being altered genetically is a fairly recent technology. A recent study showed that 93% of US soybeans have been genetically altered in order to make them immune to weed-killers which were actually killing the soybeans at the same time.


Essays Related to The Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods

1. The Safety of Genetically Modified Foods

First off, what is genetically modified food? ... The source of all genetically modified food is genetically modified organisms. ... Transgenic food, genetically engineered food, and genetically modified food all refer to foods derived from genetically modified organisms. ... The most common sources of genetically modified foods are genetically modified soybeans, corn, and canola (Food Inc.). ... In light of all these studies, it could be fair to assume that there are no dangers in eating genetically modified food. ...

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2. The Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified organism food can be helpful to get their food supply, at a cheap price. ... The farmers in different continents such as Africa, South and Central America, Asia, use genetically modified soy beans and genetically modified cotton. ... Genetically modified organisms will increase food production, which is the most successful way to get foods to around the world. ... Additionally, they are creating some plants to be resistant to dangers, such as, weeds, pest, and other diseases, (GMO: The benefit of genetically modified food'). ... Genetically modified food is very help...

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3. The Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods

Initially consumers reacted positively to the idea of genetically modified foods. ... Allergic responses are very prevalent with genetically modified foods. ... In addition to the numerous risks and potential dangers associated with genetically modified crops, there are also many ethical issues because these crops are being unnaturally created. ... ("Genetically Modified Foods: Get the Facts ") The controversy behind the production of genetically modified foods is primarily composed of environmental, health, and ethical issues. ... In lieu of banning all genetically modified foods, the least...

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4. Understanding Genetically Modified Foods

However, many people are questioning whether these genetically modified crops are actually good for us. ... Genetically modified foods should continue to be produced worldwide because they provide pharmaceutical benefits, increase both food production and healthier crops, and benefit the environment by using herbicide tolerant varieties that require minimal tiling. ... These are examples of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). ... With the framing of both sides to the argument on genetically modified foods, it is easier to understand why many believe it should be required by federal law to...

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5. Untested, Unsafe and Unhealthy GMO Foods

Many experts argue that Genetically Modified foods are actually beneficial to, not only people, but animals, plants, and the world overall. ... " Because pesticides are harmful to humans, GM foods are the better solution; they decrease the danger. ... Although to popular belief, most farmers actually recommend the use of genetically modified foods, because they are easier to grow, and are more profitable. An example of how they are easier to grow is that genetically modifying plants can make them more resilient and tolerant to harsh conditions. ... " Clearly, modified foods have al...

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6. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's)

Because of the Food and Drug Administration's failure to require the labeling of genetically engineered food, avoiding these life threatening goods is difficult to do. ... By definition organic food is free from genetic modification. ... However genetically modified foods made from transgenic plants have the capability to carry vaccines inside them. ... As previously mentioned the underlying question to genetic engineering in food production that all scholarly sources seem to include is the uncertainty of the future, and the unknown effects of genetically modified organisms. ... The Inst...

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7. Genetic modification of food

Due to genetically modified food's unique and unknown nature, there is potential for adverse health side effects. ... If we allow the development of genetically modified food to continue we are consequently handing our lives over to the Biotech companies. ... Genetically modified food activists, such as federal Agriculture Minister, Mr Mark Vaile, promise gene technology will supply plentiful amounts of food to starvation stricken areas in the Third World. ... Genetic engineering poses the greatest danger of any technology yet introduced. ... We must refuse genetically modified food im...

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8. Altering the Foods We Eat - GMO's

A GMO also known as a genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. I've known about GMOS for about a year now, and since then it's shocked me that food that not only my family eats but I as well, can be genetically modified. ... Today I will be talking about the history of GMO foods, the dangers of it, and ways to help us steer clear of GMO food. ... A GMO is a genetically modified organism. ... You can take action now by visiting the "Just label it" website and contact your congressman and ask th...

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9. The Uncertainties of Genetically Modified Seeds

Chakrabarty had genetically modified a strain of bacteria with foreign genes thus giving it the ability to breakdown hydrocarbons. ... Genetically modified seeds could potentially assist in alleviating malnutrition around the globe. ... Scientists and researchers have engineered and genetically modified seeds to create a new strand of rice, named golden rice. ... Insufficient amounts of this vitamin can lead to vision problems and in some cases, blindness (Genetically Modified Rice). ... Genetically modified crops could also provide increased yields that could allow increased food production ...

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