Genetically modified food (Essay Sample)

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Genetically Modified Food
Outline
Research essay
Advantages of Genetically Modified Food..................................................i
Disadvantages of GM foods……………………………………………….ii
Analysis of the findings and conclusion…………………………………...iii
Self- Reflection………………………………………………………….....i
Works cited…………………………………………………………………i
Genetically Modified Food
Genetically modified food commonly known as GM has been a major phenomenon in the world for the last few decades. An overwhelming statistical inclusion has suggested that the quantity of food containing DNA modifications has been increasing at an alarming rate in the recent past. In America, it is estimated that at least 70% of the overall food produced and consumed is a result of DNA modifications. It has also been confirmed that a large portion of food consumed in mot nations across the world is altered in one way or the other using certain chemicals. Most GM foods are hardly labeled and as a result, it becomes very confusing for potential buyers to know if they are purchasing them. While popularity of GM food continues to rise, stakeholders concerned with the safety and health of food produced by manufacturers have constantly raised an issue of concern. These stakeholders have unanimously agreed that GM foods have come in such a time when the entire world seems to be facing a great challenge of acute food shortages. In regard to this, GM foods have been serving as a suitable alternative towards the looming challenge of food shortage. Apparently, GM foods have constantly been associated with harmful effects on human health. The bone of controversy in as far as GM foods is concerned lies on whether these foods should continue to be legalized regardless of their harmful effects on individuals. This research paper seeks to take a comprehensive look on the topic of GM food. The paper acknowledges that genetically modified food plays an important role of providing the world with an alternative source of food. This is particularly in such a time when the world seems to be facing a great challenge of acute food shortage. At the same time, the paper acknowledges the cry of researchers who have continually associated GM food with severe health problems. Therefore, the paper will weigh the benefits of using GM foods whilst contrasting them with the ill health challenges. The purpose of assessing the benefits and demerits of GM foods is to provide the public with right information so that they can made informed choices when deciding whether or not to consume them.
Genetically modified food is one of the most contentious topics brought about by emerging trends in technology. GM foods results from a technology that aims at changing the natural genetic composition of living organisms towards making them further useful to man. Genetic modified foods are manufactured by way of combining various genes that are obtained from distinct living organisms. GM foods can be put into different use such as food ingredients, vaccines, foods as well as medicines. One of the most significant advantages of suing GM foods is the unique composition of nutrient composition (Amos). This nutrient composition is capable of preventing malnutrition and hence, most people continue to consume them. Genetic modified foods can also be modified in a manner that will be resistant to pests. The fact that GM foods can be enhanced in a special manner that will be pest resistant has implied a great advantage on the part of farmers from all corners of the earth. Farmers have continued to demonstrate their great passion towards GM foods since a part from being pest resistant; most of these crops are not prone to diseases. It is evidenced that most farmers across the world have been complaining over the ever increasing cost of herbicides. Therefore, GM crops have come as a significant relief to many farmers through eliminating herbicide expenses. Association of GM foods with these features is believed to reduce the use of chemicals such as pesticides.
Regardless of the various benefits linked with GM foods, people have started to put their safety in question. The process of modifying goods genetically has been confirmed to cause mutations. In addition, it has been proved that GM foods lead to allergies and also contain certain threats while consumed by individuals. Therefore, it is quite important to note that while GM foods continue to significantly reduce pesticide usage, they have a tendency of provoking mutations in food genes. The capability of GM foods to cause allergies along with other unknown health threats in human bodies is a serious issue that should not be underestimated.
GM food is manufactured using various mechanisms. Multinational corporations referred to as agricultural biotechnology uniquely carry out this process. Researchers across the world have confirmed that a major challenge associated with genetically modified organisms is lack of information concerning the risks and benefits of these crops on the public (Institute fo Responsible Technology). Some critiques have associated some human diseases like allergies with GM foods, but, on the other hand, there has not been sufficient proof. Either way, the public has a right to information concerning the constituents of their food. In right with this, people should be aware that there is no sufficient research certifying the safety of adding genes in foods. Customers should be granted full rights to choose the food of their choice, either genetically modified or not. Therefore, correct labeling of the constituents of food substances should not be compromised.
GM foods are manufactured from genetically modified organisms. These types of organisms are derived through genetic engineering methods like gene splicing. This technique involves modification of DNA through the insertion of enzyme in genes. The chosen DNA is attached to tiny particles and later hot in targeted cells. This is accomplished through the bursting of gas which is under great pressure to plants, bacteria, fish and mammals in order to alter a particular physical property. This process is also capable of transferring the capability of a plant for instance, to another organism. This information is very important as it explains the various ways in which genetically modified food can be done. It is also essential in explaining the various purposes as well as processes followed in accomplishing GM foods. An example of a process is the insertion of protein or virus as a way of imposing resistant on plants towards pests or herbicides. It can also be done to make plants produce their own insecticide as well as containing higher contents of vitamins.
Advantages of Genetically Modified Food
America is one of the outstanding nations in the world where GM food are commonly consumed. Food manufacturers here seem to advocating for the consumption of GM foods. Agricultural researchers have confirmed that GM foods are resistant to herbicides and pests. Every year, a lot of herbicides and pesticides are used in order to control weeds and pests that invade crops (Hart 59). Usage of these chemicals has two significant implications on the farmer and the land. First and foremost, buying the chemicals cost a farmer an extra expense. A farmer incurs this expense irrespective of whether the final harvest will prove profitable. There has a common phenomenon across the world where many famers suffered heavy losses. This is especially because of investing heavily on herbicides and pesticides only to incur losses after harvesting. Through embracing genetically modified crops, farmers can easily avoid loses since these crops are resistant to weed and pests. Secondly, use of chemicals like herbicides and pesticides on the soil is capable of poisoning water supply. It also poses major health hazards on the human race notwithstanding immense environmental degradation. However, technology has made it possible to lower these risks through the process of food gene alteration. Genetically modified foods are composed of special traits, which eliminate the need to invest on chemicals. This way, consumers and farmer’s time and money is saved, therefore, a significant advantage.
GM foods are tolerant to cold. This means that crops of this nature are capable of resisting lower temperatures. These crops are also saline and drought resistant. They are capable of standing hot temperatures without interfering with their normalcy. This is a special feature which is not common to other crops. It provides people from all corners of the world an opportunity to grow food crops thus curb food crisis. As we talk, it is quite evident that world population is growing at an alarming rate (Evenson and Santaniello 2). As a result, the land that was once used in crop production is being utilized for other purposes such as housing. In any given nation, steady crop production is a significant step of ensuring continuous food supply. Because of the increasing demand on land, farming practices have been pushed to areas that are not hospitable. While natural crops will not always survive in these harsh conditions, genetically modified crops have the ability to cope.
GM crops will easily cope with high salt contents and long periods of drought. This ...