Introduction
Biotechnology has been providing the world with a large variety of options as to how we can use commercial land as well as agriculture. It has allowed people to exchange genetic materials among living organisms. In this research task I have researched the definition of genetic engineering as well has genetically modified crops and I have stated the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops. Ethical issues as well as various types of GM crops will be discussed.
Definitions:
Genetic Engineering: this is known as the deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material. It is physically adding new DNA to an organism. The main goal of this is to add a new trait to the organism that was …show more content…
Advantages:
• GM crops are resistant to pests which mean that a gene is transferred to the plant which makes it resistant to pests and kills the pests instead. This will result in the growth of a larger crop, increased yield and also a financial gain as less pesticide is being used. May improve farmer or farm workers health.
• GM crops can be seen as a benefit to underdeveloped countries as it is providing more crops for less money.
• GM foods are more nutritious as more nutritional substances can be introduced into the transgenic variety meaning that more nutritional genes can be transferred into the crops or food.
• GM foods can be transported over longer distances and periods of time as the have an increased resistance to spoilage and thus have a much better shelf life as well.
• It is more economical to the farmer and consumer in terms of production and supply as these crops or foods grow faster the natural foods and as said above last longer for …show more content…
There are certain potential risks that come with GM foods.
One major concern would be the potential risks of GM crops for human health. Some health risks include antibiotic resistance, aller-genicity, nutritional changes and the formation of toxins. It is said that GM ingredients can cause cancer as well as new allergy breakouts in humans. Another study has shown that feeding mice genetic engineered food for 30 days caused and immune reaction which means that these GM foods could have a negative effect on the immune system and ultimately the human body.
Many believe that it is unethical to use genes from animals in plant foods. Ethical, philosophical or religious problems may arise. It is also seen as an unnatural way of producing food so many people are against it.
Another major concern is the environment. Although farmers may use fewer pesticides, herbicides may increase which will have an even larger negative effect on the environment. Also weeds and other crops may develop a resistance to this herbicide through cross pollination. There are also the risks or effects on other animals such as birds that come in contact with the pesticide. Animal welfare can be
Biotechnology has been providing the world with a large variety of options as to how we can use commercial land as well as agriculture. It has allowed people to exchange genetic materials among living organisms. In this research task I have researched the definition of genetic engineering as well has genetically modified crops and I have stated the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops. Ethical issues as well as various types of GM crops will be discussed.
Definitions:
Genetic Engineering: this is known as the deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material. It is physically adding new DNA to an organism. The main goal of this is to add a new trait to the organism that was …show more content…
Advantages:
• GM crops are resistant to pests which mean that a gene is transferred to the plant which makes it resistant to pests and kills the pests instead. This will result in the growth of a larger crop, increased yield and also a financial gain as less pesticide is being used. May improve farmer or farm workers health.
• GM crops can be seen as a benefit to underdeveloped countries as it is providing more crops for less money.
• GM foods are more nutritious as more nutritional substances can be introduced into the transgenic variety meaning that more nutritional genes can be transferred into the crops or food.
• GM foods can be transported over longer distances and periods of time as the have an increased resistance to spoilage and thus have a much better shelf life as well.
• It is more economical to the farmer and consumer in terms of production and supply as these crops or foods grow faster the natural foods and as said above last longer for …show more content…
There are certain potential risks that come with GM foods.
One major concern would be the potential risks of GM crops for human health. Some health risks include antibiotic resistance, aller-genicity, nutritional changes and the formation of toxins. It is said that GM ingredients can cause cancer as well as new allergy breakouts in humans. Another study has shown that feeding mice genetic engineered food for 30 days caused and immune reaction which means that these GM foods could have a negative effect on the immune system and ultimately the human body.
Many believe that it is unethical to use genes from animals in plant foods. Ethical, philosophical or religious problems may arise. It is also seen as an unnatural way of producing food so many people are against it.
Another major concern is the environment. Although farmers may use fewer pesticides, herbicides may increase which will have an even larger negative effect on the environment. Also weeds and other crops may develop a resistance to this herbicide through cross pollination. There are also the risks or effects on other animals such as birds that come in contact with the pesticide. Animal welfare can be