Webster's Definition Of Genetically Modified Organisms
Have you ever thought about what the food you’re about to put in your mouth has been through before your hands got on it? Or, have you thought about what could happen, good or bad, once you do eat it? The Webster’s definition of “GMO” states “A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.” The simple version of that definition is basically that people, for whatever reason, decided to modify crops or organisms to fit certain qualifications and characteristics of their choosing. The gene introduced into the organism is exaggerated to fit the desire of the creator. For example, the most commonly genetically modified crops
include papaya, corn, soybeans, cotton, and rice. For various reasons, these crops are changed for positive reasons, with negative benefits. GMO’s are made by first finding a gene that is useful for the new organism, also known as a “gene of interest”. As an example, many new genes are placed in crops to prevent them from freezing, or being eaten by insects. Once a gene is located and its function is described, that specific gene needs to be isolated. There are two ways that the next step of replication can be carried out: by using a polymerase chain reaction or by inserting the isolated gene into a plasmid vector and grown up in bacterial cells. The positives of this process not only included the ones stated above, but that not as many chemicals are used in plants, and the species will grow bigger in less time. In my opinion, even though some companies will lose money from lack of business, I believe that all genetically modified crops should be labeled. Regardless of the positive or negative outcomes, I think we should have a right to know what’s in the food we are eating. Therefore we are responsible for the outcome of the modified crop. If it results in a bad outcome, that is our responsibility. In addition, I personally would not like to eat something I wasn’t sure where it’s been, although I’m sure I have already. Even though the benefits exceed the negatives, this is a growing process and more negatives are sure to be introduced.
include papaya, corn, soybeans, cotton, and rice. For various reasons, these crops are changed for positive reasons, with negative benefits. GMO’s are made by first finding a gene that is useful for the new organism, also known as a “gene of interest”. As an example, many new genes are placed in crops to prevent them from freezing, or being eaten by insects. Once a gene is located and its function is described, that specific gene needs to be isolated. There are two ways that the next step of replication can be carried out: by using a polymerase chain reaction or by inserting the isolated gene into a plasmid vector and grown up in bacterial cells. The positives of this process not only included the ones stated above, but that not as many chemicals are used in plants, and the species will grow bigger in less time. In my opinion, even though some companies will lose money from lack of business, I believe that all genetically modified crops should be labeled. Regardless of the positive or negative outcomes, I think we should have a right to know what’s in the food we are eating. Therefore we are responsible for the outcome of the modified crop. If it results in a bad outcome, that is our responsibility. In addition, I personally would not like to eat something I wasn’t sure where it’s been, although I’m sure I have already. Even though the benefits exceed the negatives, this is a growing process and more negatives are sure to be introduced.