Saturday, November 29, 2014

The largest producer of Genetically modified food=America

                                                                       Almost 70% of the foods at the grocery stores are genetically modified. The most common are soybeans, cotton and maize. Therefore any foods that contain corn syrup such as cereal, snacks and soda are genetically modified. America is the largest producer of genetically modified crops. Genetically modified food is also known as biotech or genetically engineered food. These foods are plants that are modified in the laboratory to improve desired traits.




         When a plant is genetically modified, a foreign gene in inserted in the plants own genes. For example, a gene resistance to pesticides. It is possible to transfer genes to other plants with genetic modification because genes are created from the same material. There are four main steps to genetics modification. One- the scientist finds and isolates the desired genetic characteristics. Two- several copies of the isolated gene are made. Three- the desired genes are transferred to the plants genes by a transformation method. Four- From the genetically modified plant tissue, a new plant is made
. Anything that lives can be genetically modified, but not all characteristics can be transferred.

        There are many pros and cons for genetic modified food. The most important pro is that it can produce plants that are more resistance to pest and diseases. Other benefits are faster growth, more nutritious crops, better tasting foods and production of medicines by crops. The most important con to genetically modified foods is the unexpected side effects on human health. Other cons are ecological damage, reduced species diversity, over-use of herbicides and effects on non-GM crops. 
Link One: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002432.htm
Related Link: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/science/gmfoods/

4 comments:

  1. I assumed that there was GM crops in the stores but I didn't realize to this extent. It does make sense because farmers probably want to make sure they get the best possible crop every time for the cheapest price, and GM crops probably grant that ability.

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  2. The unexpected effect of genetically modified foods on human health is a big issue for me. Why put something in your body that wasn't naturally that way to begin with? This topic is extremely controversial. Ecological damage is huge, along with the reduction of diversity in species. Farmers involved with genetically modified foods more concerned about quantity, and the production of "perfect food."

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  3. I agree. I also did not realize how large of a percentage of the food Americans consume is genetically modified. I agree that the side effects are not worth the efficiency and increased productions. I worry that these companies don't know where to stop with genetically modifying the foods we eat.

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  4. it is a surprise that such a huge percentage of GMO crops are sold at the supermarkets. I also wonder what will happen to many of the farmers and companies in America that produce GMO crops because many European countries are thinking about banning GMO crops.

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