Calcari 1 Toni Calcari Mr.

King Junior Research Paper 23 May 2011 Genetically Modified Organisms What are genetically modified organisms, how do they affect our lives, and what are the benefits from using them? When an organisms genes (its genetic materials) are changed in a laboratory, the organism is called genetically modified or transgenic (Ramaswami 1). Genetic modification or genetic engineering is a modern way of breeding plants and animals. Genetically modified organisms have entered our lives through our food and plants. These foods include soy beans, corn, and dairy products; and the first genetically modified plant, a tobacco plant, was created in 1983 (Canion 1). There is currently a debate going on about the genetically modified foods Americans consume, and the effects it has on animals and the environment. Some people argue about the benefits of these genetically modified foods, claiming that these foods are dangerous and the scientists creating these foods are careless about what genes they choose and from where they get those genes. However; these benefits include: Faster growing plants, tolerance against harsh weather conditions, drought resistance, pest resistance, water and soil conservation, and higher nutrition. When an organism is genetically modified certain genetic traits are taken out and replaced with more favorable ones. For example if a tomato plant has a gene that makes it

prone to disease scientists can remove that gene and replace it with a pest resistant one. This method of breeding is commonly known as genetic engineering. Some people call this a direct manipulation of organisms genes and disagree about genetic engineering having any benefits to it. However, this has led to many beneficial discoveries. The first genetically modified organism was the bacterium E. coli the invention of this Calcari 2 Genetically modified organism led to the first genetically engineered product, human insulin, produced by Eli Lilly and Company in 1982 (How Old Is Biotechnology 1). In 1983 the first genetically modified plant a Tobacco plant that was resistant to Antibiotics was created. Ten years later scientists had grown the first GM food, Produced by the Californian company Calegene, which would be available commercially one year later in 1994.The Flavr Savr [sic] tomato was taken off the market only after a couple years, due to poor sales. The Flavr Savr tomato was the first genetically modified food to be approved by the FDA, and the first to be sold commercially in 1994. In 1996 the first genetically modified tomato paste was sold in the United Kingdom. High production costs mixed with the companys inexperience in tomato growing, handling, and transport led to financial troubles for the Flavr Savr. Eventually Calgene was bought out by Monsanto, a multinational agricultural company, and the Flavr Savr disappeared from shelves for good in 1997, just three years after its introduction. (Fabio 1) After the Flavr Savr tomato more genetically modified foods began to show up in grocery stores and on farms across the world in the mid 90's. Some of the first genetically modified foods that were sold in grocery stores are: Canola, Soybean, Corn, and cotton seed oil. Later on in the 2000's

more research was done on modification of animal genes such as cows, pigs, and salmon. The first genetically modified animal created for consumption purposes was salmon and is currently being considered for approval by the FDA. Although the FDA hasnt found any problems with these fish, conservationists argue about this genetically modified breed of fish. One of their biggest fears is that the genetically modified fish will try and breed with fish that have not had their genes modified; however these fish are all female and have three sets of chromosomes, making them sterile (Hensley 1).One of the biggest controversies with genetically modified animals was cloned pigs . Scientists have found out how to clone pigs that can produce their own Omega 3 fatty acids. For now, the benefits of the research are theoretical. Omega-3 fatty acids, Calcari 3 Which have been linked to a lowered incidence of heart disease, are primarily found in fish. No one knows whether they would have the same effect if eaten in pork.(Kolata 1) These are several examples of how genetically modified foods have an effect on our lives through by entering our diets; it is estimated that over 80% of our foods have been or contain genetically modified foods. The subject of human consumption of these foods has started debates in Europe, Australia, Africa, and America. In some European countries, and in Australia, these foods now have to label stating if they have been genetically modified, or if they contain genetically modified foods. In America, the labeling of these foods has not been done but is currently being argued over. Another argument in America over these foods is the patents that scientists have put on the plants that theyve modified. In Africa, the debate over these foods is whether or not these foods are good for agriculture. Some of the

biggest arguments against these foods are that these foods are bad for the environment, these foods could possibly cause harm to what eats them, and that these foods can have a negative long term effect on humans. GM foods are safe, healthy and essential if we ever want to achieve decent living standards for the world's growing population. Misplaced moralizing about them in the West is costing millions of lives in poor countries. (Taverne 1) Scientist believe that if problems do arise that they will be manageable Genetically modified plants and foods have many benefits to them one of the most commonly known is that these plants can grow to be very large in a short amount of time, and with only a little bit of water. These plants can also grow in some of natures harsh weather conditions they can survive droughts and spring frost. Herbicide tolerance and pest resistance makes these plants environmentally friendly. Genetic modification can even enhance flavors and add to the nutritional value of some foods. Growing these foods in large amounts and in a short period of time is inexpensive. If these foods continue to spread around the world it could be possible to stop world hunger. Genetically modified Calcari 4 Foods can also last longer than ordinary foods, making the easy to deliver to super markets These foods can also be used to vaccinate people. Genetically engineered potatoes containing a hepatitis B vaccine have successfully boosted immunity in their first human trials (Coghlan 1). These plants could even eliminate allergies in some foods. Over the last thirty years genetic engineering has proven to be beneficial to humans, with the invention of human insulin and genetically modified foods. Genetic engineering has helped us discover only a small amount of the great possibilities that can be achieved

with it. What scientists have done with the genes of these plants has made it easier to supply the demand for them. However, these foods and the companies that produce them should be regulated and labeled for the people who fear the idea of what affects theyll have on humans. In conclusion these foods are not to be feared they have been shown to be safe and beneficial to us, the environment and could possibly feed the world.