Genetic Engineering Genetically Modified Organisms

Introduction Genetic engineering is the science of making changes to the genes of a plant or animal to produce a desired result (Anon., n.d.). Genetic engineering is being used by scientists for various projects. It is being used to explore and alter the human genome as well as the genomes of other animals and organisms. Genetic engineering is used to create GMOs. GMO is the abbreviation for genetically modified organism, this organism’s genome is altered, using genetic engineering, so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there (Anon., n.d.). At the moment seeds have been genetically modified to produce genetically modified crops such as GM soya and maize. There are a lot of foods that are genetically modified in this†¦show more content†¦GMOs and Food Security Among other definitions of food security, food security also means that the people who produce the food are able to earn a decent living wage growing, catching, producing, processing, transporting, retailing and serving food (Anon., n.d.). GMOs might have an indirect negative effect on food security and food safety due to all the movement of genes from GM plants into conventional crops. GMOs pose a risk to food safety. This risk is a reality, for example in the United States of America traces of a maize type, approved only for animal feed, appeared in maize products that were for human consumption (Anon., n.d.). This mix up clearly violates food security. Despite the rising crisis in food security in developing countries, GM crop development is driven to support the interests of Western and European companies. Soya, oilseed rape, cotton and maize are currently the major GM crops produced; however, these crops are grown to support the food and textile industries of the developed world. South Africa, a third world country, is the 8th largest producer of GMO crops in the world and the largest in Africa (Anon., n.d.). Tons of GM crops are harvested and exported each year, yet the country still experiences an increasing rise in food prices and an unstable economy. GM seeds are sterile and cannot be used again; this prevents farmers from continuing their tradition of saving seeds to plant for the next season. InShow MoreRelatedGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms Essay1293 Words   |  6 PagesGene Technology Genetically modified microorganisms Genetically modified microorganisms are microorganisms/organisms which have been genetically altered meaning that their genetic materials have been modified. This modification is achieved through a technological method, genetic engineering. Genetic engineering also known as recombinant DNA technology/genetic modification is a science that employs molecular biology techniques so as to modify or alter the genome of an organism. It involves manipulationRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms1367 Words   |  6 PagesGenetics is the foundation that controls the diversity and natural selection of the world we live in now. Each organism ranging from the smallest bacteria to the largest of animals all have genes that make up their own personal identity. Without these genes designating these identities, there would never be such things as â€Å"organisms† but rather just one organism. Genetics is vital to the world because no matter what boundaries or challenges an organism is presented with, there will always be thatRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms1165 Words   |  5 Pagesaltered with it’s use of genetically modified organisms or GMO’s for short. Genetically modified organisms can be defined as scientists taking DNA from other organisms and altering the current organism with new DNA to produce an organism with genes that would not occur naturally. This technique is called genetic engineering. This process is not to be confused with hybridization or cross-breeding because there are no species related genes when it comes to genetic engineering. The experts from GMO AwarenessRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms1485 Words   |  6 PagesA genetically modified organism, or â€Å"GMO,† is defined as being, â€Å"an organism or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering.† This process is often used in plants and animals to produce desirable attributes. In the past, a plant with a desired attribute would be bred, by using selective breeding, to yield more plants with that desirable attribute. Now with the advancement of genetic engineering, this technique can be performed in a laboratory by moving orRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms Essay2105 Words   |  9 Pagesthe possibilities of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the artificial modification of an organisms genetic material with the help of biotechnology. This is capable of producing traits in an organism that would never have occurred by naturally. Genetic engineering is possible because genes are a universal language in life. Genes from one organism can be put in another organism, the possibilities for genetic engineering are essentially endless (Dixon, 2013). Any organism that has been alteredRead MoreGenetically Modified Organisms And The Environment1284 Words   |  6 Pagesabout genetically modified organisms and think that they are god sent other countries are weary of them and think that they are dangerous. While many other countries label genetically modified organisms because they think that people should have a choice whether or not they want to consume them America believes that their people should not have to know therefore taking the people s choice away and making the decision for them. There have been studies that have shown that genetically modified organismsRead MoreGenetic Engineering: Brave New World1012 Words   |  5 PagesGenetic engineering has been around for many years and is widely used all over the planet. Many people don’t realize that genetic engineering is part of their daily lives and diet. Today, almost 70 percent of processed foods from a grocery store were genetically engineered. Genetic engineering can be in plants, foods, animals, and even humans. Although debates about genetic engineering still exist, many people have accepted due to th e health benefits of gene therapy. The lack of knowledge has alwaysRead MoreBenefits Of Genetically Modified Foods998 Words   |  4 PagesWith progress in genetic engineering of foods, scientist, researchers, and farmers have changed the way food is grown. And this has started raising questions about the methods they use and their possible risks and side effects. To understand the risks and benefits of genetically modified foods you must first understand what they are. Genetically modified foods may also be referred to as GM foods, GMO, modified crops, GM organisms, or bio-tech foods. (Wohlers, Anton E, 2013, p73-84) You may see meRead MoreGenetically Modified Organisms ( Gmo )1665 Words   |  7 PagesA genetically modified organism (GMO) is a chemical organism processed in a laboratory where genes from the DNA of the crops are extracted and then artificially forced into an unrelated product that, when put into the crops the farmers raise, can chemically change the makeup of the crop. The chemical makeup can be from the change in the skin color of the crop to the actual organic chemistry compound. Genetic engineering is the process of splicing the genes in the crop and taking out a certain chemicalRead MoreBenefits Of Genetically Modified Organisms1199 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Genetically modified organisms come to be through genetic engineering where their genetic material is artificially altered in a laboratory to suit certain specifications. Genetic engineering is a new technology which gives rise to unstable animals, bacteria, and plants which are not naturally occurring and do not come into being through the normal crossbreeding methods as other traditional crops. Virtually every genetically modified crop produced commercially are made in such a way Genetic Engineering Genetically Modified Organisms Genetics is the foundation that controls the diversity and natural selection of the world we live in now. Each organism ranging from the smallest bacteria to the largest of animals all have genes that make up their own personal identity. Without these genes designating these identities, there would never be such things as â€Å"organisms† but rather just one organism. Genetics is vital to the world because no matter what boundaries or challenges an organism is presented with, there will always be that one organism that is genetically modified with mutations to survive and reproduce. With the technology and research we are now presented, we now have the ability to create genetically modified organisms. A Genetically modified organism is defined†¦show more content†¦This organism was first hypothesized and tested by the University of Guelph. What makes this pig different from any ordinary strain of Yorkshire pigs? The Enviropig was genetically altered by adding a gene from E. Coli and mice to the DNA to produce an enzyme in its saliva called Phytase. The Yorkshire pigs that do not contain the enzyme phytase cannot completely digest and absorb the phosphate and calcium contained in the seeds. This means that there is a higher phosphorous output and less nutritional value to the seeds. Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down any undesirable phytic acid (phytate) in grain and seed oils. When phytase breaks down these molecules, calcium and phosphorus is then released and can be digested by the organism. This phytase is produced and then secreted in the salivary glands. These salivary glands are the parotid, submaxillary, and sublingual glands. From these glands the phytase binds to the food molecules in the mouth. As it travels down the esophagus, the food enters the stomach and the enzyme is activated once stomach acid is released. Phytase is very resistant to proteases, which is one of the main acids produced in the stomach, but phytase is destroyed by the acids trypsin and chymotrypsin. This is detected by the lack of phytase located in the large intestine. The enzyme is still beneficial though because it breaks down the grains before being destroyed Genetic Engineering Genetically Modified Organisms A genetically modified organism, or â€Å"GMO,† is defined as being, â€Å"an organism or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering.† This process is often used in plants and animals to produce desirable attributes. In the past, a plant with a desired attribute would be bred, by using selective breeding, to yield more plants with that desirable attribute. Now with the advancement of genetic engineering, this technique can be performed in a laboratory by moving or adding genes that express the desired attribute to other organisms. This new technique of genetic engineering can produce unstable combinations of plant, animal and bacteria genes that do not occur naturally. However, if genetically modified†¦show more content†¦Some of the most frequent crops that are genetically modified are sugar beets, soybeans, cotton and corn. At this time, it is estimated that potentially up to eighty percent of all processed foods in America contain genetically modified ingredients. In addition to crops, many animals have begun to be genetically engineered to increase yield and to decrease likeliness of disease. As we go into the future, there is no doubt that the amount of genetically modified organisms will grow greatly. It seems as if genetically modified organisms can be a good and beneficial thing, but it is very important to look at the potential problems and issues associated with genetically modified organisms. The first question that must be asked is, â€Å"Are genetically modified organisms safe?† The majority of experts in this field would say that currently GMOs are not safe. Many experts claim that GMOs are unhealthy and contain chemicals that can harm our bodies. Doctors often advise people to avoid eating foods that contain genetically modified organisms. Multiple studies have been conducted and many have found that GMOs can cause harm to the kidneys, liver, heart, and other organs. Some st udies have even found that particular chemicals used in genetically modified organisms can potentially increase the risk of cancer. Despite all of these possible safety issues, most genetically engineered foods are not even labeled, indicatingShow MoreRelatedGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms Essay1293 Words   |  6 PagesGene Technology Genetically modified microorganisms Genetically modified microorganisms are microorganisms/organisms which have been genetically altered meaning that their genetic materials have been modified. This modification is achieved through a technological method, genetic engineering. Genetic engineering also known as recombinant DNA technology/genetic modification is a science that employs molecular biology techniques so as to modify or alter the genome of an organism. It involves manipulationRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms1367 Words   |  6 PagesGenetics is the foundation that controls the diversity and natural selection of the world we live in now. Each organism ranging from the smallest bacteria to the largest of animals all have genes that make up their own personal identity. Without these genes designating these identities, there would never be such things as â€Å"organisms† but rather just one organism. Genetics is vital to the world because no matter what boundaries or challenges an organism is presented with, there will always be thatRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms1649 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Genetic engineering is the science of making changes to the genes of a plant or animal to produce a desired result (Anon., n.d.). Genetic engineering is being used by scientists for various projects. It is being used to explore and alter the human genome as well as the genomes of other animals and organisms. Genetic engineering is used to create GMOs. GMO is the abbreviation for genetically modified organism, this organism’s genome is altered, using genetic engineering, so that its DNARead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms1165 Words   |  5 Pagesaltered with it’s use of genetically modified organisms or GMO’s for short. Genetically modified organisms can be defined as scientists taking DNA from other organisms and altering the current organism with new DNA to produce an organism with genes that would not occur naturally. This technique is called genetic engineering. This process is not to be confused with hybridization or cross-breeding because there are no species related genes when it comes to genetic engineering. The experts from GMO AwarenessRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms Essay2105 Words   |  9 Pagesthe possibilities of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the artificial modification of an organisms genetic material with the help of biotechnology. This is capable of producing traits in an organism that would never have occurred by naturally. Genetic engineering is possible because genes are a universal language in life. Genes from one organism can be put in another organism, the possibilities for genetic engineering are essentially endless (Dixon, 2013). Any organism that has been alteredRead MoreGenetically Modified Organisms And The Environment1284 Words   |  6 Pagesabout genetically modified organisms and think that they are god sent other countries are weary of them and think that they are dangerous. While many other countries label genetically modified organism s because they think that people should have a choice whether or not they want to consume them America believes that their people should not have to know therefore taking the people s choice away and making the decision for them. There have been studies that have shown that genetically modified organismsRead MoreGenetic Engineering: Brave New World1012 Words   |  5 PagesGenetic engineering has been around for many years and is widely used all over the planet. Many people don’t realize that genetic engineering is part of their daily lives and diet. Today, almost 70 percent of processed foods from a grocery store were genetically engineered. Genetic engineering can be in plants, foods, animals, and even humans. Although debates about genetic engineering still exist, many people have accepted due to the health benefits of gene therapy. The lack of knowledge has alwaysRead MoreBenefits Of Genetically Modified Foods998 Words   |  4 PagesWith progress in genetic engineeri ng of foods, scientist, researchers, and farmers have changed the way food is grown. And this has started raising questions about the methods they use and their possible risks and side effects. To understand the risks and benefits of genetically modified foods you must first understand what they are. Genetically modified foods may also be referred to as GM foods, GMO, modified crops, GM organisms, or bio-tech foods. (Wohlers, Anton E, 2013, p73-84) You may see meRead MoreGenetically Modified Organisms ( Gmo )1665 Words   |  7 PagesA genetically modified organism (GMO) is a chemical organism processed in a laboratory where genes from the DNA of the crops are extracted and then artificially forced into an unrelated product that, when put into the crops the farmers raise, can chemically change the makeup of the crop. The chemical makeup can be from the change in the skin color of the crop to the actual organic chemistry compound. Genetic engineering is the process of splicing the genes in the crop and taking out a certain chemicalRead MoreBenefits Of Genetically Modified Organisms1199 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Genetically modified organisms come to be through genetic engineering where their genetic material is artificially altered in a laboratory to suit certain specifications. Genetic engineering is a new technology which gives rise to unstable animals, bacteria, and plants which are not naturally occurring and do not come into being through the normal crossbreeding methods as other traditional crops. Virtually every genetically modified crop produced commercially are made in such a way