Summary
"To many scientists, gene technology is just another farming tool to help us grow bigger and better crops and livestock. But to others, like environmentalists and consumer advocates, the genetic manipulation of the plants and animals we eat poses huge risks that might not be worth taking."
As our worlds population continues to grow at a rapid paste as it has for the past 30 years, it is predicted that we will eventually end up with a worldwide food shortage. In a race to feed the planet, scientists have discovered how to manipulate DNA. Genetic modification involves a gene from one plant or animal being transferred into another plant or animal.
The purposes of these GM foods are for them to withstand severe weather, pests, and the stresses of shipping and long-term storage. An example of this is, the gene that makes a plant tolerate drought conditions can be inserted into the gene of a plant that does not.
With genetic modification the good features of one food can be incorporated into another food, which can help to improve the nutritional value, appearance, shelf life and processing of food. It is claimed that genetic modification could also protect the environment, as fewer chemicals are needed to combat pests.
The practice of genetic modification is a currently debated and many people are concerned with the possible health and environmental risks.
The major concerns to human health include
• Tendencies to provoke allergic reaction to the transferred gene
• Gene transfer: antibiotic resistant genes transferred into the human digestive system
• Crossing with genes from wild or foreign crops which have not been tested for human consumption
The ecofriendly safety aspects of GM crops vary significantly according to local surroundings. The major environmental concerns are to do with changing natural ecosystems. If a GM species escapes into the wild, the natural ecosystems will change eternally causing possible elimination of some species and diseases of other species.
In Australia Genetic modification is banned apart from soy and cotton crops as it is uncertain what the long-term effects of the procedure will be. Products, which are made overseas and then introduced into Australia, can contain inherently adapted ingredients provided they be identified on their labeling. The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has developed a harsh process for assessing the safety of GM foods in Australia. This evaluation guarantees that any approved GM foods are as safe and nutritious as comparable conventional foods already in the Australian and New Zealand food supply.
Feasibility and methods for post-marketing monitoring of GM food products, for the continued surveillance of the safety of GM food products, are under discussions.
TASK 3: Genetic Modification
1. Contribute to the Class Blog Discussion
2: Do you agree with Genetic Modification? Write 100 words on the blog to state your reasons for or against.
You may also comment on other peoples opinion in order to provoke discussion.
My response:
I believe that it's good to some extent for plants and animals, because it means that we can ensure better quality produce and livestock. Genetically modified food products/crops are used to help not only the environment but also the economy and society. GM foods are engineered to produce the highest possible yield possible, and by doing this; the crop feeds more people then normal. It has being proven that GM foods are designed to be resistant to disease, in order to maximize their production. By doing these small produces it is obvious that GM foods are beneficial to society as fro they are ‘anti disease’, feed a larger population and grow all year round.
1. Contribute to the Class Blog Discussion
2: Do you agree with Genetic Modification? Write 100 words on the blog to state your reasons for or against.
You may also comment on other peoples opinion in order to provoke discussion.
My response:
I believe that it's good to some extent for plants and animals, because it means that we can ensure better quality produce and livestock. Genetically modified food products/crops are used to help not only the environment but also the economy and society. GM foods are engineered to produce the highest possible yield possible, and by doing this; the crop feeds more people then normal. It has being proven that GM foods are designed to be resistant to disease, in order to maximize their production. By doing these small produces it is obvious that GM foods are beneficial to society as fro they are ‘anti disease’, feed a larger population and grow all year round.