1. What are the environmental dangers involving the “escape” of GMF’s into the w
ID: 49963 • Letter: 1
Question
1. What are the environmental dangers involving the “escape” of GMF’s into the wild?
2. What are the possible health dangers versus benefits regarding GMF’s?
3. Why do countries have such opposing views on the safety of GMF’s?
4. What is the greatest benefit of GMF’s and conversely the greatest danger? Develop your own opinion and be able to support it with your own reliable research.
5. What basic principle of biology makes it possible to place genes from one organism into another? In chapter 8, the production of a transgenic goat is described. How were researchers able to get the anti-thrombin gene into the goat?
6. How were they able to have the anti-thrombin gene expressed only in mammary tissues?
Explanation / Answer
1.
GMF stands for Genetically Modified Foods. The GMFs are produced from the organisms, whose genome is genetically modified or engineered. Examples include genetically modified fish, poultry, etc. If these genetically modified organisms escape into the wild, they would grow four times as fast as a normal organism and would destroy the existing the natural balance of the planet.
2.
Genetically modified foods increase the crop productivity for farmers. This is possible as they are engineered to resist diseases, pests, and herbicides. In addition, GMFs have increased nutrients, and produce good yield. Thus, they provide food security for the growing populations.
Genetically modified (GM) crops will be more nutritious, as they comprise all the essential amino acids. No such crop can be produced using traditional breeding methods. The crops produced through genetic engineering are rich in beta-carotene. Our body uses beta-carotene for making vitamin A, which is lacking in nearly 250 million children in the world.
The safety of using GM crops is somewhat controversial. According to the food and agriculture organization (FAO), genetically modified crops appear to have posed little threat to the environment. There is a fear that foreign genes might spread to natural plants and may alter the genetic makeup of non-GM plants.
Apart from the benefits, there are also health dangers with GMFs. Long term health disorders are found to be associated with GMFs. They have a tendency to provoke allergic reactions in those who consume them.
Best example includes Brazil nuts and soybeans. Scientists have introduced a protein from Brazil nuts into soybeans to make soybeans more nutritious. The individuals who were allergic to Brazil nuts were also severely allergic to genetically modified soybeans. Thus, instead of gaining from GMFs they are acquiring allergies and unable to reach out to certain foods in their life time.
3.
Certain countries do not allow any genetically modified foods or organisms into their country, suspecting health issues because of them. The GM crops can harm birds, insects, amphibians, soil organisms, and marine ecosystem. They reduce bio-diversity, and pollute water resources. Best instance, GM crops have eliminated habitat for monarch butterflies and reduced their population over 50%.
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