Environmental Case Analysis

Essay by noaeUniversity, Bachelor'sA-, October 2009

download word file, 5 pages 0.0

Intense debate surrounds the subject of food, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceutical, and insects as they relate to food sources altered genetically. According to about.com, 2009, genetically modified organisms (GMO) "refers to a living organism that has been genetically altered using molecular genetics techniques such as gene cloning and protein engineering." The purpose of the paper is to analyze genetically modified organisms and the conflict involving its introduction into the food supply.

SummeryIntense controversy surrounds the introduction of genetically modified organisms for use in agriculture. Biotech organizations in favor of the use of genetically modified organisms purpose that genetically engineered crops could very well be the next green revolution. The proponents also insist genetically modified organisms will assist those with limited food supplies particularly those in underdeveloped nations. Introducing genetically engineered organisms into crop production will result in enhanced benefits to both farmers and consumers alike, so promise the biotech companies.

Some of the major benefits according to Sakko (2009) include:•Rice with built-in Vitamin A that can help prevent blindness in 100 million children suffering from Vitamin A deficiency;•A tomato that softens more slowly, allowing it to develop longer on the vine and keep longer on the shelf;•Potatoes that absorb less fat when fried, changing the ever-popular french fries from junk food into a more nutritional food;•Strawberry crops that can survive frost;•An apple with a vaccine against a virus which causes childhood pneumonia (p. 1)While these benefits appear to be advantageous the effect of modified crops on the environment and humanity continues to be the subject of intense debate. Crops are not the only area exposed to genetic modification, food supplies such as milk and fish are included. To enhance their ability to produce more milk, cows are receiving growth hormones, however, scientist have discovered that the hormones have a...