Genetically Modified Foods

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People in the scientific field have been studying and creating different types of genetically modified foods for several years. Though the main goal at first was to create crops that would cut down on the toxins used to control weeds and insects, scientists are now finding new ways to improve the foods we eat. They do this by using new technology to take genes from one organism and plant them into another to improve not only the nutritional make up but also how long the crops will stay fresh. The only problem is that when you cross genes there are bound to be setbacks. Some of the crops have turned out to be very successful while others have been banned from markets. As scientists continue to alter the genetic make-up of different crops, the constant debate between those for and those against genetically modified foods increases.

Different Genetically Modified Foods: Below are many examples of genetically modified foods.

Each process uses a slightly different technique to achieve the goals that the scientists have for the crop or product. Some use genes from different crops to increase the amount of protein while others reverse genes that are already in the plant to improve how it tastes, looks, and even increase it shelf life. They have also come up with drugs to improve food production. One of them improves the quality of pigs and the other increase the amount of milk cows produce.

The first genetically modified food to reach stores was the Flavr Savr tomato (other than Monsanto?s rBST which is really a veterinary drug). It was made with an ?anti-sense? gene that slows down the biological process in which a tomato ripens and eventually rots. This is done by adding an extra strand of DNA, which is reversed to block...