Genetically modified foods Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

genetically modified foods - Research Paper ExampleAs a result, GM could provide solutions to problems of poor, hungry, and marginalized people in developing countries (Weirich, 2007). Yet opponents of the technology argon concerned that genetic modification can erode biodiversity, moderate to genetic pollution, and cause the evolution of super bugs and super weeds (Weirich, 2007 Weick and Walchli, 2002). They also raise questions about the health safety of GM food and equity issues relating to the ownership of GM seeds (Weick and Walchli, 2002).Advocates of genetic modification often demand that the risks associated with it do not differ much from risks introduced by conventional breeding. Indeed, in 1990, the International Food biotech Council recommended that GM food plants could be regulated with existing laws and practices and that no additional regulatory measures were needed (Ingenthron, 1991). both(prenominal) argue, on the other hand, that new biotechnology is qualitati vely different from conventional techniques (Victor and Runge, 2002). In conventional breeding, hearty blocks of genes are moved by allowing crossovers or meiosis (Lappe and Bailey, 1998). With genetic engineering, only isolated genes carrying specific traits are transferred. Also, genetic engineering allows gene transfer between species that would not naturally exchange genetic material. The after trait makes this new technology revolutionary, as revolutionary as the splitting of the atom. Giddens (2000 8) called it a quantum leap, both in terms of its possible advantages and risks. Like every scientific revolution, GM technology has entered into public debate with its sensed benefits and costs.In 1991, the Office of Technology Assessment stated that biotechnology would contribute to agriculture by (1) dense production costs (2) increasing yields (3) providing higher-quality food and (4)