Genetically Modified Food the Pro's and Con's Of Feeding the World



Genetically Modified Food the Pro's and Con's Of Feeding the World

Introduction

Whitman (2000) defines Genetically Modified Food (GMF) as the most commonly used term to define crops and plants that are specifically created for animal and human consumption through using the latest and the most advanced technology in molecular biology. These laboratory treated plants are modified to acquire traits such as pest and insect resistance along with increased nutritional value. These crop plants are typically modified to acquire these enhanced traits through a lengthy and time consuming procedure of plant breeding, which is part of the conventional method of breeding. Whereas, through employing genetic engineering these plant crops can be manipulated with added nutritional value at a rapid rate with accurate results similar to the original crop. In addition, these modified plants can be gene induced to be pest tolerant as well as drought tolerant, peaking up the plant's longevity considerably to sustain growth in toughest of climatic conditions. A best known example of such pest tolerant gene is the Bacillus Thuringiensis (B.T).

The main purpose or motive behind producing genetically modified food is too meet the burgeoning food demand of the increasing global population, which currently stands at over seven billion. Conversely, global warming is another important aspect which has also presented itself as a major concern for biologists and food scientists to invent new technology to grow crops unlike the traditional means. It is because of global warming that the world is undergoing tremendous climatic changes with increased floods, droughts and famine affecting many regions of the world and thus, hampering the food supply to the population living in these areas. It is because of this radical and unpredictable impact on the natural food sources have encouraged scientists and businesses to divulge in GMF research and production.

This paper aims to address the main study objective of describing the advantages and disadvantages of Genetically Modified Food production in the world. In addition, the main research question of this study would also include assessing the implications of consuming GMF, on the health and lives of human beings.

Literature Review

To present an alternate definition of genetically modified food is to define in terms of small organisms whose DNA or genetic composition has been altered to defy the natural process. It is because of modern technology that has given leverage to the gene technology, or genetic engineering in other words, which has allowed transferring of one organism onto another. Such methods are employed to create GM plants, which are then use to grow genetically modified food crops.

Production of GM Foods

The primary reason for producing and marketing GM foods is because of their perceived advantage to the parties involved, which includes the consumer and the producer. GM food products tend to be lower in cost and highly durable in nature, while also having high nutritional value, which then incurs lower overhead costs for the producer and a nutritionally rich food product for the ...