Background Information: Biotechnology Allows The Use Of Livi ✓ Solved

Background Informationbiotechnology Allows The Use Of Living Organisms

Background Information Biotechnology allows the use of living organisms or their processes for human needs or purposes. Currently, this topic includes such general examples as cloning, stem cells (adult, umbilical cord, and embryonic), DNA fingerprinting, biological warfare, bioremediation, genetically modified organisms, vaccines, and transgenic plants and animals to name a few. In this assignment, you will explore specific examples of biotechnology applications.

Part 1 Biotechnology is the use of a living thing or any part of a living thing to make a product or process that improves human life. For this part of the assignment, discuss the following: What are some of the examples of biotechnology that have made improvements to your life? Describe how one of these has made your life better. Do you have any concerns with biotechnology? Explain.

Part 2 In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved food derived from cloned animals. In addition, these products will not need to be labeled as “cloned” or “from clones” (Black, 2008). The FDA explains that you will not be eating the clone itself. It takes thousands of dollars to clone a food animal such as a cow or pig. Animals that are cloned for improved food production will be used for a breeding program to produce many offspring with the desirable traits for increased meat or milk yield. These offspring of the clones will be fair game for food. Discuss the following: Do you think there are differences between a clone and a "normal" animal? How do you feel about eating a cloned animal? Is your opinion of eating a cloned plant different? Provide references in APA format. This includes a reference list and in-text citations for references used throughout the assignment.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Biotechnology has become an integral part of modern life, offering numerous applications that enhance health, agriculture, and industry. Its capacity to manipulate living organisms for beneficial purposes has led to groundbreaking advancements. This paper discusses key examples of biotechnology that have impacted daily life, specifically focusing on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and explores personal perspectives and ethical considerations related to cloned animals used as food sources.

Examples of Biotechnology That Have Improved My Life

Among the various biotechnologies, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) stand out as a significant contributor to agricultural productivity and food security. GMOs involve altering the genetic makeup of plants or animals to enhance desirable traits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and increased nutritional content. For instance, genetically modified corn and soybeans have improved yield efficiency and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, benefiting farmers and consumers alike. These advancements have reduced food scarcity and lowered costs, making nutritious food more accessible worldwide.

Personal Impact of Biotechnology

The development of GMO crops has notably improved the quality and availability of food in my daily life. Reduced pesticide use because of pest-resistant crops has led to safer food options. Additionally, the increased crop yields have contributed to lower grocery prices, making it easier for me and my family to access a variety of nutritious foods. The enhanced nutritional content in GMO foods, such as biofortified rice varieties enriched with vitamins, also contributes to better health in developing regions.

Concerns Regarding Biotechnology

Despite these benefits, concerns about biotechnology primarily revolve around safety, environmental impact, and ethical issues. There are worries about unintended consequences such as gene transfer to non-GMO plants, which could affect biodiversity. Additionally, long-term health effects of consuming GMO foods remain a topic of debate among scientists and consumers. Ethical considerations also include issues of corporate control over seeds and agro-biotechnologies, which may influence small-scale farmers and global food equity.

Cloning and Food Safety Considerations

Differences Between Cloned and Normal Animals

Cloned animals are genetically identical to the donor organism, created through somatic cell nuclear transfer. While they share the same genetic makeup, variations can occur due to environmental factors and epigenetic modifications. Clones may exhibit differences in health, lifespan, or fertility compared to “normal” animals, which are genetically diverse. These differences are vital for consumers to consider when evaluating cloned animal products.

Personal Attitudes Toward Consuming Cloned Animals

I am somewhat hesitant about consuming cloned animals due to concerns about genetic uniformity potentially leading to increased susceptibility to diseases and unforeseen health issues. However, given that cloned animals are typically used for breeding to produce desirable offspring, I am more comfortable with eating meat derived from these progeny. My attitude toward cloned plants is more neutral—since plants do not have the same ethical considerations and the genetic modifications are often more straightforward.

Ethical and Regulatory Aspects

Regulatory agencies like the FDA have approved cloned animal products, trusting that proper safety assessments are in place. Nonetheless, public acceptance remains mixed. Ethical considerations include animal welfare concerns, such as the health and well-being of cloned animals, and the transparency of labeling cloned-derived products. Consumers deserve information about the origin of their food to make informed choices.

Conclusion

Biotechnology continues to evolve, offering promising solutions to global challenges. While its benefits are evident, especially in agriculture and medicine, ethical and safety concerns warrant careful consideration. Personal opinions about consuming cloned animals are influenced by safety perceptions and ethical beliefs. Transparency and ongoing research are essential for fostering public trust and ensuring responsible biotechnological advances.

References

• Black, R. (2008). U.S. approves animal clones as food. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news
• Gurung, S., & Malla, S. (2020). Ethical considerations of biotechnology applications in food production. Journal of Ethical Biotechnology, 15(3), 45-58.
• James, C. (2019). Genetically modified organisms and food security. Agriculture and Food Journal, 12(4), 234-245.
• Komara, P. (2021). The environmental impacts of GMO crops. Environmental Studies Review, 19(2), 100-115.
• Li, Y., & Zhang, H. (2022). Advances in cloning technology and applications. Biotechnology Advances, 50, 107-119.
• Nguyen, T., & Lee, S. (2018). Public perception of cloned animals and food products. Food Safety Journal, 8(1), 27-35.
• Smith, A., & Jones, B. (2017). Health implications of GMO consumption. Food Science & Technology, 23(2), 89-102.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Ethical considerations of biotechnology. WHO Publications.
• Zhao, W., & Liu, X. (2021). The future of biotechnology in food production. Journal of Agricultural Research, 14(3), 150-162.