The Discussions Are Not Simply Statements Of Opinion They Ar ✓ Solved

The Discussions Are Not Simply Statements Of Opinion They Are Intende

The discussions are intended to allow you to expand on and apply the principles discussed in your textbook, the lectures, and/or other research you conduct. With recent advances in technology, scientists are able to manipulate and alter genes in different organisms. This is a controversial and ethical issue. The assignment is to pick one of the following topics for your initial discussion post:

• Genetically modified organisms - Research various agricultural products currently on the market which have been genetically modified.
• Transgenic animals - Research various transgenic animals.
• Cloning - Research cloning.

Your discussion post should address specific questions and be at least 250 words in your own words, using at least one reference from your research. Avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation of any quotes used.

Paper For Above Instructions

Advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering have undoubtedly transformed the agricultural landscape, raising ethical questions and concerns regarding the safety and implications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This discussion aims to delve into the realm of GMOs, whereby organisms' genetic material has been altered to introduce specific traits that benefit agricultural productivity. One prominent example is the genetically modified corn known as Bt corn. This organism has been engineered to express a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which enables the corn to effectively resist certain pests, primarily the European corn borer (Shelton et al., 2019).

Bt corn has been on the market since the mid-1990s and has since become a staple in the agricultural sector, accounting for a significant percentage of corn grown in the United States (United States Department of Agriculture, 2020). The modification primarily involves the insertion of a single gene responsible for producing the Bt protein, making the entire organism genetically modified to possess pest resistance attributes. The overall safety of GMOs, including Bt corn, has been supported by numerous scientific assessments conducted by organizations like the World Health Organization, which concluded that the consumption of GMOs poses no greater risk than that of conventional crops (World Health Organization, 2015).

When it comes to identifying GMOs in the marketplace, labeling practices vary among countries. In the U.S., there is currently no mandatory requirement for labeling GMO products, contributing to consumer uncertainty over whether they are consuming genetically altered crops (Lusk & Jamieson, 2015). This situation raises the question of whether consumers should be informed when consuming GMOs; transparency in food labeling, as supported by advocacy groups, allows consumers to make informed choices concerning their food and its origins (Raffensperger & Tickner, 2020). My personal stance leans towards the necessity for labeling to ensure consumers have the autonomy to choose what they consume. However, this perspective may vary for individuals in different circumstances, such as vegetarians or organic gardeners who often prefer non-GMO products for lifestyle and ethical reasons.

Furthermore, the rise of GMOs sparks debates concerning agricultural practices and their implications for biodiversity. Introducing genetically modified crops into the ecosystem can raise concerns about potential crossbreeding with wild relatives, ultimately leading to unforeseen ecological impacts (Bawa & Anilakumar, 2013). As the market continues to evolve, addressing these ethical concerns and safety assessments remains paramount in guiding regulatory frameworks.

Overall, while genetically modified organisms like Bt corn offer significant advantages in agricultural productivity and pest management, the ethical considerations surrounding their use and labeling continue. As consumers, awareness and access to information are vital in making informed dietary choices, hence the discussion around GMOs will persist as technology and agricultural practices innovate. The dialogue around GMOs extends beyond consumers, involving producers and legislators in determining the fate of biotechnology in food production.

References

• Bawa, A. S., & Anilakumar, K. R. (2013). Genetically modified foods: Safety issues and concerns. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 50(6), 1031-1049.
• Lusk, J. L., & Jamieson, C. (2015). Food technology and consumer perceptions. Economic Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
• Raffensperger, C., & Tickner, J. (2020). Protecting Public Health and the Environment: A Guide to Risk Assessment and Management.
• Shelton, A. M., Naranjo, S. E., & Storer, N. P. (2019). The role of Bt crops in sustainable agriculture. Nature Biotechnology, 37(3), 407-418.
• United States Department of Agriculture. (2020). Crop Production 2020 Summary.
• World Health Organization. (2015). Frequently Asked Questions on Genetically Modified Foods.
• FDA. (2020). Overview of GMOs. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• European Commission. (2010). EU Rules on GMOs and the Food Labelling Policy.
• Rotevatn, P. A., & Kuepfer, L. (2020). Consumer perceptions of genetic modification in food. Food Quality and Preference, 84, 103919.
• National Research Council. (2004). Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press.