Written Assignment: Biology And Technology In The Real World

Written Assignment: Biology and Technology in the Real World Addresses

Complete a written assignment addressing one of the listed topics: genetically modified organisms (GMOs), stem cells, or fracking (hydraulic fracturing) and tar sands (oil sands). You must select one topic, research at least three credible sources related to that topic, and write a comprehensive paper summarizing the information in your own words. Your paper should include explanations of key concepts, processes, benefits, and concerns associated with your chosen topic, incorporating evidence-based reasoning and critical analysis. The paper should be well-structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion, and include proper APA citations. Do not include quotations; paraphrase and synthesize the information from your sources. The paper should be approximately 1000 words and exclude the references section, which should be included at the end.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary world, advances in biology and technology have profoundly impacted agriculture, medicine, and environmental management, raising important ethical, safety, and sustainability considerations. This paper explores the topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), focusing on the purpose of genetic engineering in crops and animals, the process of creating GMOs, the presence of GMOs in supermarket foods, their safety for human consumption, and the regulatory frameworks governing their use. By understanding these aspects, we can better assess the role of GMOs in addressing food security and agricultural challenges while considering potential risks and societal implications.

Genetically modified organisms are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially altered using genetic engineering techniques. The primary purpose of modifying crop plants and domestic animals is to enhance desirable traits such as increased yield, pest resistance, tolerance to environmental stresses (drought, salinity), and improved nutritional profiles. For instance, GMO crops like Bt corn and soybeans have been engineered to produce insecticidal proteins, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and thereby lowering environmental impact (James, 2020). Similarly, genetically modified salmon have been developed for faster growth, aiming to meet increasing seafood demand with sustainable practices (FDA, 2015). These modifications are achieved through various biotechnological methods, including gene cloning, recombinant DNA technology, and gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, which enable targeted alterations within the genome of the organism (Noble et al., 2019).

GMOs are prevalent in the food supply; many processed foods in supermarkets contain genetically modified ingredients, primarily from crops such as soybean, corn, canola, and sugar beet. In the United States, it is estimated that over 90% of certain GMO crops are present in food products, often without explicit labeling (USDA, 2021). These modifications can improve crop resilience and productivity, ultimately benefiting consumers through lower costs and increased availability of diverse food options. However, concerns about the safety of GMO foods persist. Multiple scientific evaluations, including those by the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association, have found that approved GMO foods are generally safe for consumption (WHO, 2014). Nonetheless, ongoing debate revolves around potential allergenicity, gene transfer, and long-term health effects, which necessitate rigorous regulatory oversight.

Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) implement guidelines to evaluate and monitor GMO safety. These agencies assess the potential health risks, environmental impacts, and the adequacy of labeling requirements. For example, GMO crops undergo extensive field testing for ecological effects and gene flow to non-GMO plants before approval (Ma et al., 2018). Labeling laws vary internationally; some countries mandate clear labeling to inform consumers, while others do not, reflecting differences in risk perceptions and regulatory philosophies. These regulations aim to balance technological innovation with safety, transparency, and consumer choice.

In conclusion, genetically modified organisms have the potential to significantly improve agricultural productivity and food security worldwide. The scientific consensus indicates that approved GMO foods are safe for human consumption when properly regulated. However, ongoing research, transparent regulation, and informed public debate are essential to address ethical concerns, environmental risks, and societal acceptance. As biotechnology continues to evolve, it is crucial for policy frameworks to adapt accordingly to ensure that benefits are maximized while potential harms are minimized, fostering sustainable and safe advancement in our food systems.

References

• FDA. (2015). GE Salmon. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/genetically-engineered-salmon
• James, C. (2020). Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2020. ISAAA Brief No. 54. International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).
• Ma, J., et al. (2018). Regulatory assessment of genetically modified crops in the USA. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 66(22), 5480–5487.
• Noble, C., et al. (2019). Genetic engineering of crops: principles and prospects. Nature Biotechnology, 37(1), 20–30.
• USDA. (2021). Biotech Crop Update. United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-varieties/
• WHO. (2014). Genetically modified foods: Development, safety and public concerns. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/