Genetic Engineering in Agriculture
Biotechnology, also called genetic engineering, is a branch of science in which an organism's genes are manipulated in order to modify its characteristics. This technology has been applied to plants and animals, and humans as well. Genetic engineering in agriculture is often compared to crossbreeding, a technique used to develop improved breeds and varieties. Biotechnology is much more than crossbreeding. Researchers are given more control over what genes and which traits they wish to manipulate. Scientists can now also transfer characteristics from one species to another. An example of this is the Arctic flounder and the strawberry. Arctic flounders have a gene that prevents them from freezing in the icy arctic waters. Scientists are trying to use this "antifreeze" gene in strawberries so they can resist frost. This is only one of many developments scientists are working on. Others include improved flavor, nutritional value, resistance to disease and insects, and resistance to bruising in fruits and vegetables. Researchers are developing produce designed to be picked and delivered at peak ripeness and flavor. Leaner meats and cooling oils with less saturated fat are on the horizon, and ev
, Das Emperium Nestle, Rotpunkt-Verlag, 1986 Several press release of Greenpeace in 1998 . en plants that !will protect the environment, have natural fertilizers and pesticides, and provide more yield with less input. There are many professionals in the field who are unsure about biogenetic engineering also. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved numerous genetically altered foods. 1997), Genetic Society of America Harrisson Pierre V. One who knows to avoid milk would not know to avoid this transgenic food. There is concern that transgenic crops could bring new allergens to the food supply that sensitive individuals would not know to avoid. These tomatoes were designed to delay the rotting process so they can be left to ripen on the vine before they are shipped. Fox, author of Superpigs and Wondercorn, said, "Clearly genetic engineering is as much a Pandora's Box as it is a cornucopia of wonderful possibilities. Despite the many benefits, there are also oppositions and possible risks. Also available on the market are soy beans (which are used in 60% of processed foods), corn and corn syrup, yeast, canola oil, genetically engineered fish that grow faster due to human, bovine, and salmon growth hormone genes, and dairy products from cows injected with bovine growth hormone! (BGH) so they produce more milk. Previously tomatoes had to be picked before they were ripe so they would not rot during shipping, but this caused them to be hard, pale, and relatively tasteless.
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