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Background of Transgenic Research

Genetic engineering has opened many doors for new sciences to develop. One such

science is the research and alteration of the food we eat; this is commonly known as

transgenic research. Whether through crops or agricultural animals, the common goal is

to increase food surplus. Most of the GM (genetic modification) research is focused on

causing crops to withstand herbicides and pesticides so more of these chemicals can be

poured on the land without hurting the food. The national director of the BioDemocracy

Campaign, Ronnie Cummins, lists that “The leaders in biotechnology are the same giant

chemical companies--Monsanto, DuPont, AgroEvo, Novartis, and Rhone-Poulenc--that

sell toxic pesticides.” These companies sell crops that are resistant to their own herbicides

and pesticides so they can sell those as well (115). This seems to be driven by the desire of

money and profit gain. In a similar article, Brian Halweil observes that the seeds of these

herbicide-resistant crops (HRCs), are packaged with “Monsanto’s best selling herbicide,

‘Roundup’” (143). The outcome for these GM crops is an increase of the use of toxic

chemicals; this will at first cause a higher yield of grain, but will ultimately pollute our land

. . .

A new and innovated way to

vaccinate people was published in an article by the University of Chicago press:

German scientists have grown genetically modified carrots that contain the

gene for hepatitis B surface antigen, which they say could be used as a

"vaccine" for hepatitis B infection and could dramatically cut the costs of

preventing the disease. The current solution taking

place, instead of balanced distribution, is the growing use of GM crops. May be misleading, because it implies that other cantaloupes

may be genetically engineered. If the public were totally informed of these risks there would be a major decline of

the demand of harmful products due to genetic modification. "Genetically modified" is an inappropriate term, in that all crop varieties have been modified by plant

breeders.

While genetic alterations can potentially cause negative effects, there is evidence

that some already have.

Genetically engineered OK

This product contains cornmeal that was produced using biotechnology. In the same article, Steve Lash mentions the yellow-corn product

where Cry9C was found in Taco Bell brand taco shells. could pose serious hazards

for human breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Eventually the new plants will be rendered useless and

farmers will be forced to use more pesticides on there already chemical saturated crops. In the taco shells, the entire GE

protein was found; this is unlike the corn chips in which only a residue of the protein was

found (19).

Approximate Word count = 1761
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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