Saturday, January 5, 2013

GMO Foods: Exactly What Are They?

By Marvin Ferguson


Biotechnology is at the forefront of the drive to create a sustainable food system for the world's ever-growing population. And while this method has its fair share of critics, it cannot be denied that this technology is of great help to society.

Despite the fact that this method features its own great deal of experts, it cannot be denied this technology is a large assistance to society. An evidence of this technology's ongoing presence and growth might be the growing quantity of GMO foods.

How come GMOs completely different from conventional food, precisely what are their advantages, and do you realize the different controversies connected together?

GMO meals are referred to as food produced within the so-known to as genetically modified microbes (to be sure the acronym GMO). GMOs are produced by modifying the genes in the target plant or animal using genetic engineering techniques. While genetic modification could be a naturally triggered phenomenon because of the existence of mutagenesis, this method is extremely slow and unpredictable. Specific changes across the organism's qualities might be created immediately through genetic engineering.

How are GMO foods created? You'll find 2 different techniques present in creating them: trans-genesis and cis-genesis. Trans-genesis is carried out by placing genes which come from another species, while cis-genesis is carried out by placing genes that came from the identical species or a species carefully connected. Both of these processes are carried out in the laboratory, testing different gene modifications and checking if preferred qualities might be created. It will take time to complete testing with an entire product, and strict rules ought to be adopted just before the genetically modified product becomes mass produced.

Genetically modified organisms can come in different sizes and shapes. One of the first GMOs produced is a tobacco plant with genes resistant to antibiotics. Since then, different GMO foods have been produced. These include the likes of Flavr Savr, a tomato with delayed ripening characteristics, soybeans resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, and a canola plant that produces a different type of oil. Different types of genetically modified plants and grains are now being used as food sources, and genetically modified animals just might follow suit within a few years.

Of course, the GMO system received (and is still receiving) more than its fair share of criticism. Other than the questions about how these organisms can potentially harm ecosystems, there are also questions about how it can impact health. But the potential of GMO foods is a proven fact. These modified foods will definitely play a big role in improving the world's food supply as well as its general nutritional value.




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