Christopher Ibarra

Genetically Engineered Crops

Genetically modified crops are crops that have had changes in their DNA by methods of
genetic engineering as opposed to the traditional methods of cross or selective breeding.
Scientists began genetically modifying crops in 1996 when farmers in Hawaii were in a panic
due to a virus that was destroying papayas. These scientists from Monsanto were able to find a
part of the viruss DNA that when implanted into the papaya, the papaya became immune. Since
then genetically modification has been an extremely controversial topic, religiously,
economically, and environmentally. Put simply genetic modification starts with finding an
unwanted trait in the target specimen, or a new trait that has been handpicked from somewhere
else. Next you take a sample to take the desired trait by using the chipping method, a method
which is a time efficient way to take a sample from a specimen that doesnt destroy it and can
still be planted. This process allows you to grab desired genes and re-use the specimen. Once you
have the traits you want to be implanted you use what is called a gene gun. The gene gun will
fire a .22-caliber charge that shoots pieces of DNA that have been place on gold particles. The
gold penetrates the specimen and inserts the desired gene into the targets DNA. Another way to
transfer DNA is to use a bug called Agrobacterium tumefaciens, this method is used mostly for
omega-3 soybeans. They will heat and place the beans under stress to make them susceptible to
the bacteria. The bacteria usually invades the plant DNA and tricks it into producing sugars and
amino acids to feed. Scientists use this as a way to insert the desired genes because the plant will
recognize the gene as one of its own and will adopt it. Once you have the desired gene implanted
into a specimen you can then breed the modified specimen to create the first generation
genetically modified plant.

Christopher Ibarra

Genetic engineering has been a huge controversial issue for a long time now. As with all
controversial issues there are at least two opposing sides, and with this issue specifically it seems
that there are the supporters and the skeptics. Genetic engineering has plenty of benefits, like the
papaya story in Hawaii, other fruits and vegetables have been saved from extinction because of
genetic engineering. Scientists have been able to modify food to produce higher crop yields
which could potentially feed more people in developing countries. This has been known to be
more economically beneficial despite the more expensive seed. Some foods have been
engineered to have a higher content of a specific nutrient, for example golden rice has been
engineered to hold vitamin A for places around the world with people dying of vitamin A
deficiency. Other crops have been modified to withstand extreme weather fluctuations and have
the ability to continue farming in certain locations that you wouldnt be able to otherwise. Lastly
food quality is another pro to genetic engineering. Certain foods have been engineered to have a
longer shelf life, be bigger, juicier, and taste better. Even with all the benefits that come from
genetic engineering food and crops there are plenty of things to keep in mind. Placing genes
from one specimen to another can potentially trigger allergies in people. Allergies could be the
least of your worries if something that has been modified ends up causing something more
serious like cancer. The last thing I can think of that could be a downfall is the fact that its
opening a door that can be potentially dangerous to the environment by throwing off the balance
or be used as a weapon.
In my opinion genetic engineering crops and food isnt necessarily a bad thing yet. There
have been plenty of benefits so far and the only cons have been skeptic ideas and worries. I think
that this could lead to something extraordinary if it stays in the right hands. Testing is a definite
must, allot of testing along with field testing before released and approved for the general public.

Christopher Ibarra

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/07/are_gmos_safe_yes_the_case
_against_them_is_full_of_fraud_lies_and_errors.html?wpsrc=sh_all_dt_tw_ru
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-01/life-cycle-genetically-modified-seed
http://isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/1/default.asp
http://www.geneticallymodifiedfoods.co.uk/fact-sheet-pros-vs-cons.html