Alexander1

Outline Format:

Research Question: Are genetically modified organisms harmful to humans and the

environment?

I. Introduction

A. Background

B. Author approach to this problem

C. Listing of sub-headings or themes

II. First Subheading: Background of genetically modified organisms

A. How genetically modified organisms are made

B. Genetic engineering

III. Second Subheading: Controversy Arguments for and against

A. Arguments supporting GMOs

B. Arguments against GMOs

IV. Third Subheading: Health effects from consuming GMOs

A. Allergies

B. Toxins associated with GMOs

V. Fourth Subheading: Environmental Effects

A. Herbicides and pesticides

B. Harm to animals

VI. Fifth Subheading: Avoiding GMOs

A. Lack of long-term research

B. Illnesses stemming from GMOs

VI. Conclusion
 Alexander2

Research Timeline

Date Completed

February 1 Topic Proposal

February 6 Establish and research first 3 sources:

February 12 Establish and research next 3 sources:

February 21 Establish and research next 3 sources:

March 3 Establish and research next 3 sources:

March 10 Complete introduction

March 14 Complete first 2 subheadings:

March 17 Complete next 2 subheadings:

March 23 Complete conclusion and abstract

March 25 Turn in 1st draft

March 27 Write peer review and receiver own

peer review

March 28 Write final draft

March 29 Turn in final paper

 Alexander3

Proposal

Topic: Are genetically modified organisms harmful to humans and the environment?

It is hard to think about a time when genetically modified organisms were not firmly

surrounded in the majority of foods. Before technology was such an apparent factor in all

aspects of life, farmers were able to use knowledge from previous generations to harvest

livestock to form different and genuine traits of the crops. Today, the desirable traits that

all livestock once had, is now altered with genetic material that pollutes food with

chemicals that could potentially be harmful for human consumption and to the

environment. GMOs have many unknown risks that the public is blind to but by

addressing these health concerns through extensive research, a step is taken in the right

direction towards a better understanding regarding GMOs. Research has been conducted

to test the comparison of genetically modified foods and traditional foods to see the affect

on human health, which can be influenced by many factors such as, allergic responses,

specific dietary needs, and nutritional content.

Researching the controversy regarding GMOs and the questionable cause of

obesity and other health concerns will provide clarity and a better understanding of both

the good and bad aspects of GMOs. Developing a thorough and complete understanding

of previous research done on GMOs, health and environmental affects, and the future

developments of genetically modified organisms will be done through extensive research

to provide answers for the unknown risks of GMOs. Common arguments regarding this

topic are the failure to prove that there are health risks directly associated GMOs, fertility,

pregnancy, and offspring are not affected, and that organ health and functions are also
 Alexander4

unaffected. These examples are just a few of the endless arguments regarding GMOs that

will hopefully be answered by the end of conducting this research.

References

Norris, M. (2015). Will GMOs hurt my body? The Publics concern and how

scientists have addressed them. Retrieved from

http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/will-gmos-hurt-my-body/