genetic modification

GENETIC MODIFICATION AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS Genetically modified foods have made a big splash in the news lately. Genetically modified foods are derived from genetically modified organisms. A genetically modified organism is a plant, animal or other organism that have been changed using genetic modification to enhance desired traits, such as increased resistance or improved nutritional content. This is done through genetic engineering. Now, we will see some basic information about genes and genetic engineering What is a gene? A gene is the basic unit of heredity in a living organism. Genes hold information to build and maintain an organism's cells and pass genetic traits to offspring. Genetic modification, genetic manipulation and genetic engineering all refer to the same thing, the use of modern biotechnology to change the genes of and organism, such as a plant or animal. It is the insertion or deletion of genes. In another way we can isolate a gene responsible for drought tolerance and insert that gene into a different plant, the new gene plant will gain drought tolerance. Not only genes from one plant to another, but genes from non plant organism can also be used. The first commercially grown genetically modified food crop is a tomato called “Flavr Savr” modified to ripen without softening by a Californian company Calgene. Genetically modified foods were first put on the market in the early 1990’s. Typically, genetically modified foods are transgenic plant products, soybean, corn, canola and cotton seed oil. But animal products have also been developed. In 2006 a pig was controversially engineered to produce omega-3 fatty acids through the expression of a round worm gene produced/ Now we will discuss some of the disadvantages of genetically modified foods. There is a rowing concern that introducing foreign genes into food plants may have an unexpected and negative impact on human health. There is little scientific study have conducted. They can carry unpredictable toxins. They may increase risk of allergic reactions also Bringing a genetically modified food to market is a lengthy and costly process, so biotechnology companies wish to ensure a profitable return. Genetically modified crops do not produce viable seeds Critics have objected to genetically modified foods, on several grounds, safety issues, ecological concern, and economic concerns. While t is evident that there is a good supply issue, the question is whether genetic modification can solve world hunger problems? They suggest that there should be a second green revolution using genetic modification is needed. Others argue that there is more than enough food in the world and the problem is with food distribution and politics, not production. Worldwide, there are a range of perspectives within non governmental organizations on the safety of genetically modified foods, some will say that there is no harm in using them, the other claim that long term health risks with genetic modification will occur as it is against nature’s law of conservation of purity of organisms. The environmental risks associated with genetic modification have not yet been adequately investigated. VAHEEDA.N.H