Paper Example on Genetic Engineering of Crop Plants and Domestic Animals

Human beings have long invested in plants and animals since they are the primary source of food. People have long used the traditional breeding methods for selecting desired traits for various organisms. This procedure has been effective in reproducing subsequent generations. However, it has faced setbacks that include naturally occurring dissimilarities for both the plant crops and animals (Colson, 2016). Genetic engineering is an advanced technology that has been designed to control genetic changes which are introduced into organisms for both plants and animals. For that matter, genetically modified organisms also known as GMOs are technology-based techniques that help initiate price control for genetic changes in an organism. GMO is solely used for the purpose of optimizing agricultural output. Subsequently, the technology is unique in that it helps to facilitate mass production of valuable pharmaceutical substances. In the last decade, genetically modified organism samples have included crop plants, the farm animals, and some soil bacteria. These are classified as insect, drought, herbicide and disease resistance.

The objective for GMOs is that they have increased crop yields through gene control and variations. In large-scale farming, the technology has been significant in that it has reduced costs of operation, especially for the food production. In other cases, GMOs has enhanced high-quality drug production through plant and animal bacteria. Technically, GMOs are known to reduce the need for pesticides during farm mechanization (Redman & Morrone, 2017). This possibility is heightened through the maximization of nutrient composition in the soil table. In the mechanized farms, the GMOs have helped to improve food quality through enhanced disease resistance. As a result, it is a preferred option since it acts a food security to the worlds populace.

Technology advances of GMOs have also promoted high maturity rates for crop plants and domestic animals. These methods have included the use of nutrients to eliminate environment stressors. Thus, the process has facilitated plant growth in intolerable environments around the seasons. Subsequently, GMOs have major applications for the bioplastic projects which include excessive production of non-proteins. Similarly, the technology has been used for ornamental plant productions in the non-industrial sectors. The systemic engineering aspect of life has other benefits like increase animal yields (Colson, 2016). This is engineered through cattle enhancement for decreased susceptibility to the various diseases. For example, the United States uses the GMO technology to increase resistance to the mad cow disease. Lastly, the GMO technology has also been used in the fish industry to conserve its population and promote aquaculture rearing.

How GMOs are created

Genes are introduced into the cell for the purpose of code sequencing which produces a new protein. The process of establishing the Genetically Modified Organisms entails inserting new DNA base sequences into a gene. The engineers select right DNA sequence which has the right signals for a chromosome chosen. The basic step creating the GMOs includes synthesizing of necessary chemicals. After synthesizing, the sequence is then inserted into the selected bacterial DNA or plasmid (Colson, 2016). Engineers then prep the sample for recognition phase where the gene is placed in a particular DNA strand with the appropriate DNA sequence. A promoter is used in the process to facilitate the cell to express the inserted gene. Thirdly, another gene is inserted for the purpose of identifying a marker. Lastly, the gene gun is used to deliver the new DNA in plants. For the domestic animals, the transfection reagents are used to coat the DNA.

Foods containing GMOs at the supermarket

Corn is an example GMO found at the supermarket in the form of cornmeal, corn syrup, and polenta. It is also engineered to produce the Bt-toxin which is an insecticide used as herbicides. Vitamin C supplements are also synthesized through industrial procedures on the GMO corn. Sugarcane is also available in its genetically modified form that includes the sugar beets which produces a sugar beet product (Redman & Morrone, 2017). Other GMO foods at the store include the familiar yellow squash and Zucchini. Domestic animals are also fed the recombinant growth hormone (RBGH) for high milk production. As such, some dairy products like yogurt and pasteurized milk.

Are foods that contain GMOs safe for human consumption?

The GMOs have significant beneficial to the human populace including increased crop yields and animal products. However, it is unsafe to consume products from this technology or trust the GMOS since they can produce allergens and antibiotic resistance into the human body. Thus, consuming GMOs may pose health risks like a slow response to drugs and treatment. This is attributed to the fact that undesired traits may be introduced into the plants during unregulated cross-pollination. As an argument, some scholars argue that GMOs can cause cancer to the human populace due to the older gene traits which have carcinogenic effect to the human body. However, when the GMOs are used wisely, they may help to alleviate diseases and hunger across the ever-growing human population. For that matter, GMOs can be safer for human consumption.

References

Colson, M. (2016). GMOs. Gareth Stevens Pub, New York.

Redman, N., & Morrone, M. (2017). Food safety: A reference handbook. ABC-CLIO, California.