Genetically Modified Foods Research.

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Biotechnology: Genetically Modified Foods

Genes:

        Inside the chromosomes of the nucleolus in a human cell are genes, which are segments of DNA (Deoxy Ribonucleic Acid) that contain all the information of a cell. These genes control and determine things such as physical characteristics, blood type, and intelligence (2). Genes are also duplicated into two copies, known as alleles, where one is for each parent. There are four different types of nucleotide subunits that make up the long chain of DNA, where they include a single phosphate group, five-carbon sugar, and one of the four bases (3). Severe problems can occur where there are abnormalities in the DNA and genes are not functioning correctly. For example, genes may provide the wrong set of instructions, therefore causing faulty cell growth or function and mistakes in all other cells that contain this gene.  

Biotechnology:

        Over the past sixty years, a new branch of science called biotechnology has been developed and expanded. Scientists have learnt how to alter the genetic code in animals and plants, changing their characteristics, since the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA by Francis Crick and James Watson (7). Some of the greatest breakthroughs in biotechnology include cloning, stem cell technology, in-vitro fertilization and genetically modified foods, which are also known as GMO’s.

Genetically Modified Foods:

        In the early 1990’s, genetically modified foods were introduced on the market. In order to obtain more beneficial sugars or vitamins in specific foods and to decrease harmful substances in food, scientists created these genetically modified foods. Soybeans, canola, corn, and cottonseed oil were the most usual foods to be genetically altered (7). When compared to non-modified foods, genetically modified foods are in an advantage, since they can grow faster, grow on fields where non-modified foods can’t, are made to carry more healthy substance instead of harmful ones, and can consist of a better overall taste. Many people around the world believe that genetically modified foods are bad for the environment and harmful to the body while others believe that it is an important discovery for the future and harmless to the body, therefore making this topic very delicate and controversial (7).

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How Plants Are Genetically Modified:

        In the process of , genes from a different species are inserted, which is a form of . In nature this can occur when  penetrates the  for any reason. To do this artificially may require transferring genes as part of an attenuated virus genome or physically inserting the extra DNA into the nucleus of the intended host using a microsyringe, or as a coating on gold nanoparticles fired from a  (1). However, other methods exploit natural forms of gene transfer, such as the ability of  to transfer genetic material to plants, and the ability ...

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