Genetic engineering could solve the world's food problems.

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Carly Wilson 12S

Genetic engineering could solve the world’s food problems.

        Genetically modified foods look to be a great discovery for the future, however, when looking at the science behind it, does it suggest the same thing?

        Growing genetically modified plants would supposedly increase the number and quality of crops produced. Genetic engineering can also help develop disease resistant plants and plants that grow in areas that have not been cultivated before. This may not be possible if the structure of the DNA of a plant is altered in a way that could be detrimental for the human and animal population.

        Evidence from experiments conducted shows that rats that were fed GM corn developed abnormalities in their blood and internal organs. These abnormalities were absent from the group of rats that were fed non-GM corn [1]. Rats that were fed on GM potatoes had an increased crypt length of the intestines and an increase in the mucosal thickness of the stomach [2]. GM soy flour affects the posterity of living creatures. GM soy flour was added to the food of female rats two weeks before conception, during conception and nursing, nothing was added to the control group’s food. The rats that had the GM soy added to their food had an abnormally high level of posterity death, 36% of the rats born weighed less that 20 grams showing their weak condition  [5]. GM peas “created immune responses in mice, suggesting that they may also create serious allergic reactions in people”. Some GM crops on the market have never been tested in animals for immune responses; this means that some GM foods may be causing health problems because of subtle differences in the sugar chains that have not yet been investigated [6].

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        The information from the sources above shows that genetically modified crops can have adverse side effects in rats and mice. The fact that these crops have had an effect in rats and mice would suggest they would also have effects in humans. This evidence illustrates that genetic engineering in its present form will not solve the world’s food problems.

        Since 1996 when GM soya was first grown there have been no reported problems from the consumption of GM foods. Regulatory authorities are satisfied that all GM foods produced so far are safe. All the GM foods available have been ...

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