Genetically Modified Crops

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Genetically Modified Crops Angela Lee History & Methods of Science Professor Moskowitz March 6, 2011 Genetically modified crops are foods that are made with genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms had changes to their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. This involves adding or deleting of genes. Organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific change. There is a technique that modifies food organisms it is called selective breeding. It has allows scientists to move genes from one source to another. The FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition reviews summaries of food safety data developed and submitted by developers of genetically modified crops. There are no specific tests that are required by FDA to determine safety. According to the FDA” it does not approve the safety of modified food, but acknowledges that the developer of the food has asserted that it is safe”. These foods are generally regarded as safe; but there has been no testing to ensure complete safety. There have been no reports of illness or injury due to genetically engineered foods. Manufactures of these crops are sure that there are advantages of consuming these foods, but some of the consumers are entirely against them. Genetically engineered food will need to be judged on an individual basis. History of Genetically Modified Crops The term Genetically Modified is used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption. Genetically modified foods were first seen on the market in the early 1990s. Some of these foods are usually transgenic plant products, such as : soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil. Animal products were developed, but as of 2010 none are on the market. Researchers developed a genetically-modified pig that was able to absorb plant phosphorus more efficiently, and as a result the

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