Golden Rice Essay

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Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts and has always been skyrocketing in terms of results since the last century. In terms of biotechnology, it has become common to hear about the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms (GMO). Furthermore, this issue causes a great controversy amongst different countries and organisations. A genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using diverse genetic engineering techniques. This modification of DNA is then introduced into an organism where it displays its unique traits. The product is also known as an Genetically Engineered Organism or GEO. Moreover, several countries already banned the use of genetically modified crops on their territories, but the government of Zaire is assessing the possibility of allowing Golden Rice to be cultivated in this country. In fact, Golden Rice is a certain variety of rice produced through genetic engineering and genetically designed to produce beta-carotene which is a precursor of Vitamin A. Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) is a growing issue in Africa that can lead to corneal degeneration, blindness and ultimately death. Golden Rice can bring many advantages to the country of Zaire and its population but the environmental activists believe otherwise. First of all, it is important to be aware of the arguments the environmental activists support concerning the cultivation of the Golden Rice in the country of Zaire. One of the biggest environmental organization, Greenpeace International, questionned the efficiency of the genetical engineering process as golden rice did not have sufficent vitamin A. In fact, focusing on the main issue which is the vitamin A dificiency, many anti-GMO activists have come up with counter solutions to solve this problem. For instance, several groups have

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