Genetically Modified Foods

[Deleted]

I have an English debate on the resolution B.I.R.T genetically modified foods should be banned, and I have to debate the affirmative side, so I suppose I now have to hate genetically modified foods. Either way, I want to know other people's viewpoints on the topic: More efficient, or dangerous?

I personally haven't researched enough (yet) to make a thorough argument for either side, but I think that genetically modified foods could have some serious side-effects in the future. I think it could turn out down the road to be highly cancer-causing, or something to that extent. I really need to research; all I have are some half-crazed theories. =P

What are your thoughts?

[Tdyans]

Heh, I did a group project on genetically modified foods in one of my college science classes. I think we wrote about the possible pros and cons, risks and benefits, etc. but all I can really remember is that for our slide presentation I drew a giant evil monster ear of corn. ;D

I may still have the report somewhere on this computer, but I'm not sure. In any case, yes, I do suggest doing a lot more research on it. There are possible risks to consumers and the environment, but I don't recall cancer or anything like that being one of them.

[Patjade]

Genetic modification has really been around for a LONG time. Selectively growing a certain kind of fruit or vegetable for it's appearance or yield is a good example.

However, for your purposes, you should do some research. Some of the things I can see happening is:

1. The food you modify to resist certain pests may develop a toxicity to humans and beneficial animals.

2. Modified foods may cause genetic changes in the individual eating it.

3. Genetic foods may be MORE susceptible to contaminants, pests, or certain diseases. It may also alter such diseases to be hazardous to the consumer of that food.

There are some suggestions, now do the research.

As my person opinion, I think that there is too much attention given against modified food. In a world where some countries are literally starving to death, creating a rice or wheat plant that yields 5 times the grain per acre can only be better than starving.

And again, genetic manipulation/cultivating has been around since the first caveman planted certain seeds found around his cave to ensure a steadier food supply. Finding that cross-pollination of certain plants (types of corn, apple trees, etc.) yielded more abundant, larger, or better tasting results has resulted in almost ALL the food we eat, whether it be vegetables, or meat.

[mushroom]

One major concern is that modified foods are breeding with native varieties. As the modified plants aren't adapted to their environment, only to being cultivated, their wild offspring may be less capable of survival than a "pure" native plant is. So, the native plants, with the undesirable traits being added to the gene pool, may end up at a disadvantage and, possibly, decline. Also, the species feeding on the modified plants or their half-wild offspring may be being endangered right along with humans. And, lastly, if the modified plants *are* dangerous, it will be harder to eradicate traits that have spread to wild stock.

There are other ways to produce more food. For example, meat is a horrendous waste of resources; much more plant food than animal food can be grown on a given amount of land. I'm also under the impression that one major factor contributing to world hunger is that food is not being distributed efficiently.

One problem, although possibly just a fluke, has already become apparent: soybeans containing peanut genes trigger reactions in people allergic to peanuts.

I'm not against GM food. As Pat has mentioned, humans have been selecting crops for certain traits for years. However, they may create some problems, and there are alternative, and potentially better, solutions to some problems that they solve.

[Kat]

Playing with genetics can be beneficial for the organism, but then again, you never know what you're dealing with. It's like a game of chance.

There are always the pros...

1. Genetically modified foods can prove to be tastier and more nutritious.

2. Genetically modified foods can be bred with native, natural varieties, thus giving rise to a bigger, broader range of food available to man.

3. They can also be more resistant to diseases and damage.

But as with the pros there are also the cons:

1. Gene-modifying, or whatever they call it, may not come out the way you want them to.

2. The results could prove to be the opposite of what you'd expect.

3. You don't know what cards you're laying down when you modify the genes of an organism. You could be creating a nightmare in the laboratory that can bring cancer, or affect the person eating the stuff.

Yeah, I'm not against genetically modified foods, but I'm not quiet for them either. It's all a game of luck/chance...and you don't know what you'll end up with. I just hope they don't create killing machines though and start a new wave of terrorism.