The Controversy Over Genetically Modified Organisms

A genetically modified organism, GMO, has been altered by genetic engineering techniques. GMOs are widely used by scientists in many different ways to include the production of food and in research.8 Zebrafish genetically modified to be a fluorescent bright red, green and orange have been available for purchase as pets in 49 states in the United States since 2003.8 However, these patented GloFish are banned in California. The California Fish and Game Commission decided the fish were the result of a â€Å"trivial use for a powerful technology.†7 The Commission’s belief that the fish should not have been created led to a law making the GloFish illegal. Originally GloFish were developed by scientists in Singapore to be living pollution sensors as they would only glow when in the presence of pollutants.7 The Commission’s ban on GloFish highlights the controversy over genetically modified organisms and how public opinion can be swayed by the beliefs of others whether those beliefs are based on science or not. This paper will focus first on what genetic modification means and then will look at the pros and cons of genetically modified foods. Finally, the author’s opinion of the issue of GMO food will conclude the paper. Wikipedia defines genetic modification as the â€Å"mutation, insertion or deletion of genes.† Consider that for over 14,000 years, humans have been using the practice of selective breeding by where only those organisms with desirable traits are used to breed theShow MoreRelatedEthical Dilemmas Associated With Gmo, And My Personal Viewpoint1224 Words   |  5 PagesFor thousands of years, genetically modification microorganism has affected many of the products humans eat every day. It began with the tameness of animals. As humans grew into an agricultural company, they start breeding different strains of plants looking to receive the best possible plants for sustenance for people. But as a scientific und erstanding of breeding and technology grew their methods of altering plants and animals changed. 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