Choose one of the following topics: 1. Genetically modified organisms - Research
ID: 3164435 • Letter: C
Question
Choose one of the following topics:
1. Genetically modified organisms - Research various agricultural products currently on the market which have been genetically modified. Pick one to investigate further addressing the following questions/issues: What specifically has been modified with the product? How long has it been on the market? How much of the total genome has been modified? In general, is this product safe? Is there any way to know if you are eating this product versus the "normal" version? Should consumers be told they are consuming a genetically modified product? What do you think personally about these types of products? Would your position change if you were a vegetarian or an organic gardener, or the owner of a major food chain? List at least one source from your research.
2. Transgenic Animals- Research various transgenic animals. Pick one to investigate further addressing the following questions/issues: What is a transgenic animal? Which method was used to insert the foreign DNA? For what purpose was this animal "created"? Has it been successful? Is it currently being used to help humans? Also consider such aspects as animal suffering and animal rights. What if the animal contained human genes and ended up being consumed for food? Will this affect the overall genome of this creature in the wild? List at least one source from your research.
3. Cloning - Research cloning. Consider the following: How is the procedure done? What's the difference between reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning? What are the pros? What are the cons? Should it be regulated? Are there currently clones in the market now? Would a clone of a dead relative or pet have the same personality? List at least one source from your research.
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Explanation / Answer
Please find the answer below:
Genetically modified organisms: BT-cotton remains a very well known example of genetically modified organisms in the market. The normal version of the cotton represents a species which is susceptible to infection from pests and hence shows lesser yield as compared to the genetically modified version. The genetically modified version of the BT cotton contains gene from bacteria Bacillus thurengiensis which prevents infection of the cotton plants and hence improve the total yield. This product has been present in the market for more than 4 decades now and is widely accepted across the globe due to its longer shelf life and high productivity. Interestingly, this product is not harmful to the fauna or flora contrary to the hypotheses of the masses who do not favour use of genetically modified organisms. This product is very safe for use and studies have shown that this genetica manipulation is highly stable in nature and thus chances of reversion of mutation or onset of harmful mutation in it are exceedingly low. Finally, it is not very likely that this genetically mofidifed version of the cotton might change the total genetic pool of the environmental species since the cotton yielding is a seasonal practise and the genome of the genetically modified version is very stable in nature.