Genetically Modified Food - Essay Example

Assignment DQ 2: Genetically modified food Genetically modified (GM) food has been at the center of academic debates regarding its advantages and disadvantages, and its effect on the environment. AdvantagesAs the world population is poised to double to 12 billion by 2050, GM food is widely expected to meet the challenges by : 1. Better pest-resistance, by reducing the requirement of insecticides and herbicides, thus increasing food yield naturally by reducing losses.2. Better adaptation to weather and soil conditions: At present crop yields are often lowered by cold weather, droughts, and salinity of the soil, but developing resistant GM varieties can increase production significantly. 3. Nutritional enhancement: In poorer third world countries as food from conventional sources is often scarce or lead to dietary deficiency, malnutrition is common.

Newer GM crops can enhance protein and nutrient availability, and even combat deficiencies e.g. the Swiss Golden rice unusually rich in Vitamin A. (Rice Biotechnology, 1999). Edible vaccines are being developed worldwide in tomatoes and potatoes.DisadvantagesA few disadvantages that have been pointed out include : 1. Unpredictable changes to ecosystems, including harm to some species: A debated study showed increased death rates for monarch butterflies with GM corn, and scientists have expressed concerns that genes can be transferred between species unintentionally to promote widespread resistance to herbicides which may make the original problem worse.2. Unintended health effects on humans: Although there is no firm evidence, it has been postulated that GM crops may make allergy and intestinal disorders commoner.

Environmental Advantage