Open Question: Will you read my essay on genetically engineered foods and cloning?
Is there anything I can improve on?
Genetic engineering is one of the most controversial subjects in science today. Cloning of organisms and genetically modified crops and foods can be linked to two of the most popular subjects. Cloning has been a strongly debated topic for many years. A clone is a genetic replica of an organism. Dolly the sheep, who was the first higher intelligence animal to be cloned from an adult, created a spark in the media which drew attention to the moral and ethical dangers of genetic engineering. Genetically modified foods have been altered through DNA modification which increases ideal characteristics in food products. Improving biotechnology will lead to bigger discoveries about genetics and cloning.
Cloning has been going on naturally for many, many years. For example, a gardener has planted an apple tree. The gardener then takes a branch off of that apple tree and plants another tree. If the gardener continues this process, all of the apples that have fallen off those trees will be clones of the first tree?s apples. Have you even noticed how most apples look the same in a grocery store? Well, that is because they are all clones. Although, sometimes mutation occurs, this can alter the cloning process. This ?apple theory? was introduced by scientific writer Daniel Cohen.
While, natural cloning occurs in the environment, many people are against the idea of cloning organisms for scientific reasons. One fear of cloning is malformed offspring. Many scientists agree that cloning is dangerous because the outcome is unknown. A clone of a human or animal may end up without a vital function like a heart or kidney so is it morally right to subject them to experiments with unknown results? Another disadvantage to cloning is the cost, cloning is a very expensive process. Cloned animals also tend to have a shorter lifespan then naturally born animals. There are also other scientists who believe that researching in the unknown will provide great profits to numerous people. Several genetic engineers argue that cloning will provide vital organs from animals inserted with an extra human gene to humans needing various organs. Scientists who study in labs with animals say they could get more accurate research results with cloning.
Genetically modified foods are altered unnaturally. Genetic engineering allows specific genes to be inserted into different plants and animals. This can produce for a better crop with additional nourishment and improved flavor. Certain genes can be inserted into plants which allow less soil, water, and energy to be used in the planting process. This not only benefits producers, but it also benefits consumers. Various people argue that genetically modified foods would secure food amounts around the world because genetically modified foods grow faster. As with cloning, the disadvantages of genetically engineered foods are based on safety and ethics. Many people are afraid to venture into the unfamiliar.
There are many states, like California, that prohibit reproductive cloning, but permit cloning for research. In the United States, the food and drug administration has the power to permit or prohibit any research involving human cloning. The federal and state governments in the United States control the authority to outlaw or permit genetically modified foods or cloning.
The National Human Genome Research Institute examines genome in hopes of finding cures for specific diseases and to improve life through genetic studies. Crop Choice organization provides American farmers and consumers information about genetically engineered crops and products. Cloning is not only a political issue, but it is also a social and moral issue. Cloning and genetically modified foods may not be typical yet, but in the years to come it is certain that they will gain popularity and media attention because of advances in biotechnology and knowledge.

Mon, 11 May 2009 20:38:22 GMT

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