Genetically Engineered Foods: Are They Friend or Foe ?

Technology progresses so fast that sometimes people can't keep up with it . When there is a new advance in technology , people at first do not accept it . Because we need some time to adapt . Nowadays , there is a big question about Genetically Engineered Foods . Are they friend or foe ? An orange that contains all the nutrients in a multivitamin, a tomato with more flavor as well as cancer fighting substances, sweeter strawberries, a potato that produces healthier French fries, allergen-free peanuts, a rice high in beta-carotene as well as bananas that deliver needed vaccines sound impossible (Holmes) . But , by the advance in technology , scientists are producing these types of foods by using technical methods and process in the laboratories . Many scientists are very excited by this new technology . However , many people are afraid of this new technology and are calling these new genetically modified foods 'Frankenstein' foods or frankenfoods (Holmes) . Although these frankenfoods have lots of benefits , many people are doubtful because some vegetables and fruits contain a gene from a bacterium that make these crops more insect resistant . When we examine some of the consumer surveys, we can see that most people will eat genetically engineered foods, but there is also a considerable portion who totally object to eating them . Are they really dangerous or do we need some time to be adapted to this new technology ? Are these genetically modified foods everything they promise to be by their proponents? Or are they something to fear(Holmes) ?

While many scientists agree that the biotechnology is one of the genuine inventions , we also have to consider the bad sides effects and threats that this new technology possesses . If we can carefully examine the risks and benefits of genetically engineered foods , we can decide whether they are suitable for humanity or not . To understand that , first we have to examine what is food biotechnology . We have to understand how the old technology (cross-fertilization ) works and compare it with the new biotechnology . Then, we have to examine the benefits and risks and compare them .

When we look to a glossary for the definition of genetic engineering ( as we call the new biotechnology ) , we find that it means "Altering genetic (DNA) molecules outside an organism ( e.g. , by inserting into a DNA molecule a segment from a very different DNA molecule ) and making the resultant DNA molecules ( called "recombinant DNA" ) function in living things "(Glossary of the American Council on Science and Health) . A gene is responsible for a particular function or feature of an organism ( example: blonde hair , green eyes , immunity to some diseases, etc...) . Genetic engineers use recombinant DNA technology to take the genes from one organism and inject them into another. By using the genes of other organisms , we obtain new living things with new different characteristics . They can look better or contain more nutritients. Biotechnology uses plant science and genes to create new improved foods . Actually, biotechnology is not something totally new . It is just a different way of crossbreeding. Early farmers combined plants and created new varieties of canola , papaya , soybeans , corns , potatoes , tomatoes , etc.. by using crossbreeding technology . But because of

the increase in global food demand , necessity for improved crops also has risen .

In the old technology , farmers were using a back-crossing method to throw out the unwanted genes .In back-crossing technology , farmers were using traditional plant breeding techniques such as cross-fertilization (the fusion of male and female gametes from diffirent individuals of the same species ) of selected plants . But this old method takes ten to twelve years . However ,according to scientists , by using the new method , farmers obtain new crops faster and more accurately. The new technology also transfers only wanted genes instead of transferring thousands of unwanted ones .

First of all , the new technology has some benefits . According to scientists ,

biotechnology offers farmers a more precise way to accomplish these goals . By

using this new technology , not only growers , but also consumers will have some

benefits . Current benefits of biotechnology include :

* "disease resistance;

* reduced pesticide use;

* more nutritious composition of foods;

* herbicide tolerance;

* more rapid growth of crops; and,

* improvements in taste and quality." (IFIC)

Some of the products that have been enhanced through biotechnology are :

* "corn, soybeans and potatoes that require fewer applications of herbicides/pesticides;

* genetically enhanced soybeans that are lower in saturated fats, higher in oleic acid and offer better frying stability without further processing;

* virus-resistant papayas that make the crop more dependable;

* peppers improved to be tastier (sweeter) and remain firmer after harvest;

* rice that grows faster, is richer in protein, and can better tolerate drought and acidic soils; and,

* potatoes and corn that are disease-resistant and produce a higher

yield." (IFIC)

Every day , as the technology advances , we can see some new developments in the

field of genetic engineering . Scientists test new technologies before using them in the

market . So, there will be some new advance in the near future . Benefits that can be

expected in the near future include :

* "reducing levels of natural toxins in plants;

* providing simpler and faster methods to locate pathogens, toxins and contaminants; and,

* extending freshness." (IFIC)

Products we can expect to see further down the road include :

* "enhanced protein quality in corn and soybeans (increased levels of lysine and methionine); and,

* modification