Update 1

GMO- Genetically Modified Organism

Difference between GM and non-GM tomatoes
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Genetically modified organisms is primarily a fancy term referring to living things that obtain traits that are artificially selected and hence does not occur naturally. Previously in the past scientist particularly, use the method artificial selection, which is basically selecting the parents of the offspring, hoping that the desired traits would be passed on, but however this method is unpredictable and chances of success is not very high. So instead of doing this, scientists nowadays genetically modify organisms by inserting new genes into another possibly unrelated species. This process indeed brought us a lot of benefit, but however also drawback, which arouses multitude issues too.

Non-GM and GM Corn
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As have been stated above, there are a variety of advantages through the application genetic modification. One of the most popular usage is in crop farming and livestock production, hence is in both plants and animals. In fact, GMO is so common that 50% of crops consumed in the United States are genetically altered. Currently this is a very common practice as it greatly increases the production rate by introducing genes that contributes to insect resistance and also herbicide tolerance. Furthermore, drugs could be induced in it, hence capable of curing diseases in some cases benefitting mankind medically. It is also capable of amplifying nutrient content in the product (both livestock and crops) and could also make plants resistant to environmental problems such as drought or cold weather. As for genetic modification in animals it could help strengthen immune system making the less likely to fall ill. It is also capable of increasing milk, meat and animal based product. Another less common application is to regain once extinct species by combining the genes of two different species and for research purpose solely.

However, with all these benefit there are also some drawbacks of GMO. One example is that there may be side effects to the organism itself because inserting new genes may not only affect the specific trait but also may effect its growth, metabolism and other factors. Plant growth may be uncontrollable due to this gene and this could obviously harm the surrounding environment. These complications often occur in organisms that are introduced to genes from totally unrelated species. Not only is it capable of causing an imbalance ecosystem, it could also affect human’s health detrimentally since we often consume these GMO. In the future, scientist could possibly prevent these side effects and also study on the long-term effect it poses to human when it is consumed.

Glow In The Dark GMO Pigs
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In addition, this method of improving livestock also contradicts many different socio-ethical beliefs and conceptions. The main concern is regarding animal welfare. Tampering with human gene is ethically incorrect but why is it that tampering with animal genes is not even though they are living things like us? This technology exploits animal to benefit us and in some cases even inflict pain or discomfort towards them making it a strong argument for those against this. For example modern pigs are genetically engineered to grow fast and so their heart size could not cope with it, making strenuous physical activities for pigs to be difficult. Furthermore, GMO is also said to cause health problems hence undeniably a social issue.  Lastly, religious issue is also another problem especially in religion wherein consumption of certain animals is not allowed. Phenotype-wise, it may seem to be one organism but if it is genetically modified then it may contain genes of the restricted organism. This process could also be defined as ‘tampering with god’s creation’ in some religion, making it religiously undesirable.

How Does Genetically Modified Plants Improve Herbicide Tolerance Using Roundup Ready Method?

What is Roundup Ready?

Original Paragraphs:

Roundup Ready crops are crops genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup. Roundup is the brand-name of a herbicide produced by Monsanto. Its active ingredient glyphosate was patented in the 1970s. Roundup is widely used by both people in their backyards and farmers in their fields. Roundup Ready plants are resistant to Roundup, so farmers that plant these seeds must use Roundup to keep other weeds from growing in their fields.

The first Roundup Ready crops were developed in 1996, with the introduction of genetically modified soybeans that are resistant to Roundup. These crops were developed to help farmers control weeds. Because the new crops are resistant to Roundup, the herbicide can be used in the fields to eliminate unwanted foliage. Current Roundup Ready crops include soy, corn, canola, alfalfa, cotton, and sorghum, with wheat under development.

 Key Points:

•  Roundup is a herbicide brand produced by Monsanto containing the active ingredient of glyphosate.
• Roundup ready is a term utilised to describe crops that are genetically altered to be resistant to this particular herbicide.
• These crops are used to benefit farmers because they can easily eradicate unwanted weed or foliage.
• Examples of roundup ready crop: soybean, corn, canola, alfalfa, cotton and sorghum

Paraphrasing:

Roundup Herbicide
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The phrase roundup ready originally derives from the herbicide product called Roundup by Monsanto, which contains the active ingredient called glyphosate. It basically describe crops that are genetically engineered to be resistant to that particular herbicide. This would obviously benefit the community particularly farmers who does agriculture for a living since they can now easily eradicate unwanted weed and plants. With this technology, growth rate of the particular plant would escalate because it would have all the nutrients from the soil to themselves, sunlight and water would also another factor. Meaning that the farmer could also obtain a more successful harvest. In 1996, the very first type of roundup ready crops is created and it is soybean. From then on, this method began to develop and today there are multitude types of genetically modified roundup ready crops available in market such as soy, corn, alfalfa, cotton and sorghum.

Bibliography:

BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/using/biotechnology_1.shtml>.

"Transgenic Plants." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014. <http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/t/transgenic_plants.htm>.

"The Rise of Genetically Modified Crops, in Two Charts." Washington Post. The Washington Post, n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/05/01/the-rise-of-genetically-modified-crops-in-two-charts/>.

Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732>.

Diaz, Julia M. "GMOs in Medicine and Research." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/897705/genetically-modified-organism-GMO/279978/GMOs-in-medicine-and-research>.

"Genetically Modified Animals." EFSA Topic:. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2014. <http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/gmanimals.htm>.

"Roundup Ready Crops." The Roundup Ready Controversy. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014. <http://web.mit.edu/demoscience/Monsanto/about.html>.