Investigation Essay Sample: Genetically Modified Foods
Have you ever wondered what foods go in your body? Scientist’s often take the genes for a desired trait in a plant or animal and insert that particular gene into the other plant or animal. Genetically Modified (GM) foods have been created in the hands of human beings. There are many risks and benefits to GM foods. One benefit is Scientists are able to make GM food more nutritious. Two risks are a main risk taken with GM foods is "they say changes to a plant's durability can cause superweeds that kill crops...altering nutrition values", as well as GM foods can be detrimental from the chemicals used. Well, tune in on my investigation as we discover more about Genetically Modified (GM) foods.
First of all, Scientists are able to make GM food more nutritious. The text explains, "For example, Gold Rice is infused with Vitamin A in hopes of saving the lives of children suffering from Vitamin A deficiencies." (1st Passage, Paragraph 3) With research done, Vitamin A deficiencies can have results such as night blindness which causes you to have trouble seeing in low light. Or even Xerophthalmia, which can cause your eyes to be very dry or crusted. This is very important for children and adults because without getting all the vitamin A necessary, there can be many complications to their body. With everything stated, there are many benefits as to why GM foods are good, but there are also many consequences.
On the other hand, A main risk taken with GM foods is "they say changes to a plant's durability can cause superweeds that kills crops...altering nutrition values." The text mentions, "altering nutrition values can cause health problems to those who consume the food." (1st Passage, Paragraph 4) Without all nutritional values in play, people will lack nutrients, vital for the body, which can cause serious problems. Such as nutritional deficiency, when the body doesn't absorb or get from food, the necessary amount of a nutrient. Which leads to health problems like digestion issues. With everything brought out so far, not only the health of people can be affected, but the plant’s nutrition values as well.
Finally, GM foods can be detrimental from the chemicals used. The text informs the readers, "Scientists are altering plants and animals... with no regards to the effects we might see in twenty, thirty, or even seventy years from now." (2nd Passage, Paragraph 2) The text conveys, "Back in the 1940s, people around the world started using a miracle insecticide called DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)." (2nd Passage, Paragraph 1) Which eliminates every insect. Which in the process reduced insects such as butterflies or bees which pollinate crops. Clearly, as a result of the information provided, GM foods are very detrimental, which can cause worldwide problems such as insect reduction to butterflies and bees, which provides pollination to plants/crops.
Now that my investigation has been proven. With all the information based on GM foods. There is still so much more to learn and explore. Some things to keep in mind are there many strengths and weaknesses about GM foods. So the next time you are at the dinner table, would you keep this discussion in mind?
