Genetically Modified Foods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Genetically Modified Foods - Essay Example And the many varieties of apples we eat today were produced through genetic modification. Traditional genetic modification methods, such as cross-fertilization can produce a desired trait, such as a sturdier plant. Using these methods, scientists mix thousands of genes from several plants to weed out the unwanted traits by multiple attempts at cross-breeding and selective breeding. Modern methods of genetic modification like genetic engineering are more precise, predictable and instant. By controlling the insertion of one or two genes into a plant, scientists can give it a specific new characteristic without transferring undesirable traits. GE is a revolutionary new and fast growing technology. This technology involves randomly inserting together the genes of non-related species, utilizing viruses, antibiotic-resistant genes, and bacteria as vectors, markers, and promoters and permanently altering their genetic codes and creating gene-altered organisms that pass these genetic changes onto their offspring through heredity. In some cases chemical additives manufactured by genetically engineered bacteria may also be classified as genetically engineered foods. ... Fortifying foods with minerals and vitamins helps prevent sickness and keeps the body functioning well. Also, genetically engineered foods can help to introduce improvements in research for other foods as well as help incorporate new ideas for food into production programs. Sometimes genetically engineered foods may prove to be a more economical option and may help in the financial problems particularly in poorer nations, but have ecological consequences. Although most genetically engineered foods are safe, some may not be. Most consumers consider these foods as those with added substances which are most often proteins. This is because genes are "translated" into proteins by cells. Just as with conventional food additives, substances added to foods via genetic engineering may in some instances prove hazardous. The main health with protein additives in genetic engineered foods is that they may cause susceptible individuals to become allergic to foods they could consume safely otherwise. Food allergies are a serious public health concern as allergic reactions can cause discomfort and in some cases fatal anaphylactic shocks. Since virtually all known food allergens are proteins, foods with new proteins added via genetic engineering could sometimes become allergenic. Unfortunately, food related allergies are poorly understood and often scientists fail to test the potential allergenicity of genetically engineered foods. Genetically engineered products clearly have the ability to have toxic effects on human health. In 1989 a genetically engineered brand of L-tryptophan, a common dietary supplement, killed 37 Americans and permanently disabled or afflicted more than 5,000 others with a

Morality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Morality - Essay Example The word Morality carries the concept of: moral standards, with respect to behavior; moral responsibility, referring to one’s own conscience; and a moral identity, that is one who can differentiate between his right and wrong actions. Morality defines the boundaries that have been set forth in our society and following them can only lead to harmony and respect within the society. It’s one of the core founding pillars of a sophisticated society as it not only characterizes what is right and wrong but also instills a sense of guilt within individuals. This makes sure that no matter how badly one wants to commit that action, morality takes over and stops one from doing that bad or unfavorable deed. For example, if a pharmaceutical company has decided not to withdraw a medicine from the market that causes severe side effects just because they will endure huge losses if they do so, it can clearly be stated as unethical. As playing with the lives of thousands of innocent peop le is not justified it is thus established as being an immoral act in society. Ethics, also termed as moral philosophy, is a prominent branch of philosophy that caters to questions about morality and its concepts, such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime, etc. Ethics can be broadly divided into three categories namely: Meta ethics, Normative ethics and Applied ethics. Meta ethics inquires about the roots of our ethical principles and how they came into being in our society. It usually deals with questions related to the role of reason in ethical judgment, the will of God and the issues of universal truths. Normative ethics on the other side takes a more practical task in determining the moral standards that set apart the right from the wrong. This often includes pursuing good habits in general, following duties that are considered favorable and the consequences that others might face because of one’s actions. Lastly, Applied ethics simply inv olves examining specific controversial issues, such as abortion, animal rights, environmental protection, homosexuality, capital punishment and chemical or nuclear wars. Although this branch looks quite simple but it has the highest opposition since opinions differ from person to person. For example, If a country starts discriminating against the immigrants of another country on the basis of race or religion than it is highly unethical of them in this developed world. Since the immigrants hold their rights to live freely there, basing differences on religion or on one’s race is prohibited in the civilized world. It is very important to know that reason is not the root for every answer. Although being rational and reasonable might help to achieve understanding of a certain situation but every situation at hand demands a different perspective. People argue that every right thing can be determined through reason, nevertheless that is not the case. It is futile to reason against something that is already established as a norm unless there is ample evidence that a change is needed. There are a lot of wrong things that need no reason, for instance hurting a human being or animal, using harmful means to acquire money or disrespecting elders. Likewise, there are uncountable right things that need no reason to perform, for instance loving and caring for ones parents, treating others respectfully, caring for human lives, living a healthy life and the