miércoles, 21 de diciembre de 2011

The creation of genetically modified animals the altering of an animal?s genetic codes to make sure that it displays only the expected characteristics and do not possess any undesirable qualities. This is done by the addition of genes from other species, the deletion of undesirable genes or modifying the existing genes to bring certain traits forward. Though chimeras and cross breeds have been pretty much a staple in science fiction novels, nowadays, it is a wide known fact. The popular techniques to create genetically modified animals include pro-nuclear micro-injection, embryonic stem-cell manipulation and nuclear transfer. Genetically modified animals such as rabbits, cows, goats, pigs, rats, mice and cats are created with these techniques to arm them to serve their expected purposes.A study has reveled that in certain strains of genetically modified corn such as MON 810 and MON 863 which are genetically modified corn strains that are resistant to pests and is fortified to withstand weed killer has disrupted the chemistry of the blood of rats that were fed with these strains of genetically modified corn. Other negative symptoms also have been associated with the rats that were fed with genetically modified corn and certain types of maize, for instance, unusual amounts of hormones were found in the blood and urine samples of the rats under the experiments, scientists are thus suggesting such abnormal amounts of hormones may impair kidney and liver function in the long run by consuming genetically modified corn and maize. The female rats that were fed with the genetically modified corn strain of MON 863 had a higher blood sugar levels and raised level of cholesterol known as triglycerides, and both of these symptoms are precursors to diabetes and heart disease.Though there is still no veritable proof of the toxicity associated with genetically modified corn and its produce, the findings of the experiments do prove that they do have some effect and changes in the overall functions of the bodies of the rats who were apart of the experiments, thus researchers are implying that the same effects are a possibility in humans as well and as well .Apart from aiding the development of the medical sciences genetically modified animals are also taking the food and farming industry by storm. For instance, cows can be enhanced to produce more milk, pigs to create leaner bacon and sheep that are able to produce larger quantities of wool. These genetic modifying techniques can also be used effectively to create animals that are resilient to certain diseases that can pass on to humans.

Such studies have reinforced the theory that the benefits of organic food are not a mere perception and it is in fact far superior to conventional food that depends on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The fact being that non organic food are more susceptible to be contaminated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides and more sustainabl e methods are overall better for ones health as well as for the environment. There again there is another school of thought that says that organic foods are harmful and the benefits of organic food do not outweigh conventional food stuff and is unsuitable for consumption as they do not use strong fertilizer and pesticides which could result in a possibility that the food could be contaminated with harmful bacteria and parasites, despite the debate by both parties any strong or harmful impact on the health is unfounded. However the benefits of organic food is widely gaining ground and many consumers believe that organic foods have the ability to promote good health due to the lack of chemical additives and that the flavor of the food is far superior to non organic food, and definitely the more eco friendly option.

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