Genetically Modified Organisms Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Genetically Modified Organisms - Research Paper Example This research focuses on a Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), which involve a form of technological advancement in the field of biotechnology.Moreover, this paper explores numerous aspects of genetically modified organisms in order to achieve the research objectives. In this case, this research paper will cover aspects such as historical background, political, legal and economical impact of the GMO. It will also discuss the social, psychological, environmental, moral and ethical implications of GMO to the society. Nevertheless, the main objective of this research paper, which is set by the thesis statement, is to conduct an exhaustive analysis of controversial foundation and application of genetically modified organisms, thereby evaluating its implications, influences, and potential risks and benefits to society’s culture, moral values, economic, and governance, the wildlife, and environment. I. What is GMO? According to Millis (2006), genetically modified organism refers t o the host species involved in DNA technology breeding; in fact, GMO is a species with which breeding cannot occur, but DNA of another species can be introduced into it to acquire a genetically modified organism. Therefore, it receives a small piece of DNA from the species donor, thereby forming a property, which is unattainable through conventional breeding. In fact, biotechnology has been used in production of crops and livestock with potentials of increasing productivity. (Magdoff & Tokar, 2009). Moreover, some crops are produced in a way that they do not need use of pesticides and herbicides for controlling pests and weed respectively. 1. Science that drove GMO Biotechnology is an infinite field with diverse technologies, which contributes to the medical sciences by facilitating development of preeminent resolution for human health problems. In this case, biotechnology has led to establishment of technique through which organisms are modified genetically; in fact, this is as one of its applications. Moreover, biotechnology has been applied in the field of food development, whereby new properties are introduced into the genes of animals and plants to increase their productivity and resistance to pests or diseases. 2. Applications of GMO a. Traditional breeding Conventionally, plant cross breeding involved selection of species with desired properties among the offspring. In fact, crossing was aimed at obtaining a fertile offspring. With introduction of biotechnology, a desire to cross species that could not be crossed led to recombinant DNA technology, which made it possible to introduce a piece of DNA from one species to other species referred to as the hosts. Therefore, through this procedure the host specie became the GMO (Millis, 2006). Moreover, conventional breeding involved plants and animal breeding, whereby species with desired quality were bred with others in order to obtain useful combinations. In this case, the offspring after the cross breeding would acquire desirable traits such as resistance to pests and diseases or increased productivity. b. Molecular biology Molecular biology refers to the study of organisms at molecular level of their structure; in fact, it is applied in exploration of cells in order to identify their attributes and chemical processes. Therefore, through molecular biology, information concerning biological processes of the cell can be obtained. Furthermore, molecular biology in plants involves genetic, genomic, cell biological and biochemical approaches that facilitate understanding organisms’