Outline

Thesis statement: Even though genetically engineered crops have some unintended harm to human health in the long term, I still strongly claim that GM crops should be encouraged to be researched and produced

1. A brief introduction of GMO

A. the definition of GMO

A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

B. the history of GMO

The possibility of adding new genetic material into an organism's genome first succeed through the discovery of DNA and the creation of the first recombinant bacteria in 1973.

In 1986, field tests of bacteria genetically engineered to protect plants from frost damage (ice-minus bacteria) at a small biotechnology company called Advanced Genetic Sciences of Oakland, California, were repeatedly delayed by opponents of biotechnology.

In the same year, a proposed field test of a microbe genetically engineered for a pest resistance protein by Monsanto Company was dropped.

2. Opinions of the GM crops

A. Scientists tend to against GM crops because there exist some potential threatens to people.

B. Scientists and farmers in developing countries can get benefit from GM crops, so they support the production of GM crops.

3. Environment friendly

GM crop is an environment friendly product which can eliminate the application of chemical pesticides, and decrease the emissions of greenhouse gas.

A. corn and cotton

Have the ability to protect themselves against specifically targeted pests, farmers use less amount of pesticides to control the pests.

B. Insecticide sweet corn

Scientists have genetically modified sweet corn so that it produces a poison which kills harmful insects. This means the farmer no longer needs to fight insects with insecticides. The genetically modified corn is called Bt-corn, because the insect-killing gene in the plant comes from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis

Advantages:

• The farmer no longer has to use insecticide to kill insects, so the surrounding environment is no longer exposed to large amounts of harmful insecticide.
• The farmer no longer needs to walk around with a drum of toxic spray wearing a mask and protective clothing.

4. Economical

GM crop can improve the quantity of life for farmers in developing countries.

A. developing country

Small and large-scale family farms worldwide that use the technology are benefiting by deriving extra farm income.

5. Better quality foods

GMO technology can make a single food contain more nutrition to prevent malnutrition.

Rice with built-in Vitamin A can help prevent blindness in 100 million children suffering from Vitamin A deficiency.

Golden rice
Golden rice is genetically modified rice that now contains a large amount of A-vitamins. Or more correctly, the rice contains the element beta-carotene which is converted in the body into Vitamin-A. So when you eat golden rice, you get more vitamin A.

Beta-carotene gives carrots their orange colour and is the reason why genetically modified rice is golden. For the golden rice to make beta-carotene three new genes are implanted: two from daffodils and the third from a bacterium.

Advantages:

• The rice can be considered a particular advantage to poor people in underdeveloped countries. They eat only an extremely limited diet lacking in the essential bodily vitamins. The consequences of this restricted diet causes many people to die or become blind. This is particularly true in areas of Asia, where most of the population live on rice from morning to evening.

6. Long-lasting tomatoes
Long-lasting, genetically modified tomatoes came on to the market in 1994 and were the first genetically modified food available to consumers. The genetically modified tomato produces less of the substance that causes tomatoes to rot, so remains firm and fresh for a long time.

• Advantages: Because the GM tomatoes can remain fresh longer they can be allowed to ripen in the sun before picking - resulting in a better tasting tomato.
• GM tomatoes can tolerate a lengthier transport time. This means that market gardens can avoid picking tomatoes while they are green in order that they will tolerate the transport.

The producers also have the advantage that all the tomatoes can be harvested simultaneously.