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GM, refers to food that has been genetically modified. This term is used to refer to plants which have been created for either humans or else animals to consume. What is interesting is that these food items have been created using molecular biology techniques. That is, the plants are modified. They have been changed in the laboratories. The purpose of this is to ensure that certain traits of the plants are enhanced. Usually desired traits were enhanced through the process of breeding. Not only was this a slow process, it was often in danger of producing results that were not very accurate. When genetic engineering is used to enhance the traits of the plants, these changes are accomplished very quickly. What is more, there is less danger of not achieving the desired result.
The reactions to genetically modified foods have been varied. While some people welcome food items that have been modified to suit a particular need of humans, other people are worried about the long term effects of these modifications. People who are against genetically modified food believe that long term effects and potential hazards are being neglected in the race to create genetically modified food. Most people worry that genetically modified could pose a risk to the health of people, the environment and the economic situation of a nation.
When scientists attempt to change some aspects of nature, they are unable o produce a highly specific change. As a result of this animals and smaller creatures are in a state of confusion. For example, the monarch caterpillars eat milkweed plants. But people fear that if the pollen from a modified corn plant is blown on the milkweed plants, the caterpillars will consume the pollen and die. People are also afraid that pesticides will become less effective. Already it has been proved that some types of mosquitoes have developed a resistance. People are also worried about the effect of genetically modified food on the humans who consume them. Various studies have pointed out that people who fed on genetically modified food exhibit changes in their body structures. It is also believed that food that has been genetically modified can cause a variety of side effects in people. Most people who are against genetically modified food items also believe that using these kinds of plants and seeds will make all food very expensive. This will make it difficult for poor people and people from developing nations ever being able to avoid them. This, people believe, will merely increase the chasm between the rich and the poor.
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