Name: Christian Loyd Arupe Date Submitted: 10/26/2022

Clydisdelle Miramontes
Desiree Magalso

BIOTECHNOLOGY TOPIC 4
APPLICATION OF GENETIC ENGINEERING IN FOOD
Links Used:
1. https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/applications-of-food-
biotechnology-2157-7625-1000215.php?aid=81688
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ2TF8-PGQ4
Answer the following questions:

A. What is the main concern raised on the links above?

Both links discussed one of the greatest problems the world is facing today
and that is getting quality produced crops that can withstand flooding, pests, and
diseases. Over the years, growing quality crops have been a mystery to many
especially in the agricultural sector. According to a study done, about 30% of
people living in developing countries suffer from protein-energy malnutrition
(PEM), a condition that imparts a heightened risk for diseases and slow or retarded
development. With these problems, farmers and scientists look for ways and
solution to combat these ever-growing problems in the world. Instead of looking to
doctors for the cure, plant breeders dug to the root of the problem and proposed a
solution: genetic engineering.

As per Pamela Ronald, the speaker in the video, said that though many
believe that there is something sinister about genetic engineering it is not true. To
define, genetic engineering is the process by which geneticists shift, delete, add,
or rotate genes—the part of an organism’s DNA that determines its
characteristics—to change the genetic makeup of an organism to produce a
transformation that results in a positive outcome. Specifically, plant breeders often
seek to produce in plants a resistance to pests, a more succulent taste, larger or
more nutritious fruit, and resistance to disease. This process results in organisms
commonly referred to as “genetically modified” or “genetically engineered.” Though
some may question its credibility and importance, the evidence presented by
Pamela Ronald showed that it is possible, safe, and most importantly healthy.
 B. Do you agree on the application of genetic engineering on food?
We all firmly believe that genetic engineering should be used on food
because it produces the desired traits that are required for food. Increased
nutritional value, improved flavor, a longer shelf life, cheaper prices, increased pest
resistance, the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, and herbicide
resistance are some advantages of genetically engineered foods. Although there
are some issues or worries about the use of genetic engineering on food, we think
the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Food that has been genetically
modified may help us improve our way of life because it is more affordable,
provides a sufficient supply of food, and contains vitamins and nutrients that our
bodies require.

References

▪ Gwinn M. 2019. The idea of an essay the idea of an essay volume 6 dads, the
humanities, and the electoral college article 15. Cedarville.edu. [accessed 2022
Oct 26].
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1168&context=i
dea_of_an_essay.
▪ Haroon F, Ghazanfar M. 2016. Applications of food biotechnology. J ecosyst
ecogr. 06(04):1–4. doi:10.4172/2157-7625.1000215. [accessed 2022 Oct 26].
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/applications-of-food-biotechnology-
2157-7625-1000215.php?aid=81688.
▪ Ronald PC. 2014. Lab to farm: applying research on plant genetics and
genomics to crop improvement. PLoS Biol. 12(6):e1001878.
doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1001878.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001878.
▪ Shimona K. 2017 Jul 22. Essay on Plant Breeding: Top 12 essays. Botany
Library. [accessed 2022 Oct 26]. https://www.botanylibrary.com/essay/plant-
breeding/essay-on-plant-breeding-top-12-essays-branches-botany-2/13921.
▪ TED. 2015 May 4. Pamela Ronald: The case for engineering our food. [accessed
2022 Oct 26]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ2TF8-PGQ4.