Genetically Modified Crops: Are They Helpful or Hurtful? By Alec Varani

Introduction

Genetically modified crops are “foods whose genetic makeup has been altered in a way that does occur spontaneously” Genetic modification has no true answer as to if it should be implemented more frequently or not Pros: Better production, possibility of better health benefits, and better food security Cons: Health hazards towards both the environment and humans

Research Questions

What are people’s general knowledge towards genetically modified crops? What are people’s general attitude towards genetically modified crops? What are the benefits of using genetically modified crops? What are the drawbacks of using genetically modified crops?

Methodology

Interview: The interview was created using Google forms Interview: The interview was created using Google forms. The survey was then emailed to my science,environmental, and sustainability teacher, Professor Gilland Survey: The survey was created using Google forms as well. The survey was then distributed via the Stout class of 2020 Facebook page. The answers given were saved and recorded by Google forms

Findings

When asked about general knowledge of GM crops, 39 When asked about general knowledge of GM crops, 39.1 percent of students answered with a 2 out of 5. Only 17.5 percent answered with a four or above. When asked which crop was the most genetically modified, a majority of students answered corn and soybeans. When asked about opinions on GM crops, 76 percent of students claimed that they have little to no concern for them while 24 percent had a problem with them. When asked about the benefits of GM crops, Professor Gilland stated that they allow increases in production, better resistance to pests and disease and even better nutritional content. When asked about the drawbacks of GM crops, Professor GIlland stated that there is a potential for these modified genes to be transferred into wild plants such as weeds ( Example:Superweeds)

Conclusion

Few people are well informed about GM crops Overall, a majority of students agree that GM crops are safe to use and consume Benefits include increased productivity and better nutrition Drawbacks include cross breeding of enhanced traits into wild life plants such as weeds (Superweeds) and health hazards

Work Cited

-Dizon, Francis, et al. "Genetically Modified (GM) Foods And Ethical Eating." Journal Of Food Science 81.2 (2016): R287-R291. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Feb. 2017. -Gilland, Keith. Interview. Email. Alec Varani, 20 Feb. 2017 -Varani, Alec.”Genetically Modified Crops Survey.” UW Stout, 2017. Web. -Wang, Karen. "Should We Promote The Widespread Consumption Of Biotech Foods?." Young Scientists Journal 5.12 (2012): 77-79. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17