Assignment:
Introduction to Biochemistry
Task 1
Go to your local grocery store and find four (4) foods that are created through genetic modification (genetic engineering). Briefly describe how the food was created and provide a picture of the food. Below are two examples (please do not use these examples).
Yukon Gold Potato
These potatoes were created by intentionally crossbreeding a North American white potato and a wild South American yellow-fleshed potato
Artic Apple
These apples were developed to have a non-browning trait. This trait is created through a process called gene silencing, which reduces the apple's natural production of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme thereby preventing the fruit from browning.
Discussion 1 (GMOs)
Article: 12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods
Video: Are GMOs Good or Bad? Genetic Engineering & Our Food
Play Video
Video: Are GMOs as Scary as They Seem?
During this week's lecture, we discussed how biochemistry makes significant contributions to the fields of agriculture (foods), fuel industry, and medicine. Read the article and watch the two short videos on GMOs. Did the article and videos cause you to change your opinion regarding GMOs? Do you agree or disagree with the points made in the article and videos? Do you believe GMO foods should be labeled in grocery stores? Do GMOs solve a problem (like starvation) or create a problem (unknown long-term effects)? Include your personal experience(s) (if you have any to share) related to this topic.
You should contribute one (1) comment (at least 300 words) to this week's discussion. In your post, you should provide a detailed explanation to support your views (include references, if needed). You may use the questions I asked above or discuss another aspect of the article and videos that caught your attention. Please DO NOT copy any of your classmate's comments or plagiarize (you will not receive credit for doing this).