The creation of genetically modified animals the altering of an animal?s genetic codes to make sure that it displays only the expected characteristics and do not possess any undesirable qualities. This is done by the addition of genes from other species, the deletion of undesirable genes or modifying the existing genes to bring certain traits forward. Though chimeras and cross breeds have been pretty much a staple in science fiction novels, nowadays, it is a wide known fact. The popular techniques to create genetically modified animals include pro-nuclear micro-injection, embryonic stem-cell manipulation and nuclear transfer. Genetically modified animals such as rabbits, cows, goats, pigs, rats, mice and cats are created with these techniques to arm them to serve their expected purposes.A study has reveled that in certain strains of genetically modified corn such as MON 810 and MON 863 which are genetically modified corn strains that are resistant to pests and is fortified to withstand weed killer has disrupted the chemistry of the blood of rats that were fed with these strains of genetically modified corn. Other negative symptoms also have been associated with the rats that were fed with genetically modified corn and certain types of maize, for instance, unusual amounts of hormones were found in the blood and urine samples of the rats under the experiments, scientists are thus suggesting such abnormal amounts of hormones may impair kidney and liver function in the long run by consuming genetically modified corn and maize. The female rats that were fed with the genetically modified corn strain of MON 863 had a higher blood sugar levels and raised level of cholesterol known as triglycerides, and both of these symptoms are precursors to diabetes and heart disease.Though there is still no veritable proof of the toxicity associated with genetically modified corn and its produce, the findings of the experiments do prove that they do have some effect and changes in the overall functions of the bodies of the rats who were apart of the experiments, thus researchers are implying that the same effects are a possibility in humans as well and in many cases .Apart from aiding the development of the medical sciences genetically modified animals are also taking the food and farming industry by storm. For instance, cows can be enhanced to produce more milk, pigs to create leaner bacon and sheep that are able to produce larger quantities of wool. These genetic modifying techniques can also be used effectively to create animals that are resilient to certain diseases that can pass on to humans.
In May 2009, Germany has officially banned genetically engineered food from their country but most other countries continue their use. In the USA, it is more of an individual preference whether they are going to consume genetically engineered food or natural food and it has been made official that all GMO food are to be labeled with th eir ingredients and their genetic status while non-GMO foods are not to contain any enhanced components. However, with the increasing population and slow reduction of farming land, GMOs may just be our only hope to keep our generation as well as the future generations from imminent starvation.
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