Genetically Modified Food (mmm, yummy)---Brittini

Using special enzymes, restriction enzymes, a gene that causes a desirable trait is located and extracted to be used in plants. This desirable gene is inserted and mixed into the DNA of the plant which causes it to exhibit the trait. An example of this would be a plant that resists pests, and in turn requires little to no pesticides (organic). The first plant to be genetically modified was a tomato. The gene that was added to it caused the fruit to ripen slower and therefore increased its lifespan. This modification of plants is controversial as some scientists say that it can cause harm to those who ingest it, however this has never been proven. It was also believed by some to be the solution to world hunger. These changes to plants later inspired the modification of animals. This had great results. For example, better milk, egg and meat yield. These foods were popular in the nineties because of the fads surrounding healthy lifestyles. The organic craze had begun and the sales of modified foods went through the roof.