Some people think that genetically modified (GM) crops are a positive development. Others, however, argue that they are potentially dangerous. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

GM

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food

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products have been at the centre of a global debate for several years, with claims about their effects ranging from the eradication of world hunger to the total destruction of wildlife habitats and ecosystems.

This

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essay aims to balance those arguments and concludes that more research needs to be done so that we can either reap the benefits of

GM

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crops

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or prevent irreparable damage. Some people claim that the genetic engineering of

food

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products brings many advantages.

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, they argue that

food

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production can be massively increased by making

crops

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more resistant to pests.

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Secondly

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,Secondly

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they believe that

food

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can actually be improved by adding vitamins or removing problem genes that lead to allergies,

for example

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in peanuts. Fruit and vegetables can

also

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last

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much longer if the gene that ripens them is modified.

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means that they can be stored for much longer periods and so there will be less waste.

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, people who oppose the widespread use of

GM

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techniques worry that there could be long-term negative effects. They are concerned that, so far, the

GM

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industry has not been able to prove that they are safe. The issue is not only how safe

such

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foods are for humans, but

also

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what long-term effects they may have on the environment and wildlife populations.

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, there is some evidence to suggest that

GM

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crops

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may contaminate nearby plants. In conclusion, I personally tend to agree with these concerns. I think that while there may be obvious benefits to

GM

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crops

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, overall they present more potential dangers. Their impact could be so large and so irreversible that more long-term studies should be carried out before their use spreads any

further

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.