Genetically Engineered Foods

I recently read my colleague Jake Madsen's essay on genetically engineered foods, and I found it to be very interesting. Genetically engineered foods are plants (for example an apple) that have scientifically altered genes. Scientists alter the genes to get the disired result, from something as simple as changing the color of the apple to the affecting the way the tree itself grows. The main way genetically engineered foods are used are to create higher yields, such as making the apple tree more resistent to climate or to grow quicker. This could progress far enough to a point where apple orchards could be planted in Alaska.

The topic itself is relevant to my APES class, because a previous chapter we talked about agriculture and there was a discussion about the use of genetically engineered foods. My environmental science class discussed genetic engineering a lot in our agriculture unit. The thing that kind of surprised me was that Jake was REALLY against genetic engineering in foods in his essay. Basically the entire essay is about why we shouldn't do it and then he cites a bunch of sources and stories of what can go wrong when you mess with nature. (like cows giving birth to sacks of water, EW.) But in class, my APES teacher Mr. Young didn't seem too concerned with genetic engineering. The idea is seen as a good thing because when you engineer foods to grow quicker and more plentiful, which means you can feed more people. I think at one point we actually watched a documentary where the extra food was shown being given to starving children. APES remains neutral on genetic engineering, both sides of the argument of whether or not its safe are discussed. We even wrote a FRQ (fact related question) where we were given select quotes on both sides of the argument and had to choose for ourself whether or not you support genetic engineering of foods.

Overall I think its a good thing that this school course remained neutral on the idea, I just didn't realize it at first until someone with a very strong opinion came along. I knew enough about the subject to add a little knowledge to the conversation. This is one of the first times I've seen my schoolwork come through and be relevant in the real world.