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In other words, bio-magnification is the increase in concentration of a substance that occurs in a food chain as a consequence of one of the following: persistence (can’t be broken down by environmental processes), food chain energetic, and or low (non consistent) rate of internal degradation/excretion of the substance (often due to water-insolubility).
Biological magnification often times refers to the process by whereby certain substances such as pesticides or heavy metals move up the food chain, work their way into our rivers, lakes and streams, are eaten by aquatic organisms such as fish, which in turn are eaten by large birds, animals or humans. These substances become concentrated in tissues or internal organs as they move up the food chain (“Pontification,” 2012). In summary, bio- magnification is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant, such as pesticides or heavy metal, increase as it passes up the DOD chain through two or more atrophic levels. . The second part of this case is about “genetically modified foods”. Debate the concept that utilitarian is concerned regarding the rights of consent when dealing with potentially harmful new technologies. (2 pages are required) a. Conduct research on genetically modified foods using at least 2 sources and take a position. What is genetically modified foods? Genetically modified foods (GM foods, or biotech foods) are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into heir DNA by genetic engineering techniques.
These techniques are much more precise than mutagens (mutation breeding) where an organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change. Other techniques by which humans modify food organisms include selective breeding; plant breeding and animal breeding, and occasional variation. Since genetically modified food has been introduced into supermarkets, there has been much controversy as to whether it is actually safe (“Genetically modified food,” 2012). Genetically modified foods in the US include over 40 Lana varieties that have completed all federal requirements for centralization (Whitman, 2000). . Is it ethical or not to produce these foods? It is ethical to produce the foods as long as the genetically modified foods are being produced for ethical reasons, such as meeting the ever growing hungers need of our world population. One ethical dilemma that is presented with genetically modified foods is “fairness in the use of genetic information”, which means ‘Hop should have access to personal genetic information, and how it will be used” (“Genetically modified foods,” 2012)? Another is privacy and confidentiality of genetic information, or who owns and controls genetic information? C. Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
The benefits GM foods include enhanced taste and quality, reduced maturation time, increased nutrients, yields, and stress tolerance. Other benefits of GM foods include improved resistance to disease, pests, and herbicides. Also, new products and growing techniques are benefits of GM foods. Environmental benefits of genetically modified foods include conservation of soil, Water, and energy and better natural waste management. The costs of GM foods include potential human health impacts and potential environmental impacts including unknown effects on organisms and loss of flora and fauna biodiversity.
Another cost to weigh with GM Foods is the possibility of world food production domination by a few companies. Also, increased dependence on industrialized nations by developing countries is a cost to be considered when thinking about GM foods. Ethically, GM foods run the risk of potentially violating organisms’ intrinsic values and stress for animals. I do not believe the risks outweigh the infinite. Am afraid of what will happen while we are tampering with mother nature. D. Are these foods harmful to human consumption?
It is not yet known if the foods are harmful to human consumption. The long term effects on humans after consuming GM foods is not yet known. E. Who is lobbying for this new breed of food? Business, governments, individuals, and why? Who benefits from these foods: financially, ethically, and humanitarian? Businesses lobby for this new breed of food. These businesses can acquire a patent for their GM foods and ultimately corner the racket on said food items which is extremely financially beneficial for these businesses.