Description And Examples Of Genetically Modified Organisms

Description And Examples Of Genetically Modified Organisms Genetically modified organism (GMO), organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favour the expression of desired physiological traits or the production of desired biological products. GMO has long been the practice to breed select individuals of a species to produce offspring of the desirable traits. It is used in conventional livestock production, crop farming and even pet breeding. In genetic modification, the mechanism used for creating a genetically modified organism is called the recombinant DNA technique. It involves combining strands of DNA from different sources to create a new DNA molecule that has a different combination of genes than that, which occurs naturally. There are some scientific methods included in producing GMOs, such as recombinant DNA technology and reproductive cloning. Recombinant DNA technology involves the insertion of one or more individual genes from an organism of one species into the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of another. On the other hand, reproductive cloning technology generates offspring that are genetically identical to the parent by the transfer of an entire donor nucleus into the enucleated cytoplasm of a host egg. The first animal produced using this cloning technique was a sheep named Dolly, born in 1996. Since then a number of other animals, including pigs, horses, and dogs, have been generated using reproductive cloning technology. Cisgenic organisms and transgenic organisms are the two classes of genetically modified organisms. Cisgenic organisms are genetically modified organisms that result from the combination of different strands of DNA, which all originates from the same, or very similar, species. The entire DNA used in the process comes from organisms that are very closely related, usually defined as organisms that are able to breed together. Transgenic organisms are genetically modified organisms that include DNA from two different species. Transgenic microorganisms are the most commonly created transgenic organisms. The simple DNA of bacteria lends itself to relatively straightforward recombinant DNA methods. GMOs produced through genetic technologies are playing a very important role in agriculture, medicine, research, and environmental management. Although GMOs have benefited human society, some disadvantages exist. Therefore, the production of GMOs remains a highly controversial topic in some countries. 2. Examples of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Many of our common crops, such as corn, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, and soybeans, are genetically modified. The majority of these crops were herbicide-resistant as well as insect-resistant, while the others may contain increased nutrients such as vitamins, produce yield earlier, or are able to survive weather extremes. Genetically modified tomatoes were introduced to the market in 1994, becoming the first commercially grown transgenic crop. They have longer shelf-life than the average tomatoes as they produces less of the substance that causes tomatoes to rot, so remains firm and fresh for a long time. In addition, transgenic corn is resistant to commercial herbicides such as glyphosate or glufosinate. It is also insect resistance by producing a poison, which kills harmful insects. Vitamin-enriched corn contains increased amount of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate compared to the normal corn. Another example of GMO is squash. Squash belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes pumpkins, gourds, zucchini, cucumbers and melons. Genetically modified squash have resistance to the common squash viruses, namely watermelon mosaic virus, zucchini yellow mosaic virus and cucumber mosaic virus. Other than crops, farm animals are also genetically modified to mature in a shorter time period to minimize expenses and increase profits for farmers, as well as to be resistant to certain diseases. For example, genetically modified cow is resistant to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). One of the examples of increased growth rate in genetically modified animals is fish including salmon and carp. One-year-old salmon fish with growth hormone chimeric gene are able to grow as large as 13 times that of the non-transgenic salmons. Other than that, chicken that can produce eggs containing human proteins has been created by British by transferring DNA into the yolk of a fertilized chicken embryo. The proteins can be harvested and purified for treatment of diseases such as multiple sclerosis or cancer. 3. Advantages of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) In order to ensure an adequate food supply for this booming population is going to be a major challenge in the years to come. GMO can meet this demand due to its special characteristics. Firstly, GMOs are pest resistance. Pests can cause large financial loss to the farmer. Pesticides that generally used by farmers are health hazarding and causes pollution. Pest resistance can reduce the use of pesticides. Thus, GMOs is healthier to eat and bring less pollution to the environment. Second, GMOs are herbicide and disease resistance. The control of weeds actually is not cost-effective because farmers have to spray large amount of herbicides on the weeds and care has to be taken to avoid the herbicides from harming the crops. Hence, GMOs are more cost-effective and easier to control the weeds and less concern is needed to cope with the diseases caused by viruses, fungi and bacteria. Thirdly, GMOs are drought tolerance/salinity tolerance. As the world population grows and more land is utilized for housing instead of food production, farmers will need to grow crops in locations previously unsuited for plant cultivation. Creating plants that can withstand long periods of drought or high salt content in soil and groundwater will help people to grow crops in formerly less arable places. Next, GMOs have better nutritional value. GMOs are incorporated with other additional vitamins and minerals. For example, blindness due to vitamin A deficiency is a common problem in third world countries. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Institute for Plant Sciences have created a strain of golden rice containing an unusually high content of beta-carotene (vitamin A). Lastly, GMOs are also useful in pharmaceutical field. Medicines and vaccines often are costly to produce and sometimes require special storage conditions not readily available in third world countries. Researchers are working to develop edible vaccines in tomatoes and potatoes. These vaccines will be much easier to ship, store and administer than traditional injectable vaccines. 4. Criticism Against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) There are several concerns that arise despite the advantages of GMO. The three fields of concern include environmental hazards, human health risks, and economic concerns. One of the environmental hazards consists of gene transfer to non-targeted species. There is a possibility of genetically modified plants cross breeding with weeds to produce weeds to produce a new genetic strain of weeds known as Superweeds. Next concern is the reduced effectiveness of pesticides. The pesticides strains from GMO might be able to pass on to pest after consuming GMO; thus, causing pest to have the same resistant genes to pesticides. These pests are then termed Superpest. The human health risks also posed a major concern among people. The long-term side effects after consuming GMO are still unknown. There is still the question of whether the genetically modified strains are able to pass on to humans after consuming GMO. People are getting worried that the anti-bacterial strain in the GMO might be passed on to humans and cause a disruption in our immunity against certain types of bacteria. There is a possibility that introducing a new gene may create a new allergen or cause an allergic reaction in prone individuals. In addition, there are also economic concerns involved. The cost involved in research and developing of GMOs are high. Many of these GMOs have been patented. Farmers from the third world countries are worried that the price of the patented GMOs would be raised so high that they would not be able to afford it. Furthermore, patent violation has been a growing concern to agribusinesses. Some companies have introduced suicide gene into plants. Suicide gene only allows plants to be viable for one season and the seeds produced after are sterile. Therefore, farmers have to buy fresh seeds every season and this causes an issue to the farmers from the third world countries. 5. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Malaysia Malaysia is among the 55 nations in favour of adopting international guidelines on labeling of all genetically modified food. Several genetically modified crops containing traits of value have been produced at the experimental stage. At the Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development institute, rice has been successfully modified to resist the Tungro virus and papayas manipulated to resist ring-spot virus infection and to have a prolonged shelf life. Other crop such as pineapples is manipulated to resist black heart, bananas and papayas for delayed ripening and chili for virus resistance. Malaysia is also developing genetically engineered oil palm with a focus on increasing value-added products from the palms such as high oleate and high stearate oil, nutraceuticals (vitamin A and vitamin E) biodiesel and bioplastics. Genetically modifying technology has been in introduced to assist the development of animal husbandry. Besides that, Malaysia has released 6,000 genetically modified mosquitoes designed to combat dengue fever at an uninhabited site in the central state of Pahang. The biotechnology sector faces a challenging future with increasing global competition. Malaysian government will, under the ninth Malaysia plan, implemented the strategic thrust of the national biotechnology policy, with the active participation of private sector. With the recognition as the worlds halal hub, and given importance attached to the biotechnology industry, Malaysia is poised to introduced biotechnology products with GM label and halal certification. 6. Conclusion In the future, there would be a wide range of crops that are resistant to pest, diseases, and herbicides. The crops would also be high in nutrition value to suit our body system and could be designed to accommodate whatever type of climate changes. The future of GMO is still yet far to go. GMO is a giant leap in the agricultural sector. It is now up to us to decide on how GMO should be used, whether for the good of mankind or the destruction of us all.

Manager Interview Essay -- Effective Management Styles

I chose to interview Regina Geis, who holds the administrative role as acting supervisor for the County Mental Health adult day program, which provides services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Ms. Geis has held this position for 15 months. This is her first managerial position within a human service agency. Her style of management has changed over this short period of time. She feels that she is now more direct with her direction with staff. She stated, â€Å"Maybe now I come across as a little bit cold. But I have learned that I now have to use the least amount of words to get my point across.† Ms. Geis feels that to be an effective leader one must demonstrate with a high level of confidence, â€Å"even if I’m unsure of myself, I have to be ready to stand by my decision and carry it out.† Although, she also stated a competent supervisor must also be able to accept when they are wrong. Ms. Geis provides supervision for 15 direct care workers in the programs and finds â€Å"That’s a lot of different viewpoints and perspectives to sort through.† Therefore, she finds difficult people are not easy to work with. From an administrate role, she states, â€Å"You can not let it consumes you and affect you negatively.† Ms. Geis feels that to be an effective manager when working with complex individuals one must learn how to use their strengths and adapt the work environment. â€Å"You find what they are really good at and place them in the best role that uses their strong points.† In the beginning, Ms. Geis would quietly sit quietly during entire managerial team meetings, but now she is more confident in her abilities, position, and will speak up. â€Å"Now I give my opinion or raise questions to ask. Sometimes, I may raise a concern that gives ... ... me to strengthen these weaknesses, I will seek training online, at the local community college, and at workshops. Works Cited Edmondson, J. (2009). Let's be clear: How to manage communication styles. American Society for Training & Development, Inc., 63(9), 30-31. Retrieved from http"//go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE|A212767598&v=2.1&=novaseu_main&it=r&p=ITOF&sw=w&asid=0abb8dfff77dba5f747cb1b4c13a9d9f Grant, A., & Taylor, A. (2014). Communication essentials for female executives to develop leadership presence: getting beyond the barriers of understating accomplishment. Business Horizons, 7, 73-83. doi: 10.1016/j.busher.2013.09.003 Groves, K., & Vance, C. (2009). Examining managerial thinking style, eq, and organizational commitment. Journal of Managerial Issues, XXI(7), 344-366. Geis, R. (2015, march 30). Interview by Student Name [Personal Interview].

Facilitated Communication Essay

PsycINFO Article: This article is about a study that was conducted to determine if there is any positive correlation between behavioral deficits and facilitated communication (FC). In the study 12 students with Autism where tested before and after FC therapy, to examine if there was any benefit from the therapy. The results showed no positive correlation between FC and social interactions. The intended audience of the article would be anyone who wants to know more information about FC. Both of the main authors are from the Department of Special Education at The University of Kansas. The motive of the article is to show that is no direct benefit of FC when treating children with autism. ABC News Article: This article provides information about what FC is and how is works. In the article the author explains that there is no evidence for FC’s reliability or validity. It also points out the problem of the facilitator being the only person, who is communicating, not the children. I think the intended audiences of the article are parents who have autistic children. The author is Dr. Lori Warner from HOPE Center for Autism. Her motive is to provide information to parents who have concerns about FC. APA Web Article: This article explains what FC is and how it was thought to be a new breakthrough treatment method for people with autism and other mental handicaps. The article explains the faultiness of FC through evidence that facilitators were sometimes answering questions for the patients when they were not looking. It also mentions that after many studies there has been no evidence that supports any positive correlation between FC and autism. This article’s intended audience is anyone who is truthful information about FC. This is an extremely credible article because the APA wrote it. Its motive is to provide facts about FC and its fallacies. Client Brief: In the articles that I read, I found no evidence supporting positive benefits of FC. In my opinion, I do not believe that FC will benefit a child with serve mental handicaps or autism. However, I do not see any problem with  using keyboards and other forms of FC to communicate better with your autistic child. If you were making some progress in communication skills, then I would continue exploring ways to better communicate with your child. I would also recommend looking into some other options that might have better results and validity. Works Cited American Psychological Association. (2003, November 20). Facilitated communication: Sifting the psychological wheat from the chaff . Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/research/action/facilitated.aspx Myles, B. S., Simpson, R. L., & Smith, S. M. (1996). Collateral behavioral and social effects of using facilitated communication with individuals with autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 11(3), 163-169, 190. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/618883072?accountid=14556 Warner, L., (2008, October 23). What is facilitated communication, and will it help my child with autism?. ABC News. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AutismTreatment/story?id=5387585

Discover Family History With Probate Records and Wills

Discover Family History With Probate Records and Wills Some of the most genealogically-rich documents on an individual are actually created following their death. While many of us actively search for an ancestors obituary or tombstone, however, we often overlook probate records - a big mistake! Generally well-documented, accurate, and packed with numerous details, probate records can often provide answers to many stubborn genealogical problems. Probate documents, in general terms, are records created by a court after an individuals death that relate to the distribution of his or her estate. If the individual left a will (known as testate), then the purpose of the probate process was to document its validity and see that it was carried out by the executor named in the will. In cases where an individual did not leave a will (known as intestate), then probate was used to appoint an administrator or administratrix to determine the distribution of assets according to formulas set by the laws of the jurisdiction. What You May Find in a Probate File Probate packets or files may include any of the following, depending upon the jurisdiction and time period: willsestate inventories, or lists of assetsappointments of executors or administratorsadministrations, or documentation of the distribution of assetspetitions for guardianship of minor childrenlists of heirslists of creditors or accounts of debts ...and other records considered to be important to the settlement of an estate. Understanding the Probate Process While laws governing the probate of a deceaseds estate have varied according to time period and jurisdiction, the probate process usually follows a basic process: An heir, creditor, or other interested party initiated the probate process by presenting a will for the deceased (if applicable) and petitioning the court for the right to settle an estate. This petition was usually filed with the court that served the area where the deceased owned property or last resided.If the individual left a will, it was presented to the court along with testimony of witnesses as to its authenticity. If accepted by the probate court, a copy of the will was then recorded in a will book maintained by the clerk of court. The original will was often retained by the court and added to other documents pertaining to the settlement of the estate to create a probate packet.If a will designated a particular individual, then the court formally appointed that person to serve as executor or executrix  of the estate and authorized him or her to proceed by issuing letters testamentary. If there was no will, then the court appointed an administrator or administratrix - usual ly a relative, heir, or close friend - to oversee the estates settlement by issuing letters administration. In many cases, the court required the administrator (and sometimes the executor) to post a bond to ensure that he would properly complete his duties. One or more people, often family members, were required to co-sign the bond as sureties.An inventory of the estate was conducted, usually by people with no claim to the property, culminating in a list of property - from land and buildings down to teaspoons and chamber pots!Potential beneficiaries named in the will were identified and contacted. Notices were published in area newspapers to reach anyone who might have claims on or obligations to the deceaseds estate.Once bills and other outstanding obligations on the estate were met, the estate was formally divided and distributed among the heirs. Receipts are signed by anyone receiving a portion of the estate.A final statement of account was presented to the probate court, which then ruled the estate as closed. The probate packet was then filed in the records of the court. What You Can Learn From Probate Records Probate records provide a rich resource of genealogical and even personal information about an ancestor which can often lead to still other records, such as  land records.Probate records almost always include: Full nameDate and place of  death Probate records may also include: Marital StatusName of spouseNames of children (and possibly birth order)Names of childrens spouses of married daughtersNames of grandchildrenRelationships between family membersClues to the  trade or occupation  of your ancestorCitizenshipResidences of your ancestor and living descendantsLocations (and descriptions) where your ancestor owned propertyFeelings of your ancestor toward family membersClues to the deaths of other family membersClues to adoptions or guardianshipsInventory of items owned by the deceasedClues to your ancestors economic standing (e.g. debts, property)Your ancestors signature How to Find Probate Records Probate records can usually be found in the  local courthouse  (county, district, etc.) that presided over the area where your ancestor died. Older probate records may have been moved from the local courthouse to a larger regional facility, such as a state or provincial archives. Contact the clerks office of the court where the person resided at the time of death for information on the location of probate records for the time period in which you are interested.

Workplace by Freud Essays

Workplace by Freud Essays Workplace by Freud Essay Workplace by Freud Essay Many of us take for granted the theories of Sigmund Freud as applied in working place since his theories are known for its intricacy and ambiguity. However, it is important to know that after several experiments, it was found that Freuds theory might be applied in working place.Psychodynamic theory concerns the cognitive faculty and emotional processes of an individual. One aspect of this theory that is significant is the use of unconscious symbols. In this concept, each individual is said to have its own prototype or representation. These representations are said to affect all inter relationship of a person. Thus, as applied in a working place, if a Manager ascribe to an individual that he is hardworking, the Manager would know what responsibilities he would assign and what to expect in his work performance.Another assertion of Freud that may be applied in the work place is his statement that a childhood has an important role in the composition of an individuals psyche. Thus, applyi ng this principle in the work place, cultivating a good working attitude in each and every employee in the working place would develop them to a more efficient and effective employee.Going further, the theory of neurotic compulsivity and obsessive behavior also finds its place in the working environment. This concept is best manifested in people who are workaholic. A person who is workaholic tends to think all of the time about their work. Accordingly, with more motivation and correct guidance extended to people who are suffering this kind of behavior would be transformed from a troublesome employee to a possible productive one.In sum, though these theories may not be best suited if applied in working environment, it is important to remember that in the hierarchy of each business organization, observation of the inter actions and relationship is important in creating a happy  Ã‚   environment. Ultimately, psychic awareness is the beginning of healthy working place.

Case X Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Case X - Essay Example Udon has none of these. Porter then goes back to her patrol car to call in the license plate. It turns out that the car, while registered to Udon, does not have current tags. Since Udons license plate displayed the current registration tag, Porter surmises, correctly, that Udon has stolen the tag. Porter also finds out that Udon does not have a drivers license, had never possessed a drivers license, and does not have insurance. Porter goes back to the car to talk to Udon, and then, upon coming back to the car, the policewoman notices the smell of alcohol on Udons breath. Therefore, Porter asks Udon to get out of the car so that she can give Udon the field sobriety test. However, Udon refuses, stating that she is pregnant and bleeding and needs to go to the hospital. Porter, having heard similar excuses 100 times a day from people who are trying to get out of a ticket or having to do a field sobriety test, refuses the request and continues to ask Udon to step out of the car so that Udon can take a field sobriety test. Udon continues to refuse, then finally relents. Since Udon was heavily intoxicated, she fails the field sobriety test in spectacular fashion, so Porter handcuffs her and takes her to the station. While in the car, Udon continually states that she is bleeding and needs to go to the hospital. Porter immediately assumes that, even if Udon is bleeding, it is probably because she is on her menstrual cycle and Udon was not to be trusted. After all, Udon gave Porter a false name, was driving in a car that was not registered, was driving intoxicated, and had neither a drivers license nor insurance. There was no reason for Porter to believe Udons story about having a miscarriage and needing to go to the hospital. And, as stated before, people, when pulled over, offer all kinds of excuses as to why they are speeding or why they cannot perform a field sobriety test.

Contract Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Contract Law - Case Study Example The Director General of Fair Trading v. First National Bank [2001] 1 AC 481, was a test case, which has garnered a considerable amount of attention and controversy on the issues of fairness (equality) and reasonableness. Albeit the case is a local one, before the test is completed it will have far reaching implications and impact throughout the entire European Union. The issue of fairness is one which we are all compelled to deal with on a daily basis. Consequently, we are all familiar with its challenges, even for the most reasonable of men, we are perplexed by the paradigm of how does one be fair to one, and without being unfair to the other. The issues in this case gives it a special flavor, as it is spiced with social dimensions, economic ramifications as well as psychological overtones. It is not to be taken lightly, that there are elements present in this legal montage, which will take quite sometime (if ever) to untangle. Because it involves reasonableness, it is my contention that the initial remedy which will be presented by the court on these legal principles will be remedial, and the absolute relief will evolve over time. Given the fact that large financial institutions and the human element are at the forefront of these issues, the battle will be waged on the economic necessity battlefield of persuasion and influence. Nonetheless, I am convinced that the judiciary is prepared to serve the public good and preserve the human element.... similar substantive facts or circumstances and align them with the existing statutes which are applicable to the surrounding facts of the case. These facts are aligned with the pertinent statutes in an attempt to determine whether the defendant has committed a breach or to determine the level or severity of the alleged breach. In that the determination of a breach is referenced against the existing statute and aligned with the cases which are similar within this continuum, it is not often that a standing opinion is overturned. This is particularly true in a judicial climate where the bench is dominated by a number of strict constructionist judges; these persons interpret the constitution and statutes exactly as they are written and allow little or no room for expanding interpretations. Nonetheless, the expansion of interpretations or a broad reading of the statute can and does result, albeit rarely; there has to be at least two critical variables present to bring about the change of existing law; (1) The plaintiff must be able to show convincing and corrabarated proof to the court, documented history of a particular breach or number of breaches by a particular or specific group of defendants against a specific person or class of persons, and (2) reasonableness; the most intangible and transitional3 variable attached to the court or judges decisions. There is no question that this variable. Is intangible and the transitional state of reasonableness on an issue can be one thing today, yet another tomorrow; there are any number of situations or reasons which could