“Genetic modification of foods can only have positive outcomes for today's consumers”Genetic modification (GM), also known as genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology, it is a process that involves combining DNA, and then inserting the newly recombined DNA into cells to be expressed through protein synthesis. The use of this technology in food can have both positive and negative consequences. Genetic modification of food can help first world countries by improving the economy and increasing food supply, and third world countries by solving the problem of nutrient shortages. Nonetheless, genetic modification of foods can also have negative effects. These include disruption of the food chain and biodiversity, production of new and unknown allergens, and even economic decline. The use and importation of genetically modified foods is currently permitted in Australia (Benefits of Genetic Engineering, n.d.), which raises the question of whether genetic modification of foods can only have positive outcomes for today's consumers. the technique called transgenesis is used. It involves the incorporation of foreign DNA or desired gene into the organism being manipulated. DNA is a long molecule with a double helix structure, present in essentially all living organisms. It is made up of subunits called nucleotides and has the ability to self-replicate. Organisms that undergo transgenesis are transgenic. A range of techniques are available to transfer genes between organisms. The most common include microinjection and vectors. However, for genetic modification of foods, vectors represent the most appropriate method for transgenesis. The most common technique for using vectors is the...... middle of paper......food ied.. [online] Available at: http://pioneerio.hubpages.com/hub/geneticallymodifiedfood [Accessed : 7 April 2014].NUFFIELD COUNCIL ON BIOETHICS. and Possible benefits of GM crops in developing countries. [online] Available at: http://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/gm-crops-developing-countries/gm-crops-developing-countries-possible-benefits-gm-crops-developing-co [Accessed: 7 April 2014] .Qiu, J. 2013. Genetically modified crops transmit benefits to weeds. P. 1. Available from: doi: doi:10.1038/nature.2013.13517.redOrbit. and Golden Rice. [online] Available at: http://www.redorbit.com/education/reference_library/science_1/genetically_modified_organisms/1112964755/golden-rice/ [Accessed: 7 April 2014].Whitman, D.B. 2000. Genetically modified foods: harmful or useful?. [online] Available at: http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php [Accessed: April 7 2014].