The quote highlights the fact that humans have been consuming selectively bred animals like fish, chicken, and beef for a significant period of time without much consideration or hesitation. Selective breeding involves breeding individuals that possess desired traits, such as improved growth rate, disease resistance, or higher meat yield, over several generations to create offspring with these desired traits. This practice has been widely accepted and integrated into the food industry.
However, the quote also draws attention to the AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon, which is a genetically modified organism (GMO). Unlike selectively bred animals, which are produced through traditional breeding methods, the AquAdvantage salmon has an extra copy of a specific fish gene inserted into its genome.
This genetic modification is intended to enhance the growth rate of the salmon. By incorporating a growth hormone gene from a Pacific Chinook salmon and a promoter gene from an ocean pout, the AquaBounty Technologies, the company responsible for developing this salmon, was able to create a breed of fish that can grow to market size in a shorter period.
The emphasis of the quote is that although the AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon has undergone genetic modification, the extent of this modification is relatively minimal. It only involves the introduction of one extra fish gene into its genome. This highlights the argument that the salmon does not substantially differ from the selectively bred animals that humans have been consuming for years.
The purpose of pointing out this similarity is likely to challenge the common perception and fear associated with genetically modified foods. By drawing a comparison between the AquAdvantage salmon and traditionally bred animals, the quote suggests that if we have been consuming selectively bred animals without concern, then it may be illogical to be apprehensive about consuming a genetically modified animal with such a minor genetic alteration.
Overall, the quote seeks to explore the notion that there may not be a substantial difference between consuming selectively bred animals and genetically modified ones, thereby questioning the existing apprehension and stigma surrounding genetically modified organisms in our food supply.
“We have all been eating selectively bred fish, chicken, beef and other animals for many years without thinking twice about it. The AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon has only one extra copy of a fish gene inserted into its genome”
Elaborate on the quote:
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shorten your answer to one sentence
The quote highlights the minimal genetic modification of the AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon in comparison to selectively bred animals, challenging the fear and apprehension often associated with genetically modified organisms in our food supply.
“This is why I was alarmed to learn early this month that the Food and Drug Administration announced with "reasonable certainty" that a new genetically modified Atlantic salmon awaiting approval posed "no harm" to humans who might soon have the opportunity to buy it and eat it as though it were a fish from nature.”
The author expressed concern upon learning that the FDA concluded that a genetically modified Atlantic salmon, deemed safe for consumption, could soon be available for purchase without distinction from naturally occurring fish.
“The AquAdvantage salmon is no different from conventional farmed salmon in its composition and health benefits, and the Food and Drug Administration has concluded that it is safe for people to eat.” (Zohar)
Zohar argues that the AquAdvantage salmon is indistinguishable from conventionally farmed salmon in terms of its composition and health benefits, and the FDA has determined it to be safe for human consumption.
“The fish, an Atlantic salmon, contains growth hormone from a Pacific species, the Chinook salmon, as well as genetic material from another species, the ocean pout, that causes the "transgenic" salmon to grow at twice the normal speed”(Moonen)
According to Moonen, the AquAdvantage salmon is genetically modified by incorporating growth hormone from the Chinook salmon, resulting in the transgenic salmon growing twice as fast as normal, and also contains genetic material from the ocean pout.
“The AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon has only one extra copy of a fish gene inserted into its genome. This one addition, while enhancing the hormones of the growth axis in fish, operates within the fish's physiological range. And these are fish hormones that have no effect on the human consumer”
The insertion of an additional fish gene in the genome of the AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon enhances fish hormones within their natural physiological range, which are claimed to have no impact on human consumers.
antonyms for against
supportive, in favor of, pro, for, in agreement with.
How does including a conflicting point of view and evidence make for a more persuasive argument?
Including a conflicting point of view and evidence in an argument can make it more persuasive for several reasons. First, it shows that the author has considered different perspectives and is willing to engage with opposing viewpoints, which can enhance their credibility and demonstrate open-mindedness. Additionally, presenting contrasting evidence allows the author to address potential counterarguments preemptively, strengthening their overall case and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic. It also shows the audience that the author has thoroughly researched the topic and taken into account alternative viewpoints, making their argument more well-rounded and compelling. By addressing and refuting counterarguments, the author can strengthen their own position and build trust with the audience, ultimately increasing the persuasiveness of their argument.
1, 2 sentences pls
Including a conflicting point of view and evidence in an argument adds credibility and demonstrates open-mindedness, allowing the author to preemptively address counterarguments and strengthen their overall case, making it more persuasive to the audience.
Describe the effect including a conflicting point of view can have on us as the readers. ( 1-2 sentences)
Including a conflicting point of view can challenge our existing beliefs, provoke critical thinking, and encourage a deeper examination of the topic, leading to a more nuanced understanding and potentially influencing our perspective.
“The claim made by its developer, AquaBounty Technologies, is that this altered fish is as safe to consume as farmed Atlantic salmon. This argument doesn't convince much, since farmed salmon aren't really that safe to eat. They have been found to have higher concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls than wild salmon, which gets into their bodies from the concentrated fish meal used to create their feed. AquaBounty also plans to sell the eggs of its fish to fish farms.”
The author questions the claim that the AquAdvantage salmon is as safe to eat as farmed Atlantic salmon, highlighting the potential safety concerns associated with farmed salmon due to higher concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) resulting from their feed and expresses concern over AquaBounty's plans to sell the fish eggs to fish farms.
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