The history of biotechnology and genetically modified foods (GMO) has a history of opposing sides. The two opposing camps disagree on the ethical perspective of the act of genetically modifying plants and animals. They also discuss the health problems these foods can cause to people who eat them. In the future, people are wondering whether genetically modified foods have a positive or negative effect on humans. Genetically modified foods attract many varied views, consisting of positive and negative effects based on their recent history. The history and different ways of genetically modifying genetically modified foods began very recently and only spans the last 50 years. Genetics began when a monk discovered that all creatures are made up of genes. GM started with two different ways of genetically modifying organisms. Cisgenesis, the process by which scientists take genes from an animal or plant and modify the genes of an organism of the same species, was the first route. Transgenesis, the process of taking the genes of an animal or plant and introducing them into an organism of a different species, was the second route. When scientists want to introduce these genes into an animal or plant, they must use special equipment. Scientists usually use either a syringe, a special gun, or even a virus whose gene is encrypted in the virus code to implant the new modification (“Genetically Modified”). When researchers first used technology to genetically modify food, the goal was to fight world hunger. Scientists first modified the tomato to be able to make the skin thicker so it would have a longer shelf life. Scientists soon discovered that there was already an organic tomato with the same qualities, so the...... middle of paper ......e. Rep. from “The Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods and Crops: Why We Need a Global Moratorium.” Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. May 3, 2014. “Genetically modified foods.” Online collection of opposing viewpoints. Detroit: Gale, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. May 3, 2014.Gertsberg, Deniza. “Genetically modified crops contribute to biodiversity loss.” Biodiversity. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Current Controversies. Rep. taken from “Loss of biodiversity and genetically modified crops”. www.gmo-journal.com. 2011. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. May 3, 2014. Miller, Henry I. “Genetically Modified Foods Have Many Benefits and No Known Risks.” » Genetic engineering. Ed. Merino Christmas. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rep. from “When technophobia becomes toxic”. 2012. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. May 3 2014