Are genetically modified foods a step in the right direction? Many people automatically respond with a “No!” » resounding. when asked this question, believing that these new foods are not natural and therefore dangerous. They cringe at the thought of so-called “frank foods” that are full of chemicals and mutated DNA. However, genetically modified foods are just the opposite. Bioengineering is used to make foods more nutritious by combining the best aspects of each plant. These crops are also remarkably safe because many plants are modified to naturally repel pests, making pesticides and harsh chemicals a thing of the past. Additionally, genetically modified foods provide a solution to the problem of feeding a growing population while boosting the economy and creating a multitude of new jobs. So, what exactly are genetically modified foods? According to a 2002 Michigan State University course on food laws and regulations, they can be defined as "plants, animals, and microorganisms into which DNA has been introduced by means other than by the combination of an egg and a sperm or by natural bacterial conjugation. .” (The regulation of genetic modifications, 2002). Essentially, scientists speed up the process of selective breeding by moving genes from one plant to another. Genes with a huge range of desirable attributes are precisely transferred to make an organism healthier, resistant to infection, or repellent to pests. These new genetic combinations are also known to increase yields, growing conditions, growth rate, resistance and endurance to climate (The regulation of Genetic Modifications, 2002). These genes are even transported between plants and animals under special circumstances...... middle of paper ......necessary foods (pp. 58-59). Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. Pesticides: What you need to know. (February 7, 2012). Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/health/pesticides/The good Growth plan. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.syngenta.com/global/corporate/en/goodgrowthplan/challenges/Pages/challenges.aspxThe regulation of genetic modification. (March 13, 2002). [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from Michigan State University at https://www.msu.edu/course/fsc/421/.../GM%20Regulation.pptWhitman, DB (April 2000). Genetically modified foods: harmful or useful? Retrieved from www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.phpZilberman, D., Sexton, SE, Marra, M. and Fernandez-Cornejo, J. (nd). The economic impact of genetically modified crops. Choices, 129. Retrieved from www.choicesmagazine.org/magazine/print.php?article=129