Tag: BIOL 201

Tysen Buhler & Brandon Lotts

Improving the Nutritional Value of Golden Rice Through Increased Provitamin A Content

The Article “Improving the Nutritional Value of Golden Rice Through Increased Pro-vitamin A Content” was assessed. In the article, primary research was done in an attempt to increase vitamin A output in Golden rice. The researchers hypothesized a switch from daffodil to Maize genes would increase vitamin A output. Their hypothesis was proven correct. A significant aspect of the paper was that the black Mexican sweet corn genes were best because they showed the most vitamin expression. After assessing the paper we suggested that using less specialized vocabulary and a better explanation of methodology could improve the paper.

BIOL 201

Tracy Vermilyea

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Makenzie Endresen, Emily Kaelin & Danielle Schneider

An Assessment of a Study on the Toxicity of GM Corn and Roundup Herbicide

The article “Long Term Toxicity of a Roundup Herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant Genetically Modified Maize” was evaluated. The article describes a two-year study of the effects of genetically modified (GM) corn on rats’ health. When rats were fed GM corn or Roundup, they developed more tumors, and had a higher mortality rate, than other rats. The authors concluded that transgenes in GM corn disrupted essential biochemical pathways. Although the methodology could be improved by increasing the number of rats tested, the conclusions seemed reasonable. This is the most detailed study to report long-term effects of GMOs on mammalian health. 

BIOL 201

Tracy Vermilyea

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM