Early in my freshman year of high school, I had the honor of competing at the South Dakota FFA Convention. In my free time, my teacher told me that I should go and see our agricultural affairs team. The group presented a skit about genetic modification that sparked curiosity in me and changed my view of science forever. It was then that I learned that the world population is currently approaching seven million people. This number is expected to reach nine million by 2050. Scientists have long wondered how to feed and clothe such a growing world. They turned to genetic modification. Genetic modification is defined as "the use of modern biotechnological techniques to modify the genes of an organism, such as a plant or animal." This process takes genes from one organism and inserts them into another, thereby removing any unwanted traits. At this point you might imagine a mad scientist trying to create Frankenstein. The practice, however, is safe and has been around for years. The first correct structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick. Following their discovery, the creation of recombinant bacteria occurred in 1973. The first example of genetic modification occurred when scientists inserted an exogenous Salmonella gene into an existing E. coli bacterium. Scientists, however, recommended in 1975 that the government supervise recombinant DNA research until it was proven safe. Subsequently, Genentech became the first company to use genetic modification in 1976. Two years later, human protein insulin was produced by genetically altering a strain of E. coli. Soon the plants were also modified and in 1986 scientists found a way to prevent frost damage... middle of paper... safeguarding the future. The world is growing; this cannot be denied. Through genetic modification, scientists have given us not only agricultural improvements, but also medical advancements and the solution to feeding and clothing a world that will double in size in just 61 years. We have reached a crucial point in our history where our next step determines the future of the entire population. I am convinced that the answer to this great situation lies in genetic modification. The key lies in science. Works Cited http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm109066.htm http://agribiotech.info/details/AlisonGE%20Animalssent%20to%20web%2002.pdfhttp:/ /www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.phphttp://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09371.htmlhttp://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/agri_biotechnology/gmo_planting/