Summarize the arguments both for and against irradiating foods

What will be an ideal response?


Irradiation kills all or most disease-causing organisms and does not change the nutritional value of the food. However, these studies also show that irradiation does not destroy toxins produced by bacteria before irradiation and does not prevent aging of fruits and vegetables. Advocates point out that irradiation can eliminate the use of many chemical preservatives, lower food costs by preventing spoilage, and reduce the cases of food-borne illnesses and deaths caused by contaminated food each year in the United States. Those opposed to food irradiation argue that irradiation produces mutation- and cancer-causing compounds in food and that the testing of irradiated food to detect cancer-causing effects is inadequate. Opponents also point out that treatment may select for radiation-resistant microorganisms.

Biology & Microbiology

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To be able to sequence everyone's genome, we need new technologies that will (select all that apply)

A. reduce cost. B. increase sequencing speed. C. eliminate gel electrophoresis. D. eliminate PCR. E. improve the accuracy of Southern blot analysis.

Biology & Microbiology

Mammals such as the vampire bat have the ability to generate a urine with a concentration of approximately 3,600 millisomoles (mOsm). If the concentration of their blood is approximately 300 mOsm, their water loss is ______ by producing a concentrated urine.

A. reduced by approximately 11/12 B. reduced by approximately ½ C. actually increased by approximately ½ D. reduced by approximately 5/6 E. not reduced

Biology & Microbiology

Species richness refers specifically to

a. the numbers of individuals of each species present. b. the ability of larger animals to enrich themselves by successfully preying on smaller ones. c. the number of different species in the habitat. d. the feeding levels at which the animals are located. e. none of these.

Biology & Microbiology

These are nonmotile parasites with special organelles for penetrating host tissue.

a. Apicomplexa b. ciliates c. dinoflagellates d. Microsporidia

Biology & Microbiology