The foundation of genetically modified organisms has been extensive over many years. It all began in 1865, when Gregor Mendel observed the hereditary characteristics of pea plants. Nearly forty years later, Andrei Nikolaevitch Belozersky was the first to isolate DNA, or “factors,” as Mendel called it, in its pure state (Life Sciences Foundation, Purification of DNA). This revelation sparked DNA innovations. After Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA, scientists continued to crack the code, and DNA modification became possible when Professor Herbert Boyer created recombinant DNA (Chemical Heritage Foundation, Paul Berg, Herbert W. Boyer and Stanley N. Cohen). He was able to create recombinant DNA by splicing the desired trait and inserting it into a cloning vector that would allow the gene to be transferred and expressed in organisms (HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology, How are GMOs Made?). He continued this work with Keiichi Itakura, a scientist at City of Hope Medical Center, to create the first genetically modified organism. Their creation of “a plasmid encoding human insulin” called Humulin would soon cause much concern around the world (Chemical Heritage Foundation, Paul Berg, Herbert W. Boyer, and Stanley N. Cohen). Although widespread health concerns have been discussed, the production of genetically modified organisms does not impose health risks, but increases benefits to the agricultural sector, the medical field and the economy. The agricultural sector is the one that presents the greatest benefits. Genetically modified organisms allow farmers to produce crops that are resistant to weather conditions. Specifically, the genes of Arabidopsis, a related flowering plant... half of article......013.ISAAA. “Genetically engineered drought-tolerant plants.” International Service for the Acquisition of Agro-Biotech Applications. Np, March 2008. Web. 09 November 2013. Krishnamurthi, K., S. Saravana Devi, and T. Chakrabarti. “DNA Damage Caused by Pesticide-Contaminated Soil.” Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 19 (2006): 429. Web.Life Sciences Foundation. “DNA purification.” Life Sciences Foundation: Timelines. Np, nd Web. 09 November 2013.Phillips, T. (2008) Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): transgenic crops and recombinant DNA technology. Nature education Roos, Robert. “FDA approves first flu vaccine grown in insect cells.” Center for Infectious Diseases and Policy. Np, 17 Jan 2013. Web. 09 Nov 2013. Schmidt, Charles W. “Genetically Modified Foods: Breeding Uncertainty.” Environmental Health Perspectives 113.8 (2005): 530. EBSCO. Network. September 29. 2013.