Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. shelf-life (n.) [shelf lahyf] – the length of time a product can be stored without losing quality
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. shelf-life (n.) [shelf lahyf] – the length of time a product can be stored without losing quality
Example: People should keep
food with long shelf-lives in preparation
for emergencies.
2. compromise (v.)
[kom-pruh-mahyz] – to reduce in quality or value
Example: The lack of budget for
good materials compromised the strength
of the product.
3. dictate (v.) [dik-teyt, dik-teyt] – to control
Example: The weather will dictate whether the sports event will continue.
4. breeding (n.) [bree-ding] – the process of making plants or animals produce offspring
Example: The breeding of different varieties of
vegetables is commonly practiced by food companies.
5. precise (adj.) [pri-sahys] – very exact in amount or value
Example: After carefully
following instructions, the students’ experiment produced precise results.
Article
Read the text below.
Article
Read the text below.
Tastier tomatoes may soon be available in the market after a team of scientists from different countries has successfully analyzed the genome of the fruit, making it possible to produce tomatoes with richer flavor.
Scientists in the
past worked on lengthening the shelf-life
of tomatoes to prevent tomatoes from quickly ripening. Since then, many
varieties of tomatoes with long shelf-lives have been produced and marketed.
However, long shelf-life
has compromised the color and
flavor of the tomatoes. Since ripening is slowed down, the tomatoes’ color
and flavor do not completely develop, and they no longer look or taste as
good as home-grown tomatoes.
Now that the
scientists have analyzed the tomato genome, they can work on finding which
specific genes dictate only the
flavor and color of the tomato. They can
then produce a variety of tomatoes that can last for a long time but is full
of phytochemicals, has a dark red color and has richer taste.
With information
about the genome now available, scientists and tomato producers can also use traditional
breeding techniques to produce precise results more quickly.
These techniques
are different from genetic modification. Scientists tried making a genetically modified
tomato called “Flavr Savr” in the 1990s. Although it was considered safe to
eat, the public worried about the effect of genetic modification. The product
did not last long on the market.
The new, more
flavorful varieties of tomatoes, on the other hand, are expected to have major
impact in the global tomato industry, which is worth of $30 to $40 billion
yearly.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Would you buy food that has been genetically
modified? Why or why not?
·
How do you think technology has changed the way
we make food?
Discussion B
·
What do you think is the purpose of breeding
other varieties of fruits and vegetables?
·
Do you think having different varieties of food
is necessary? Why or why not?
