GMOs Soy Beans: Physical Characteristics, Plant Species

GMO SOY BEANS
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Introduction
Legumes are one of categories of foods that have been said to be highly nutritious. The legumes have their origin in South East Asia, initially growing in the wild and only domesticated in 1100BC. Rich in oil and proteins, soy beans have now become common not just in the regions where they originated, but also in various parts of the world. Soybeans only became popular in America only in the 1940s and were incorporated in mainstream farming. In this paper, the soybean plant has been discussed extensively. Among the areas of focus include its benefit, uses in the cultural set-up and its economic value. Of even greater concern which is also part of the discussion is the issue of genetically modified beans. There has been a raging debate in regard to genetically modified foods with most countries frowning at the thought of accepting them. However, in recent times, GMOs have become very common, and they are becoming a large source of food. In examining whether genetically modified soybeans should be accepted r banned, the pros and cons have been carefully looked at.
Plant Species
The soybean plant belongs to the species of legumes. The plant grows annually and the growth of the plant may vary in terms of height and habit. The pods of soybean are fully covered with hair either brown or grey. This applies also to the leaves and the stems of the plants. The leaves are described as trifoliate as they often grow in 3. Just before the seeds of the plant fully mature, the leaves fall off.
Physical Characteristics
Just as the growth varies, so do the sizes of the mature soybeans. The colors also vary from yellow, brown, black, green and blue. Upon full maturity the seed has hull that water resistant and very hard. This is crucial in the protection of the hypocotyl and cotyledon. If the hull cracks the seed inside does not germinate. Interesting to note is that seeds of soybeans and similar seeds whose protein levels are high can easily desiccate and still revive upon absorption of water. According to studies that have been conducted in the past, soybeans have carbohydrates that are soluble in nature. These carbohydrates play the protection role to ensure that the cell of the seed remains viable.
Cultivation
There are multiple reasons as to why people in various parts of the world cultivate soybean. For a majority of people, it is the fact that Soy is rich in protein and oil. A large portion of the people who cultivate soybeans is so as to extract vegetable oil. The by-product of soybeans after solvent extraction is used as feed for animals. Human beings also consume soybeans as food and they also appear as part of the processed foods in stores.
Although soybean is now a very widespread crop in various parts of the world, the plant first originated in East Asia. It still remains very popular in these regions, especially Korea, Japan and China. When soy was first cultivated in America, it was mainly done for industrial purposes so as to produce oil. It was not until later that it was grown for food
Soybean plant does well in hot climates and is in season during summer. The temperatures required for successful cultivation of the plant is betwee...