BIOL202 Week 7 Discussion; Gamma Rays and Microbial Genetics

Week 7: Gamma Rays and Microbial Genetics For this discussion, I chose Topic 1 Pro Gamma Irradiation of Food.  Would you eat gamma-irradiated strawberries?  Gamma-irradiation does extend the shelf-life but after some time, mold does begin to grow. Where does the mold come from?  Was the mold already present on the strawberries and the growth slowed by the gamma irradiation?  If gamma irradiation becomes the standard for processing produce, over time will the constant radiation exposure select for resistant strains of microbes that will eventually be able to grow despite gamma radiation? Why or why not?  What about agricultural workers safety? Who is looking out for the women and men responsible for gamma irradiation of produce?