What is GMO
• Genetically modified organisms, also known as GMO, are organisms that
have been genetically altered to have a specific characteristic or trait. An
example is genetically modified food which contain at least one ingredient
coming from a plant with an altered genetic composition.
• Genetic modification, also known as genetic engineering, often introduces
new, desirable characteristics to plants, such as greater resistance to pests.
The genetic material of these living organisms are manipulated.
• Another example is when scientists are able to take a soil bacteria, remove
its gene which produces a protein that's toxic only for caterpillars, and
incorporate it into the chromosomes of corn. The technology enables us to
increase food production; make it more efficient. Modified food crops will
be resistant to insects, fungal diseases, and extreme weather conditions. It
also contain more nutrient ingredients and can fight malnutrition.
(next slide)
Benefits in Agriculture and food:
Currently scientists are working on other possible modifications to tomatoes such
as resistance to pests, fungi, and viruses. We can even enhance the nutritional
content of food as seen from GM Golden rice. Golden rice contains beta carotene,
a precursor to vitamin A. After consumption of this rice, intestinal enzymes will
cleave beta carotene to your vitamin A. Golden rice can produce high levels of beta
carotene due to insertion of a gene from a daffodil plant and a soil bacteria. Such
modifications were done due to vitamin A deficiency in developing nations. Apart
from plants we also have genetically modified animals such as the GM Atlantic
salmon, or otherwise known as Aquadvantage salmon which is larger compared to
their non GM counterparts. They have been genetically engineered by inserting a
growth hormone gene from a Pacific Chinook salmon and a promoter from an
ocean part. The production of genetically modified organisms has allowed us to
increase both the quantity and quality of food
(next slide)
Benefits in Medical Applications:
The benefits are not just limited to agriculture and food. GMO has contributed to
the medical field too. Organs that are transplanted from pigs into humans might
face organ rejection. However, by genetically modifying pigs, we are able to grow
organs that will not be rejected by the human body. This has helped us immediate
the problem of organ shortage. Other than genetically modified animals, we have
also genetically modified microorganisms. For example, the human insulin gene
has been inserted into bacteria. These bacteria can then produce insulin which is
used for the treatment of diabetes.
(next slide)
GMO Potential Risk
Even though GMO's have provided valuable benefits to us, there is still resistance
to GMO due to its potential risks. Firstly, there are unforeseen health risks. It has
been found that some Lab Rats that were fed with GM foods have short indication
of liver damage. Furthermore, there might be unintentional exposure to allergens,
resulting in the development of allergies. For instance, the transfer of genes from a
bacteria to a soy plant may cause allergic reactions upon consumption. Also, GMO
may result in the development of antibiotic resistance in gastrointestinal microbes
and should GMO exhibiting antibiotic resistance transfer these genes to gut
microbes. This would make infections harder to treat.
Ecological imbalances may also result due to the introduction of genetically
modified organisms into nature. These superior organisms will out grow and
compete with un-modified organisms. One such superior Organism is the
Superweed which is caused by the transfer of a resistant gene from a GM crop to a
wild weed.
Lastly there are ethical concerns by genetically modifying organisms.
Scientists are assumed to be playing God as these organisms are unnatural.
The rich variety of uses for GMO's provides valuable benefits to us but
many also worry about potential risks. Although supporters argue that some of
these risks can be resolved with stringent checks and testing.
(next slide)
So what is My stand in the use of GMO?
The main arguments that I have heard against the use of GMOs from the
videos that I have watched are that there are dangerous chemicals being put into
food crops and the science behind the modification is risky and imprecise.
The process of genetically modifying a crop is similar to cutting and pasting
text while typing a paper. Desirable genes are taken from one healthy organism
and carefully placed into a target organism to improve its genetic code. The
process must be very exact, as any imperfections will result in failure.
Some chemicals may be used on the cellular level to transfer and place the
desired genes, but overall, chemicals do not affect the quality of the crop being
modified. Once the genes are successfully placed in a target crop, the plants may
reproduce and be harvested as usual in stronger, healthier numbers.
To an uninformed consumer, these arguments could seem to be true.
However, the reality of genetically modifying organisms is very safe. So let us
discuss and expand these topics.
So the first inaccuracy in the argument against GMOs comes from the claim
that there are harmful chemicals in the end product.
While it is possible that there may be pesticide residue on the products, the
Environmental Protection Agency regulates pesticide use to the extent that rinsing
affected products in the sink will wash off any pesticide residue. No additional
unhealthy chemicals are added, as the Food and Drug Administration regulates
what goes into making a genetically modified crop.
The second inaccuracy comes from the argument that genetic modification is
imprecise and risky.
In all scientific endeavors, there are chances of negative outcomes. With
genetic modification, such risks include lower biodiversity and possible transfer of
allergenic genes.
However, as mentioned previously, genetic modification is by no means
imprecise. The scientists behind the modification must ensure that the gene is
inserted correctly and there are no harmful effects before a GMO crop can be
released to farmers. Instead of throwing random handfuls of genes at plants,
scientists use a precise, and delicate process to ensure success.
(next slide)
Conclusion:
Overall, the use of GMO in medicine can be addressed and resolved complicated
scientific, medical issues, but it must also be used wisely. GMO crops are much
more beneficial than risky. We are able to produce more food due to our
genetically modified crops that can survive in a variety of climates. While the risks
are few, the benefits are abundant.