By: Meg Xu
Any organism whose genetic information has been altered by biotechnology is classified as a Genetically Modified Organisms(GMO). Through the editing and transfer of DNA, scientists are able to insert new gene sequences never seen before in nature into plants/animals. Commonly, GMOs are utilized in industrial agriculture and farming in order to maximize profit. GMOs can be turned into genetically modified ingredients which are commonly present in our food. Thus the topic of GMOs is surrounded by controversy and constant debate.
Traditional breeding techniques engage and exploit natural reproduction. Mutations inheriting genotypes with beneficial qualities such as conveying pest resistance may be crossbred with a mutation for increased fruit production, thus creating a plant with both qualities. Using mendelian genetics farmers create the ideal crop, often taking generations of plants to achieve. However, GMOs rely on biotechnology rather than natural reproduction. The selection of beneficial genes leads to the insertion of such genes into a test organism. The first GMO was made in 1973 by biologists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen when they inserted the genes of one bacteria into another. Almost a decade later the FDA approves the first GMO consumer product– human insulin for the treatment of diabetes. Since then, GMO usage has spread to many other organisms; canola, corn, apples, cotton, papaya, potato, soy, alfalfa, etc.
In 2020, out of all soybeans planted 94% were GMOs. Meanwhile in 2013 95% of canola was genetically modified and almost 100% of sugar beets were GMOs. Plants such as sugar beets benefit from genetic modifications by gaining herbicide resistance and thus allowing for farmers to take care of weeds. In addition, many store bought apples are genetically modified to increase shelf life and to develop resistance against oxidation which causes a brown tinged flesh. Of all the meat and dairy produced in the USA, over 95% of the animal sources have consumed GMO plants.
However, despite these benefits many are worried about the side effects of GMOs. A 2009 research suggests the possibility of the negative impacts brought by GMOs on the liver, kidney, pancreas, and reproductive system. Additionally, heavy reliance on GMOs may lead to a loss of biodiversity. In the scenario of a sudden disease outbreak genetically uniform crops would be wiped out, thus leaving the world in danger of facing famine. In addition there is a worry of outcrossing where genetically modified genes may crossover to wild plants. However, despite these concerns GMOs continue being an important part of our daily lives.
