Genetically Modified Organisms - Essay Example

Genetically Modified Organisms Adopted from http www.treehugger.com/green-food/do-you-know-what-you-eat-strikegreenpeacesstrike-ads-against-genetically-modified-organisms.html Table of Contents History of Genetically Modified Organisms 3 What is a Genetically Modified Organism? 3 Statement Problem 4 Advantages of GMOs 6 Disadvantages of GMOs 8 Conclusion 11 Works Cited 12 History of Genetically Modified Organisms The definition of food has changed over the last few years. With an advancement in several types of technology, especially in the area of genetic engineering, most farmers and scientists have transformed the manner in which food is grown and produced, something that has raised fundamental questions on the processes and their probable risks and effects. What is apparent is that there is not sufficient information on the dangers of genetically modified organisms on human health as of present. In addition to this, scientists have not been able to come to a common ground on the possible hazards or the security of this technology. Despite this, genetically modified organisms hold wide, uncertain, and potentially life threatening consequences for human health, which are complexly intertwined with moral/ethical concerns (Engdahl 12). GMO was authorized for use in the 1990’s by an executive order by the then President George W. Bush after an interactive meeting with executives from the GMO producing organization, Monsanto. Following the meeting, the president directed that there were not supposed to be any kind of quality tests done on the GMO before they are released for food consumption. This policy later on came to be known as the Doctrine of Substantial Equivalence. This decree opened the door for widespread research and production of GMO foods (Engdahl 15). What is a Genetically Modified Organism? Several biotechnologies have been established over the years by various cultures. Some of the biotechnologies that have been developed in the past three decades include; tissue culture, molecular diagnosis, cell isolation and genetic engineering. All these biotechnologies have been fundamental in improving the lifestyle of the human race because they have been used to curb problems of food insecurity. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) is one of the biological techniques that have been developed through the manipulation of organism’s genetic composition by eliminating, introducing or rearranging some genes. There is a general agreement by scholars that, science and technology have continued to offer the human race a wide range of benefits in the past and this is bound to continue into the future (Enriquez & Goldberg 1020). The phrase GMOs is often used to denote crop plants that have been developed for human or animal use by using contemporary molecular biology methods. The plants are modified in laboratories to bring about the trait that the developers desire such as heightened resistance to herbicides or enhanced nutritional composition. The augmentation of desired traits has conventionally been done by means of breeding, but the traditional plant breeding techniques take a lot of time and are usually not accurate. On the other hand, the current technique called genetic engineering can generate plants that have the precise desired trait very quickly and with big precision. For example, scientists are capable of picking a gene that is responsible for drought and resistance then transfer the gene into another type of plant. The new plant whose genes have been modified will also become drought resistant. In addition to this, genes can also be gotten from non-plants and introduced into plants. The most recognized of this is the B.t. genes that are mostly used in corn (Enriquez & Goldberg 1021). Statement Problem In the constantly changing world of technology, people have been forced to change their lifestyles to meet the new demands brought about by technological advancements. In addition to this, the ever-rising population coupled with the adverse weather conditions in most parts of the world has brought about perennial food problems in most parts of the world. To counter this problem, scientists have been trying to develop alternatives that can bring a permanent problem to the persisting food challenges. One of these solutions has been introducing genetically modified organisms into the market. Although not totally accepted, most parts of the world have adopted the use of GMOs as an alternative to solving the perennial food problem in the world. The use of GMOs has been so widely adapted to a point that people no longer study about the negative effects but only examine the benefits of these organisms. However, it is significant to examine how GMOs affect the society and whether their use should be discontinued (Swardson 20). The government approach towards GMOs is varied in different places. Although the regulation of agricultural products manufactured by use of technology began basically on the same part of the world, it has rapidly taken diverse turns over the years. The U.S. has been cautious on its bid to regulate the use of biotechnology foods with much of the dilemma coming from the issue of whether the government has legal authority to regulate agriculture. Because of continuous lobbying, GMOs are now fully recognized by the government and their use and marketing is widely encouraged. However, the situation is slightly different in Europe, which has been cautious in allowing the production and marketing of GMOs. Because of the developments in Europe, lobby groups in the U.S. have been trying to create opposition on the use of genetically modified organisms in the country. However, this has done very little to change the position of the various bodies tasked with overseeing and promoting the use of this technology in the country. Although some changes have been made on the production of GMOs, the only tangible pressure that the calls by lobby groups has brought is the direction by congress that all genetically modified foods should be labelled. The apparent failure by the law to set clear laws on the production and use of GMOs has made it possible for the U.S. to continue with the production and importation of GMO technology to other parts of the world (Nigel 768). Advantages of GMOs One of the chief benefits of GMO’s is that, they have the potential of addressing food insecurity. This is largely beneficial to the developing countries because; such countries can use the biotechnology to breed animals and plants fast. In addition, the breeding can be controlled so that surplus production is not experienced. On the other hand, underutilized varieties of organisms can be produced in a cheaper and in a larger quantity than they are being produced using other traditional technologies. Traditional plants can be increased in terms of production and marketing so as to make markets more competitive while at the same time, making dietary diverse. Therefore, by working with various varieties of organisms, experts can be able to produce sufficient food in diverse countries and especially in the developing countries. There is increase in yield with the implementation of GMO biotechnology. Evidence shows that, GMO biotechnology augments yields mainly because; the biotechnology promoted the preservation of the natural ecosystem. For that reason, the yields are bound to increase in contrast to a situation whereby large amounts of agrichemicals are used in agricultural production (Cookson 7). In essence, the introduction, preservation as well as the conservation of animal breeds and crops has become possible and prominent with the use of GMO’s. This is advantageous in the case where there are diminishing breeds of animals and crops. For that reason, genetic modification can be used in protecting and in some cases, protecting biodiversity. The biotechnology is more valuable when it is used in “locally adapted and culturally valued crops and animals”. Therefore, through GMO’s, a wide range of plants and animals can be enhanced (Hoban 233). Some of the genetic modifications that are undertaken on crops and microorganisms have the potential of benefiting man. Studies suggest that, the modification of microorganism and plants allow for the provision of in-situ remediation of contaminated sediments, soils, aquifers and surface water. The GMO lead to the elimination of hazardous heavy metals in soils and waters that have been polluted thus the organisms and plants are able to thrive in favourable environments or ecosystems. In that case, GMO’s lead to the transformation of pollutants to forms which are less toxic paving way for the trivial of microorganisms and plants (Hoban 234). The other benefit that can be accrued from Genetically Modified Organisms is that, they are cheaper for the farmer. For instance; a farmer who grows Genetically Modified crops, uses a few pesticides, a small amount of herbicides and fertilizer hence this is cheaper for them. In addition, Genetically Modified crops are found and proven to grow faster than the other crops. Therefore, genetic modification is beneficial to the farmers because they gain immense profit from the activity. Similarly, the use of small quantities of herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides has environmental benefits as well. This is because; the potential of environmental degradation due to excess use of chemicals will have been eliminated (Maitland 3). Desirable traits from GMO biotechnology can be obtained, and scientists have repeatedly noted that, GMO biotechnology allows for selective breeding of plants and animals and this contributes to the improvement of crops and animals. For instance; when it concerns plants, the biotechnology will make possible for the selection specific plant species that increase yields or production of plant species that have the best characteristics. On the other hand, MGO biotechnology will improve breeding in animas because, it will help to control animal breeding, to maximize and reinforce desirable traits (Godard 50). According to research, environmental effects are reduced by the use of GMO’s biotechnology. This is attributed to the fact that, the use of GMO biotechnology results to decrease in the amount of chemically harmful pesticides. Statistical findings indicate that, in 1998 the quantity and level pesticides used for crops decreased by 2.5 million pounds due to the implementation of genetically modified crops. Generally, the studies point out that, there has been decline in agrochemical use as a result of GMO’s hence preservation of habitats. The other environmental benefit that has been found to culminate from GMO’s is that, it has facilitated for soil conservation (Godard 52). Disadvantages of GMOs Despite the accessible benefits of genetically modified entities, the truth is that this technology also comes with numerous disadvantages. Unlike the advantages that only touch on the environment and offering food security, the disadvantages of using genetically modified foods touch on human health. Over the years, it has been suggested that, Genetically Modified Products may trigger the onset of allergies. Furthermore, there are fears that, the products may be potentially detrimental because they can provoke “the transfer to humans of antibiotic-resistant properties of GMO’s. Unlike in the discussion of the advantages where there has not been consensus among researchers, the research of the detrimental effects of using genetically modified organisms has been consistent (Greenberg 27). Over the years, physicians have noted that genetically modified organisms bring damages on various organ systems within the body. According to various studies, the increase in the use of GMOs has coincided with an increase in organ destruction among Americans. Although such findings have been questioned by organizations that deal in the production of such organisms, the truth is that the use of GMOs has detrimental effects that should be investigated. There is also sufficient proof that nearly all the studies showing the seeming benefits of using GMOs have been carried out or funded by organizations with an interest in this area. In order to guarantee the safe of the American people, there is need to conduct more studies on the foods that are detrimental to human health (Adler 170). Another reason on why the use of genetically modified organisms should be rejected is because it bypasses the natural reproductive procedures since selection takes place at the single cell level. This process is considered to be highly mutagenic and often breeches the specified general limitations on breeding. Given that the technique has only been in use for just over a decade, there is no way that its effectiveness can be measured. Ideally, this process should be still at the testing stage to gauge its viability but most scientists have apparently decide to bypass these stages and certify the technology fit for use in the production of food. This has been spurred by the desire to produce sufficient food for the constantly rising population (Adler 172). In addition to this, animal studies done over the last few years have explicitly linked the use of GMOs with serious health risks. These studies have pointed the use of GMOs to increased cases of fertility as well as the deterioration of the immune system. The use of GMOs has also been associated with quickened aging as well as the deregulation of genes that are linked to cholesterol synthesis. Because of this, the increased consumption of genetically modified organisms has been closely linked to problems in regard to the regulation of insulin levels in the human body as well as cell signalling. These foods have also been found to hinder the formation of proteins in the body something that has brought about weight related issues. GMOs also cause transformations in the functioning of the liver, kidney, spleen, and the digestive system (Applegate 438). Although the benefits that are linked to the consumption and production are only theoretical, there is tangible evidence, which proves that the uses of such foods are detrimental. Although genetically modified organisms have been found to be capable of feeding the world due to the enhanced crop yields, there is also sufficient evidence that this is not always the case. Several studies have established that GMO crop yields dwindle over time as compared to the traditional means of crop production. One of the studies also established that over time GMO crops require more herbicides as compared to the traditional crop production methods (Weiss 19). Since GMO foods present critical heath risk especially in relation to toxicology, allergy and immune purpose, and it is without purpose in as far as crop production is concerned, the use of GMO foods should be rethought. While the use of GMO has been linked to environmental degradation, states have relied on the lack of certainty to continue using this biotechnology. Although some governments appear to be implementing policies geared towards preventing the production of GMO foods, most of them are only doing so partially. This means that such states block the use and production of some GMOs and permit the use of others without any kind of scientific research to prove the viability of one over the other. This means that there is need for enhanced research to ascertain the viability of using GMO over the traditional crop production methods (Adler 174). GMO’s are also disadvantageous to the developing countries because the biotechnology is expensive. Since the establishment of the technology is expensive, developing countries will find it difficult to maximize its utility. Furthermore, reports indicate that large corporations have taken up the biotechnology and they are using it to maximize their profits. Therefore, those in poor regions and those who are vulnerable, do not access the biotechnology and in turn, do not reap the benefits that result from the use of the technology. Before that step can be taken, it is important to first ban the use of this technology due to its negative effects in the society (Engdahl, 20). Conclusion Although GMOs have been around for only about two decades now, they have gained acceptance in many areas. The widespread acceptance has been brought about by the society’s love for technology as well as the promise of GMOs to bring a revolution in the agricultural sector. At the present, the GMO biotechnology is being used in the production of food for a rapidly increasing population. By looking at the current trend, it is easy to foretell that the future of this technological advancement has a bright future. This is because as the world population keeps on rising, many governments turn to this technology to provide food for this constantly increasing population. This means that both the health and the ethical concerns that surround the use and production of GMO foods will continue to be ignored as long as people get solutions to the food problem that is currently facing the world. Despite the various benefits that are presented on the use of GMOs, personally I think that the technology should be banned due to the numerous health risks that are associated with it. over the years, research has shown that the use of genetically modified organisms is associated with damaging body organs such as the liver, kidneys and the pancreas. GMO foods have also been linked to quickening the aging process as well as altering the production of insulin in the body thus causing diseases such as diabetes. In addition to this, studies have also established that GMO farming dies not really produce enhanced crop yield over a long period and it therefore cannot be relied to solve the food crisis in the coming days. These inefficiencies make the use of GMO biotechnology a risky and an unworthy venture. Works Cited Adler, Jonathan. More Sorry Than Safe: Assessing the Precautionary Principle and the Proposed International Safety Protocol. Texas International Law Review 25, (2): 2012, 170-185. Applegate, John. The Precautionary Preference: An American Perspective on the Precautionary Principle. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment 6, (2), 2000, 438-450. Cookson, Clive & Houlder, Vanesse. An Uncontrolled Experiment. Financial Times Feb 13/14 2012: 7. Engdahl, William. Seeds of Destruction: The Hidden Agenda of Genetic Manipulation. Pluto Press, 2008. 12-22. Print. Enriquez, Juan & Goldberg, Ray. Transforming Life, Transforming Business: The Life Science Revolution. Harvard Business Review, March-April 2000. 1020-1050. Print. Godard, Oliver. Social Decision-Making Under Conditions of Scientific Controversy, Expertise and the Precautionary Principle. Integrating Scientific Expertise into Regulatory Decision-Making, 2007, 50-65. Print. Greenberg, Daniel. The Right to Know What We Eat. Washington Post National Weekly Edition July 7, 2012: 27. Hoban, Tomas. Consumer Acceptance of Biotechnology: An International Perspective. Nature Biotechnology 1997: 233-236. Maitland, Alison. Agriculture: From Bare Facts to Nervous Optimism. Financial Times, October 2007: 3. Nigel, Williams. Plant Genetics: Agricultural Biotech Faces Backlash in Europe. Science Aug 7, 2008: 768-771. Swardson, Anne. Round 2 of the Food Flight: Genetically Altered Items. Washington Post National Weekly Edition April 5, 2013: 20. Weiss, Rich. No Appetite for Gene Cuisine. Washington Post National Weekly Edition, May 3, 2009: 19 Read More