Genetically Modified Organism: Definition, Examples, Facts - Report Example

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is a term used to refer to the organisms that have been genetically changed or altered in laboratory settings with the purpose of changing the physiological state of the organisms in order to produce products that are biological in nature and highly demanded (Pinstrup-Andersen 75). Various biological species and elements including plants and animals have been genetically altered. GMO have also been associated with causation of some problems. For instance, GMO have been found to result to environmental hazards and health complications. They have also led to extinction of indigenous plants and animals. In connection to this, the paper will provide detailed information on the advantages and disadvantages of GMO. Currently, GMO is extensively used in the production of offspring with valuable traits. For example, in the case of breeding pets, this process has been applied in order to generate offspring that have traits that are considered highly desirable. GMO is also used in the production of genetically modified food products. This is because, with the assistance of genetic modification process; scientists have been able to produce agricultural products, and these products have started replacing indigenous agricultural products. Production of food products through the process of genetic modification is escalating day by day, and it has already been recorded that crops that have been genetically modified are being planted over an area of more than 100 million hectares in various underdeveloped and developed regions (Pinstrup-Andersen 76). The reason for the increase in production of genetically modified crops is that these crops can be produced in a much effective and efficient manner. It is also evident that GMO grow and mature within a short duration. Apart from enhancing the production of a variety of crops, GMO has also enhanced the production of crops that are resistant to pests and diseases. Additionally, it is through GMO that scientists have managed to produce drought resistant crops. It is as a result of these factors that GMO crops are considered as one of the solutions to the issue of world hunger as well as depletion of resources. Even though there is an increase in the production and demand for genetically modified crops and food products, several controversies have surrounded the importance of GMO products. These controversies include the public’s perception regarding GM foods, the impact of GM foods on human health, and wellbeing and the labeling of these food products. GMO have been associated with the occurrence of uncontrolled growth of cells (cancer), food allergy, and heart diseases. The perception of the consumers is one of the major issues that are surrounding GMO. The problem is that people are confused whether GMO are healthy, or they pose a threat to the lives of human beings. This is as a result of lack of an established fact on whether GMO do harm the health and wellbeing of human beings. Some researchers have even ended up with contradictory research. For instance, there are researchers that have established that GMO are healthy for human beings, whereas there are others who claim that GMO can negatively impact the health and wellbeing of human beings. The distributed and varying perception of the public is a major concern for the future and acceptability of GMO. It is as a result of the societal confusion about GMO that Magnusson conducted a research on the perception of the general public regarding foods produced through the process of genetic modification. For this study, the researcher surveyed a total of 786 respondents who mostly held negative viewpoint about genetically modified food products, and these negative attitudes were based on the grounds of morals and ethics (Magnusson 21). It has not yet been clearly proven that genetically modified food products and crops are healthy for human beings. A major debate surrounding GMO is that researchers have failed to establish whether foods produced through this process are actually safe for the health and wellbeing of the consumers. Food regulators in different regions such as the US have given a green signal to various food products that are produced through the process of genetic engineering. The FDA (The US Food and Drug Administration) is a US-based governmental organization that monitors the safety of the food products that are being sold in the open markets in the US. This organization has approved various food products that are genetically engineered and the method of verifying the safety of these food products is to verify whether these food products are as safe as the food products that are produced through traditional methods (“Fda.gov” 1). Still certain researchers have questioned the safety of genetically altered crops. For example a study was conducted by Aris in order to identify the health risks associated with food products produced through genetic engineering. The population that was studied for health risk included pregnant women and fetuses. The researcher identified that various pesticides used for the protection of genetically modified crops were found in the bloodstreams of both the fetus and the mother. Unfortunately, the identified toxins can have a major impact on the health of both the populations. GMO is also associated with genetic disorders in animals and human beings; GMO cause gene mutation. In connection to this, the researcher of the study proposed that further investigation on the impact of these toxins on the population needs to be conducted (Aris 532). A third issue surrounding GMO and genetically engineered food products is whether the food products that are being sold on the shelves of markets should be labeled or not. Around 90% of the food products that are being supplied within the markets have been produced through some form of genetic modification (Weise 1). People to date are unaware that most of the food items they are purchasing are already genetically modified; this is because it is not required by law to label food products. Policy makers are concerned that if food products will be labeled as GMO and non-GMO, then major percentage of the population will not opt for GMO food products as a huge number of them already hold negative perceptions about genetically manufactured food products. Genetically modified organism is a term used in referring to organisms that aid in the production of offspring with the required traits. It is also the term that is used in the agricultural production of food crops as well as other commercial crops. GMO contributes significantly to agricultural production. In addition to increase productivity, crops generated via it grow and mature very fast. It is through GMO that scientists have also managed to generate drought resistant crops. Many animals are also produced via aid of GMO. Currently, GMO has enhanced productivity which has successfully managed to solve hunger problem in developing countries. Despite having many advantages, GMO has very many controversies; the controversies range from causation of diseases to exploitation of the natural environment. They cause genetic mutations that alter with the growth and development of living things. Additionally, GMO is associated with the extinction of indigenous animals and plants. As a result of the controversies associated with GMO, it is advisable for the products sold in the supermarkets to be labeled so that consumers will consume GMO generated foods at their will. Works Cited Aris, Aziz, and Samuel Leblanc. Maternal And Fetal Exposure To Pesticides Associated To Genetically Modified Foods In Eastern Townships Of Quebec, Canada. Reproductive Toxicology 31.4 (2011): 528--533. Print. Fda.gov,. Questions & Answers On Food From Genetically Engineered Plants. N.p., (2014): Web. 20 Oct. 2014. Magnusson, Maria K, and Ulla-Kaisa Koivisto Hursti. Consumer Attitudes Towards Genetically Modified Foods. Appetite 39.1 (2002): 9--24. Print. Pinstrup-Andersen, Per et al. Case Studies In Food Policy For Developing Countries. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 2009. Print. Weise, Elizabeth. Genetically Engineered Foods Q & A. Usatoday.com. N.p., (2012): Web. 20 Oct. 2014. Read More