Controversial topic - Essay Example

Jordan Medina The Bane of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) A genetically modified organism is “an organism, with the exception of human beings, in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination (European Parliament and of the Council). Genetically modified organism (GMO) is a product of modern science and agriculture. It is much talked about and here to stay. Public preoccupation and opinion are divided as to whether it is a harmful and helpful, with both listing several arguments to their cause.

However, GMOs have been severely untested in the natural living ecosystem for it to be categorized as an advantage to mankind. Several possible negative effects have been listed that risks the environment, human health and socio-economic concerns. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations discussed the possibility of genes introduced in GMOs escaping or transferring to other members of the same species and perhaps other species that are the non-target. These transgenes or foreign DNA sequence interaction in the cell, plant or ecosystem level, once released will be impossible to recall.

Furthermore, there are no conclusive tests to affirm that artificial insertion of genes will not destabilize an organism, encourage mutations or whether the inserted gene itself will be stable in the organism over generations (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). There is also a well-placed concern on the possibility of introducing foreign genes would negatively impact the health of humans. Author Doris Lin cited studies conducted on rats on a GMO diet that showed problems in their liver and kidneys (Lin).

A point to also consider with GMOs is it might result to the birth of a different allergen that can develop life-threatening allergies in people. Socio-economically, the biotechnology research which is the precursor of GMOs is actually lengthy and costly process spearheaded by the private sector. It is big business, with the wish to ensure the return of investment. Advocates have raised their concerns that the market dominance in the agricultural sector would cause the famers’ loss of access to plant material.

These would deeply impact small-scale farmers by making them pay for crop varieties bred from genetic material that originally came from their own fields but whose specific genetic modification strains have been patented by big agro-biotech companies (Whitman). If these companies would raise the price of the seeds for their own profit and advancement, small farmers or developing countries would not be able to afford its purchase thus, continuing on the cycle of poverty and hunger. In conclusion, GMOs have been packaged as a potential source to address world hunger problems.

It is also environmentally sound by eliminating the use of herbicide and other chemicals that have severe consequences to our ecosystem. However, until thorough testing in the biological and social levels have been done, it will remain as a bane to mankind by opening a brand new set of concerns that would be potentially more harmful than that of the existing practices. Works CitedEuropean Parliament and of the Council. "Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council." Official Journal of the European Communities. 2001:4. Document. Print.Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

FAO Newsroom. March 2003. Document. 21 October 2012.Lin, Doris. "Arguments For and Against Genetically Modified Organisms." 9 October 2011. Animal Rights. About.Com. Document. 21 October 2012.Whitman, Deborah. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" April 2000. ProQuest. 21 October 2012.