Genetically Modified Organism Facts - Essay Example

Genetically Modified Organism A genetically modified organism (GMO) refers to that organism whose genetic makeup has been altered (modified) through genetic engineering techniques. Since genetic engineering techniques are employed in making the GMOs, these organisms are also referred to as genetically engineered organisms (GEOs). To come up with a given GMO, DNA molecules derived from different sources get combined to come up with a completely new set of genes, and a new molecule. This technique is generally referred to as recombinant DNA technology. The resulting new DNA molecule then acts as source of novel or modified genes by being transferred to an organism to which a modification or novelty is desired. Closely related to GMOs are transgenic organisms, a subset of GEOs comprising of organisms to which DNA originating from a different has been inserted. Historical Background to GMOs Production of a GMO generally involves addition of new genetic material to the genome of an organism. This process is known as genetic engineering. Two major discoveries have contributed to the development of genetic engineering; coming up with the first recombinant bacterium in the year 1973, as well as the discovery of the DNA. This first recombinant bacterium was made from an existing bacterium E. coli was had an exogenesis Salmonella gene. The emergence of genetic engineering aroused a lot of concerns about its potential risks. These risks were first discussed in details in the Conference held in 1975. The meeting’s main recommendation was that the government establishes a body to oversee the research in this field till the safety of this technology was assured. The first company to employ the technology of recombinant DNA was founded by Herbert Boyer. The company which was named Genentech was able to create an E. coli strains that could produce the human protein insulin by 1978. A field test was carried out in 1986, which involved using genetically engineered bacteria called ice-minus bacteria to offer protection to plants from damage by frost. This was done in a small company of biotechnology by the name Advanced Genetic Sciences of Oakland, situated at California. Monsanto Company also proposed a field test of a genetically engineered microbe for a pest resistant protein but the proposal was dropped. Organizations such as WHO and FAO issued a guidance on how to asses the safety of genetically food and plants between the late 1980s and the early 1990s. The experimental planting of genetically modified plants began in Canada and United States towards the end of 1980s. It was not until the mid 1990s that the first commercial large scales cultivation of genetically engineered plants was approved. There has been an annual increase in adoption of the engineered plants by the farmers ever since. Production Process As stated earlier, the production of a GMO generally lies on the principle of adding a new genetic material into the genome of an organism. Insertion or deletion of genes is referred to as genetic modification. The genes that are inserted mostly comes an organism of from a different species and this is a case of horizontal gene transfer. The gene transfer may occur in nature if for any given reason an exogenous DNA passes through the cell membrane. To artificially do this, one may either attach the genes to a virus or insert the extra DNA physically into the intended host’s nuclear by the use of a tiny syringe, or using very tiny particles which are fired from a device called gene gun. The natural methods of gene transfer such as the capacity of the Agro bacterium to transmit genetic material to the nuclei of plants cells or the capacity of lent viruses to relocate genes to the nuclei of animal cells animal cells are may also be used.[3] Environmental Issues and Ethical Some environment and ethical concerns have been raised with regards to GMOs. Some environmentalists have raised concerns that could lead to some detrimental and adverse effects on the food chain. For instance, they could introduce new and foreign allergens into food. Moreover, the fact that they are normally of superior and in particular antibiotic would lead to transfer of this quality, thereby spreading antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, there are no scientific studies so far showing inherent environmental harm of GMOs. These are more concerns based on speculation (CBI 606). As such, various biotechnology laws have been developed to require testing of any GMO prior to its production for human consumption. It has been argued that use of herbicide resistant genetically modified crops may threaten crop diversity thus undermining agro biodiversity in terms of time and space (Altieri & Rosset. 609). It is also their contention that emphasis on GM crops would lead to genetic erosion, a condition whereby farmers will be replacing the traditional varieties with the GM leading to gradual extinction of the former. Further, they argue that the biotech crops that produce their pesticides use a mechanism similar to synthetic pesticides. As such, they would be effective for only a short while, before pests develop resistance to them. The scholars therefore attack the foundational merits of the GM crops. There are a number of ethical issues arise from increasing production, use and consumption of GMOs, more so in the areas of agriculture, research and food industry. Due to constant gene alterations done to the genes of living organisms in order to come up with GMOs, the quality of resulting organisms tend to fundamentally deviate from their original organic state. On one hand, this variation may be of value in agriculture in the sense that they help to better meet human demand, especially with regards to obtaining a superior quality breeds and crop species. On the other hand, it is feared that the variation of original organic quality could have a degrading effect on environment and an adverse effects on the consumers. This fear of degradation is further aggravated the fact that the effect of some of the GMOs may never be told in advance, leading to fears such as coming up with invasive species. A considerable debate has also arisen in the context of cloning as a means of coming up with GMOs. After successful cloning that gave rise to dolly, more sheep, goats , cows, pigs, sheep and mice have been cloned. However, some animals have been difficult to clone (like chicken and primates) ; but this remains technologically viable. Cloning has been laudable for being essential to get an organism with superior traits; thus improving productivity, especially to farmers. Cloning human embryo on reproduction grounds is currently illegal. The present objections arise from various factors including public perception that unwanted traits (like that of Hitler) may be propagated. However, the environmental impacts have been found to be more influential than the genetic component of an organism when it comes to traits and behavior. This has been evidenced in cases of identical twins where different upbringing results in fundamental differences in personality despite being very closely related in their genetic makeup. It has also been argued that cloning is associated with a probability of deformity in the resulting organisms. These inefficiencies are evidenced in many previous failures in attempts to clone other primates. Low probability of success with high probability of abnormalities makes it ethically unacceptable to clone human beings. Nevertheless, should the efficiency in primate cloning be improved and human cloning be absolutely legalized, then cloning would be a very good means of “replacing” dead infants as well as helping married couples who have reproductive difficulties get a child through cloning. Whereas cloning has been viewed as a major scientific breakthrough, there have been ethical arguments that the whole process is unnatural and should not be used to make organisms that may be richly produced by nature. Studies have shown that animal cloning is associated with problems that include: deformity, tumors, kidney diseases, inability to reproduce or to nurse, stomach ailment, high mortality rates, metabolic disturbances, progeny (large offspring) syndrome, and arthritis among others. Obviously, there are adverse to animal’s welfare. As thus, cloning has been argued to be adverse to the intrinsic values of animals and regarded as a cruelty or potential avenue for cruelty against animals, particularly by animal activists. Importance /Uses Biological and medical researchers use the GMO in producing pharmaceutical drugs, experimental medicine like to carry out gene therapy. This has led to tremendous advancement in these fields. In medicine, several drugs have been developed using the principle of genetic engineering. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 6, 2009 approved the first dug produced from a transgenic animal, a goat. This drug called ATryn, is used to reduce the chances of blood clotting during surgery or child birth. It is produced from the milk of a transgenic goat. GMO technology has been widely used in the production of food crops which are patent-protected and are resistant to the commercial herbicides or produce proteins that can control pests. This application is quickly tacking roots although it is very highly opposed. This technology is employed in various parts of the world, with a US firm called Monsanto. being the largest grower of GMO. European Joint Research Commission in a report released in 2007, projects over 40% of the new genetically modified plants getting into the world market will trace their development to Asia by 2015. Large scale production of pure human proteins has been possible through genetic engineering. The bacteria can be genetically modified to produce these proteins and due to the fact that they multiply very fast, a large amount of the proteins can be obtained from them within a relatively short period of time. The bacteria can be modified to produce insulin, a protein that is used to treat diabetes. Clotting factor has also been produced by the engineered bacteria, for the treatment of hemophilia. Moreover, this technology has been employed in modifying the bacteria to produce human growth hormone for the purposes of treating all sorts of dwarfism. Conclusion Genetic modified organisms are very positive products of advancement in technology and should be embraced. They are potential sources of improving the life of humanity a great deal. On the other hand, this technology is also a potential monster if embraced blindly. The GMO may have unforeseen dangerous effects on the environment and enough precautions should be taken before coming up with such organisms. Works Cited Altieri, Miguel, A., and Rosset ,Peter. “10 reasons why biotechnology will not ensure food security, protect the environment and reduce poverty in the developing world.” Writing Arguments . Ed. Ramage, John, D. Boston:Pearson Custom Publishing, 1998. 608-613 Council for Biotechnology Information (CBI). “.Would it Surprise You to Know That Growing Soybeans Can Help the Environment?” Writing Arguments . Ed. Ramage, John, D. Boston:Pearson Custom Publishing, 1998. 606-607. Read More