Genetically Modified Organisms and Their Creation - Case Study Example

Genetically Modified Organisms Introduction The initials GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. GMO’s have become a reality in the twentieth century and there has been concern about the future of humanity and their sustainability in terms of food production. It is evident the traditional food crops are insufficient to supply the world with its food requirement forcing scientists to come up with methods of coping with the looming food crisis. The growing population and scarcity of arable land have also contributed to the needs of having plants with enhanced capabilities. Although GMO’s refers to both plants and animals, GMO plants are more popular than GMO animals. This is because more than 80% of the total global food requirements come from plants (WHO, 1987). As a topic, GMO’s not only concerns the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering but also a topic of economic, political, and social cultural interests. Each of this field has a stake or role to play in adoption of GMO’s. The future of the globe interims of food sustainability depends of effective research of GMO’s. Creation of GMO Genetic modification results when there is an alteration in the configuration of genes in the cell of an organism. This alteration can result from delectation of insertion of new genes from the cells of another species. Genes are tiny strands found in the cells of all living organism and they are known to be the carriers DNA. All organisms have unique number of genes and any alteration of the genetic material result in creation of organisms that have different characteristics from those of their parents. The reality on GMO’s was realized in 1975 when the discussion about the new invention was launched at Asilomar conference. The meeting concluded that production of GMO’s should be carried out when scientist have done considerable research on the safety of GMO’s. However, production of GMO’s plants was first carried out in Canada and the US in 1982 when farmers were given genetically modified seeds for experimental purpose. In the recent history, there has been more progress in the production of genetically modified plants than genetically modified animals. Genetic modification can be applied to produce animals that have enhanced capabilities such as resistance to certain disease (Gary, 2005). In addition, genetic modification can result in physical modification of animals. Scientific vs. social argument Following the current developments in biotechnology and genetic engineering, there has been concern about economic application of GMO’s. It is obvious that the focus is the growing global population and the need to produce enough food. Thus, agriculture is the first beneficially of GMO’s. The medical field is also keen about GMO’s. For instance, diseases such as cancer and diabetes could find a solution in genetic modification whereby scientists would create individuals who are resistant to these conditions (Gary, 2005). Genetic modification is also of interest to the energy sector as the world explores new and cleaner sources of energy in biofuels. This indicates that there are numerous and unexploited potential in GMO’s. GMO technology can provide solution to numerous problems that affect the modern world. For example, the technology can be used to create high yielding crops. This is of particular interest since in most countries that are faced with scarcity of arable land. High yielding crops would also enhance economical production of food. In addition, most farmers particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa are faced with the problem of drought. These areas have large potentials for producing food despite their current draught situation. GMO technology can be applied to produce drought resistant crops that can be grown in these areas. In addition, animals that can survive in regions that have high temperatures are also a solution to farmers in these regions. The quality of food is also a factor that has facilitated genetic modification in crops. With genetic modification, it is possible to change the taste of certain foods crops to make them desirable to humans. For example, the taste of corn can be enhanced to make it desirable to population that have relied on wheat and rice as their staple food crops. This is significant to the regions due to the current climatic changes. In addition, certain foods are unable to produce quantities required to feed the population. For example, India has the largest population in the world. Indians prefer rice as their basic food (Rokeach, 1973). It is evident that rice is not as productive as corn. By altering the taste of corn, scientist can familiarize it among the Indian communities. The tastes of other food crops such as fruits and vegetables can be enhanced to increase their popularity among the people. It has been established that eating fruits and vegetables is healthier than eating other foods such as meat and starchy foods. However, most people shy away from eating vegetables due to their taste. Livestock farmers are also faced with the problem of diseases and parasites that affect their animals lowering their production. With genetic modification, it is possible to create breeds of animals that are resistant to certain contagious diseases that have proved a problem to most farmers. Scientist has also developed animals that are resistant to certain pests, such as ticks and mites. This has enabled them to cut down their cost of production and increase the quality of their products. The nutrition content of food is also significant. Although food products have nutritional variation, it is possible to alter the nutrition content of food through genetic modification. This is of particular interest to staple food crops or crops that are commonly used (Tamsen, 2006). In addition there are other rare nutrients that have benefits of protecting people from certain diseases or are vital for proper body functioning. Certain vitamins such as vitamins A are known to prevent diseases or enhance proper body functioning. It is evident that people do not eat foods that contain enough of these vitamins. Genetic modification can be used to increase the content of such essential nutrients (WHO, 1987). For instance, it is possible to produce sugar that has additional vitamin A from genetic modification. Genetically modified rice and wheat also contain essential nutrients that are not contained in the natural strains of wheat and rice (Louis, 2009). The energy content of food is also of concern with the current food shortages. Scientists are looking for the possibilities of producing foods that have a high-energy content. Plant or food crops can also be used for curative purposes or can be used to enhance immunity against certain types of diseases. Through genetic modification, it is possible to create or produce plants that enhance that offer immunity against certain diseases. Scientists are studying the possibility of creating a hepatitis B vaccine through genetic modification of bananas. Despite these advantages, GMO’s have certain drawbacks that have prevented their adoption. The main reason that most farmers have not adopted genetically modified crops is their resultant environmental risks. According Louis (2009), to genetic modification results in the creation of new organism. Nielsen confirms this statement and goes on to argue that introduction of new organisms can have a devastating effect on the ecosystem (2003). This is because every organism is suits a specific ecosystem (Ames, 2010). Thus introducing genetically modified plants and animals would make the environment to respond. For example introducing disease resistant crops may lead to the creation of more resistant or complicated strain of diseases (IPT, 2009). Similarly, weed resistant crops may lead to the formation of resistant weeds that cannot be eliminated using typical herbicides. Developing animals that are resistant to bacterial or fungal related infection can lead to the creation of drug resistant bacteria. These dangers are likely to results from widespread adoption of genetically modified organisms. Although increased production was the main purpose of venturing into GMO’s, it has been verified that GMO crops are not as yielding as anticipated before. According to Tamsen (2006), most claims about increased food production from GMO’s have been found untrue. In addition, genetically modified crops have been found to take considerable amount of time before they reach maturity. This indicates that GMO’s are not as economical as predicted earlier. The safety of GMO’s for human consumption has been the main debate concerning production and consumption of GMO’s. There is credible evidence that GMO’s have negative health on humans. Genetically modified foods are known to cause obesity and allergies. It has also been established that GMO’s can reduce fertility among women. In addition, genetically modified foods alter the genetic configuration of unborn babies (IPT, 2009). This was established from research studies carried out by David Schubert, a biologist from Salk institute. From the research studies, David established that the population of mice fed on GMO soy had considerable differences from the control population that was fed on ordinary soy. For instance, female mice that were fed on GMO soy had difficulties in conceiving. In addition, the population produced deformed offspring. David Schubert concluded that GMO food would have similar implications on human reproductive health. The Future of GMOs Due to the health risks and advantages that results from GMOs, regulation is necessary. Currently the US is the largest producers of genetically modified crops although plans are underway to familiarize the crops in other countries. Animal and plant health inspection service (APHIS) is one of the organizations that control safety in the production of genetically modified crops. APHIS gives license ton farmers or research institutions that intend to be involved with the production of GMO’s. Other organizations that have the responsibility of regulating the production of GMO’s across the globe include FDA, USDA, and EPA. The regulatory organizations are concerned with both the short term and long-term implication of GMO’s (Ames, 2010). Short-term concerns include the health effects of GMOs while long-term implications include the effects of GMO’s on different food chains. China is also greatly involved in the production and research on GMO’s. In China, all genetically modified plants or animals have to pass through AGBE before been released into the field. One of the key issues among these organizations is whether people should make personal choices concerning GMO’s (Rokeach, 1973). There have also been issues relating to labeling of GMO products that are distributed through the ordinary markets. The future of genetically modified crops also lies on the balance concerning the continuity of specie that has genetic modifications. Although genetic modification is supposed to increase food production, it is evident that it can result in food scarcity. Terminator genes are an example of how genetic modification can lead to extinction of species (Ames, 2010). The terminator genes causes discontinuity of plants since, seeds produced by search plants cannot germinate. In addition, a cross-pollination involving genetically engineered and a normal plant result in the production of sterile seeds. The terminator technology indicates the dangers that face the world because of GM technology. Finally, the significance of genetic engineering has raised controversy over its benefits against its drawbacks. From most arguments, it is evident that people want to evade the consequences of GMO’s. However current economic problems that concerns food production and requirements, make GMO’s vital for economic sustainability. Thus, people need to make a choice on whether to adopt GMOs or continue growing traditional food crops. Conclusion Genetically modified organisms have attracted debate from both the scientist and the society. Genetically modification results from alteration of the genetic configuration in an organism leading to the creation of organism with unique characteristics. GMO’s were developed with the intention of coping or providing a solution to problems that affect ordinary plants and animal. Genetically modification has resulted in creation of drought and disease resistant crops and animals. In addition, through genetic engineering, scientists have been able to develop crops that are more nutritious and tastier. Despite the benefits that results from GMO’s, there are fears that GMO’s might have more disadvantages than advantages. GMO have resulted in the production of drug resistant diseases and parasite. In addition, consumption of GMO’s has significant health hazards. Due to the advantages and disadvantages there have been controversies about the future of a GMO infested world. Labeling of GMO food has also been a controversial issue considering the health impacts of GMO’s and the need to make personal choices. References Ames, C. (2010). Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2010 ISAAA Brief No. 42. ISAAA: Ithaca, NY Gary, A. (2005). "Therapeutic insulin and their large-scale manufacture". Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 67 (2): 151–159. IPT, (2009). The truth is out on genetically modified foods- and it’s not pretty. Foodmatters, Retrieved may 14, 2012 from: http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp/the%20truth%20is%20out%20on%20genetically%20modified%20foods%20-%20and%20it%27s%20not%20pretty Louis, M. (2009). "Production of Pharmeceutical by transgenic animals". Comparitive Immunology, Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 32 (2): 107–121. Nielsen, M. (2003). "Transgenic organisms—time for conceptual diversification?” Nature Biotechnology 21 (3): 227–228. Rokeach, M. (1973). The nature of human values. New York: Free Press. Tamsen, B. (2006). Controversy over GMO’s. Retrieved may 14, 2012 from: http://organic.lovetoknow.com/Controversy_Over_GMO’s WHO (1987): Principles for the Safety Assessment of Food Additives and Contaminants in Food, Environmental Health Criteria 70. World Health Organization, Geneva. Appendix Table 1 Distribution of GM crops around the globe Source:http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/teach/agbio2011/Readings%202011/Economics%20of%20GM%20Crops%20Ann%20Rev%20Econ%202009.pdf GM process Source http://www.liveinthenow.com/article/consumers-dispute-requiring-information-on-genetic-altering/gmo-corn Read More