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Understanding Genetically Modified Organisms

The document discusses genetically modified organisms (GMOs) including how they are created through genetic engineering techniques and their uses in research, food production, and potential future applications. Common GMO crops include corn, soybeans, and sugar beets which are engineered for traits like increased yields, pest resistance, and shelf life. While GMOs may provide benefits, some have concerns about unexpected allergic reactions and DNA transfer to non-GMO species.

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Gabriela Bonilla
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88 views2 pages

Understanding Genetically Modified Organisms

The document discusses genetically modified organisms (GMOs) including how they are created through genetic engineering techniques and their uses in research, food production, and potential future applications. Common GMO crops include corn, soybeans, and sugar beets which are engineered for traits like increased yields, pest resistance, and shelf life. While GMOs may provide benefits, some have concerns about unexpected allergic reactions and DNA transfer to non-GMO species.

Uploaded by

Gabriela Bonilla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Genetically Modified Organisms

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA has
been altered using genetic engineering techniques. For thousands of years, humans have
used breeding methods to modify organisms. Within the last few decades, however,
modern advances in biotechnology have allowed scientists to directly modify the DNA of
microorganisms, crops, and animals.

Most animals that are GMOs are produced for use in laboratory research. These animals
are used as “models” to study the function of specific genes and, typically, how the genes
relate to health and disease. Some GMO animals, however, are produced for human
consumption. Salmon, for example, has been genetically engineered to mature faster, and
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that these fish are safe to eat.

GMOs are perhaps most visible in the produce section. The first genetically engineered
plants to be produced for human consumption were introduced in the mid-1990s. Today,
approximately 90 percent of the corn, soybeans, and sugar beets on the market are
GMOs. Genetically engineered crops produce higher yields, have a longer shelf life, are
resistant to diseases and pests, and even taste better. These benefits are a plus for both
farmers and consumers. For example, higher yields and longer shelf life may lead to lower
prices for consumers, and pest-resistant crops means that farmers don’t need to buy and
use as many pesticides to grow quality crops. GMO crops can thus be kinder to the
environment than conventionally grown crops.

Genetically modified foods do cause controversy, however. Genetic engineering typically


changes an organism in a way that would not occur naturally. It is even common for
scientists to insert genes into an organism from an entirely different organism. This raises
the possible risk of unexpected allergic reactions to some GMO foods. Other concerns
include the possibility of the genetically engineered foreign DNA spreading to non-GMO
plants and animals. So far, none of the GMOs approved for consumption have caused any
of these problems, and GMO food sources are subject to regulations and rigorous safety
assessments.

GMO Salmon
Photo of a genetically engineered
Salmon. Created so that it
continuously produces growth
hormones and can be sold as a full
size fish after 18 months instead of 3
years.

In the future, GMOs are likely to continue playing an important role in biomedical research.
GMO foods may provide better nutrition and perhaps even be engineered to contain
medicinal compounds to enhance human health. If GMOs can be shown to be both safe
and healthful, consumer resistance to these products will most likely diminish.

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