Biotechnology

Genetically Modified Organisms: A Blessing or Curse to Mankind

January 5, 2024

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Genetically Modified Organisms: A Blessing or Curse to Mankind

A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic materials has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. A GMO is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. Bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans can be the source of the foreign genes.

GMOs are also known as “Transgenic Organisms”.

Genetically modified crops or GM crops are plants that have been genetically modified by the insertion of foreign DNA molecules into traditional crop strains. Scientific advances in the genetic engineering and modification of crops has led to the fear that the technology will harm human health and may have undesired impacts on the environment. So to access the potential ecological impact of field or commercial releases of GM crops in a given region, the likelihood and impact of cross-pollination into the natural environment in a region should be taken into consideration. Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are foods that have benefited from genetic engineering. Many strands of corn, soybeans, cotton and similar crops are frequently planted in US fields every year. According to the US Department of Agriculture, GMOs account for 90% or more of the most common crops that are grown by American farmers. Many believe that GMO foods are perfectly safe to eat and can be grown in greater yields than nonmodified crops. There are also many that believe GMOs are unsafe to eat and could be contributing to an increase in common health issues. The benefits and threats related to GMOs are quite complex, so here are the key points to consider.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS RELATED TO GMOS?

1. Predictability of Food supplies is possible. When we are able to predict the crop yields, then it becomes very obvious to predict the food supply at the same time. This predictability provides us the ability to reduce the presence of food deserts around the world, and contributes to a well-rounded nutritional opportunity to a greater population, that may not have existed in the past. Genetically modified foods can also be engineered to grow in specific, sometimes challenging environments. Crops can be created that have a greater resistance to insects. They may be engineered to have a better tolerance to various herbicides that may be used. In return, farmers can typically receive a better crop yield at the end of the growing season, which increases their profits.

2. Improvement in the nutritional content. There is lot more valuable traits that can be added when we take into account genetic modifications than just adding pest resistance or weather resistance to GMO crops. For example, the nutritional content of the crops can be altered, by providing a greater nutritional profile than that which was present in the previous generations. This as a result can help people to gain the same nutrition from lower levels of food consumption in future. It can be used to create stronger colors, eliminate seeds, or have the crop be more tolerant to severe weather changes. Many foods have been genetically modified to improve nutrient content, including calcium and protein. The UN Food and Agricultural Organization notes that genetically modified rice have helped to reduce global vitamin deficiencies as it was able to produce high levels of Vitamin A.

3. Increasing the shelf life of the crops. According to Environmental Nutrition, many of the preservatives that is used to increase the shelf life of the crops are associated with a higher levels of carcinogen and allergens, thus pose a high risk to human health as it may cause heart disease, allergy and other dangerous diseases. So instead of relying on preservatives to maintain food freshness, genetically modified foods make it possible to extend food shelf life by augmenting the natural qualities of the food itself (M. Kramkowska, 2013).

4. Medical benefits reaped from GMO crops. Through a process called “pharming,” it is possible to produce certain proteins and vaccines, along with other pharmaceutical goods; this was made possible only by the use of genetic modifications. This practice provides cheaper methods of improving personal health and has the potential to change how a particular medication is provided to the patients in the future. The above importance of GMOs can be explained the following example: imagine being able to eat your dinner to get a tetanus booster instead of receiving a shot in the arm – that’s the future of this technology.

5. It makes the foods more appealing to eat With the help of genetically modified foods the colors can be changed or improved so they turn out to be more pleasing to eat. According to the reports of Spoon University the foods that are brighter in colors changes how the brain perceives what is being eaten. Dark red colors make food seem to be sweeter, even if it is actually not that sweet. Brighter foods are usually associated with better nutrition and enriched flavors.

5. Transportation of Genetically modified foods is easier. The planet currently produces 17% more food than what is required for the existing population levels. The amount of time that is taken for food to arrive in remote areas is large enough to spoil the food before it can be consumed. GMOs increase the lifespan of the food and its durability, allowing them to be shipped to a greater distances with less waste. Because GMO crops have a prolonged shelf life, it is easier to transport them to greater distances. This enhancement makes it possible to take excess food products from one community and deliver it to another that may be experiencing a food shortage. GMO foods give us the opportunity to limit food waste, especially in the developing world, so that hunger can be reduced and potentially eliminated.

6. Herbicides and pesticides use is reduced. Herbicides and pesticides create certain hazards on croplands that can eventually make the soil unusable and toxic. Farmers growing genetically modified foods do not need to use herbicides and pesticides as often as farmers using traditional growing methods, allowing the soil to recover its nutrient base over time. Because of the genetic resistance being in the plant itself, the farmer still achieves a predictable yield at the same time. In a study done by PG Economics it was reported that the pesticide use on GMO cotton from 1996-2011, was 6.1% less in the number of herbicides that had been used as compared to expected value. More than 1.5 kg of herbicide is still used per hectare, however, and this figure is expected to rise to 3.5 kg per hectare by 2025.

WHAT ARE THE THREATS RELATED TO GMOS?

1. Health risks associated with GM foods. Three major health risks potentially associated with GM foods are: toxicity, allergenicity and genetic hazards. These arise from the potential sources ie. the inserted gene and their expressed proteins. Information from the CDC shows that food allergies in children have increased from 3.4% to 5.1% in the last decade. “Starlink” maize provides an example of a food hazard caused directly by the expression of the inserted gene (B.E. Tabashnik,1994), (D.D. Baulcombe, et al. 2014) . The modified plant was engineered with genetic information from Bacillus thuringinesis in order to endow the plant with resistance to certain insects. The inserted gene encodes a protein, called Cry9c, with pesticidal properties, but with an unintended, strong allergenicity. Several cases have been reported of allergic reaction in consumers after consuming the “Starlink” maize.

2. GMOs may contribute to antibiotic resistance. GMOs are often incorporated with antibiotic-resistant genes in order to strengthen the crops that will grow. Thus, the machinations to genetically modify an organism carries the risk of transferring the genes of antibiotics resistance into the consumer of GM food, resistance may occur against the useful microflora of human and animal gastrointestinal tracts, or to pathogenic bacteria that can cause serious diseases (N. Gilbert,2013) .

3. Just 6 companies control almost the entire GMO seed market and 70% of the global pesticide market. Much of the negative energy which surrounds GMOs tends to involve Monsanto. There are 5 other companies that, along with Monsanto, control nearly all of the GMO seed market. This includes Sungenta, Dow Agrosciences, Bayer, BASF, and DuPont. This means a majority of corn and soybean products are not only profiting the farmer, but they are profiting companies as well. To protect these profits, patents are sought on certain seeds, which have caused legal troubles for some farmers who have had GMO seeds cross-pollinate with their crops, despite not planting GMOs.

4. Disruption of the food web Another issue is the possibility that the insect-resistant plants might increase the number of minor pests while reducing the major type of pest. The scenario here is that the pest population might shift from that put-off by the engineered plants to other, undaunted species. This shift, in turn, might set free a universal disruption of the entire food chain, with new predators of the new insect species, and so on up to the top of the chain (A.S. Bawa, 2013). Or the disruption might work in the other direction, whereby residues of herbicide or insect resistant plants might generate negative effects on organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, etc.) found in surrounding soil.

5. Independent research is not allowed with GMO seeds from half of today’s controlling organizations. User agreements with half of today’s leading GMO seed producers prohibit the use of independent research on the final product. This helps to protect the royalties that the companies earn when farmers are able to harvest a yield through the use of their seeds. Since the seeds are considered company property, even the unintended growing of a GMO crop can result in the need to pay a royalty.

Advantages of Genetically Engineered Crops

Genetically engineered crops have been a topic of debate for years, and while there are some concerns about their safety and impact on the environment, there are also many advantages to using them. This section will explore some of the benefits of genetically engineered crops, from increasing crop yields to reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides.

Increased Crop Yields: One of the primary benefits of genetically engineered crops is that they can produce higher yields than traditional crops. By introducing genes that help plants resist pests, diseases, and drought, genetically engineered crops can grow more efficiently and produce more food per acre of land. For example, Bt cotton, which has been genetically modified to produce a toxin that kills bollworms, has been shown to increase yields by up to 30%.
Reduced Need for Pesticides and Herbicides: Another advantage of genetically engineered crops is that they can help reduce the amount of pesticides and herbicides needed to protect crops. By introducing genes that make plants resistant to pests and diseases, farmers can avoid using chemical sprays that can harm the environment and potentially contaminate food. For example, genetically engineered soybeans that are resistant to herbicides have allowed farmers to use less toxic chemicals to control weeds.
Improved Nutritional Content: Some genetically engineered crops have been developed to have improved nutritional content, which can have significant health benefits. For example, genetically modified rice that contains beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A) has been developed to help combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries.
Better Environmental Sustainability: Genetically engineered crops can also help promote environmental sustainability by reducing the need for tilling, which can lead to soil erosion and nutrient loss. By using crops that have been genetically modified to be more resistant to pests and diseases, farmers can reduce the need for tilling and other practices that can harm the environment.

While there are certainly concerns about the safety and environmental impact of genetically engineered crops, it is important to recognize the potential benefits as well. By increasing crop yields, reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides, improving nutritional content, and promoting environmental sustainability, genetically engineered crops have the potential to play an important role in feeding a growing global population.

Disadvantages of Genetically Engineered Crops

Genetically engineered crops have been a topic of debate for several years now. While proponents argue that they provide numerous benefits, opponents have raised concerns about their safety and long-term effects on the environment. One of the main disadvantages of genetically engineered crops is the potential harm they can cause to the environment. The following are some of the key concerns that have been raised:

Environmental risks: Genetically modified crops have the potential to disrupt the ecological balance by affecting non-target organisms. For example, the use of Bt crops, which produce an insecticide, can harm beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
Health risks: Some studies have suggested that genetically modified crops may have adverse effects on human health, although the evidence is still inconclusive. For example, there are concerns that the use of genetically modified crops could lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, which could have serious implications for public health.
economic risks: Farmers who use genetically modified crops may become dependent on the seed companies that produce them, leading to higher costs and reduced biodiversity in agriculture. This could also lead to the displacement of small farmers who cannot afford to use genetically modified crops.
ethical concerns: There are also ethical concerns surrounding the use of genetically modified crops, particularly in developing countries. Critics argue that the use of genetically modified crops could exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, as well as undermine traditional farming practices.

While genetically engineered crops offer many potential benefits, there are also several disadvantages that must be considered. It is important to carefully weigh these risks and benefits before making a decision about whether to use genetically modified crops.

Future of Genetically Engineered Crops

The future of genetically engineered crops is a topic of much debate. Supporters argue that these crops have the potential to feed our growing population and improve the nutritional content of our food. Opponents, on the other hand, argue that the long-term effects of genetic engineering on human health and the environment are not yet fully understood. As the technology continues to advance, it is important to explore both the potential benefits and risks associated with genetically engineered crops.

Here are some key points to consider when thinking about the future of genetically engineered crops:

Increased crop yields: One of the main benefits of genetically engineered crops is their potential to increase crop yields. For example, some crops have been engineered to be resistant to pests and diseases, meaning that farmers can produce more food with fewer resources. This could be particularly important in areas of the world where food insecurity is a major issue.
Improved nutritional content: Another potential benefit of genetically engineered crops is their ability to improve the nutritional content of our food. For example, scientists are currently working on developing crops that are higher in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A. This could be particularly important in developing countries where malnutrition is a major problem.
environmental concerns: One of the main arguments against genetically engineered crops is the potential environmental impact. For example, some crops have been engineered to be resistant to herbicides, which has led to the overuse of these chemicals and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of genetically engineered crops on biodiversity and the long-term health of ecosystems.
Human health concerns: There are also concerns about the potential impact of genetically engineered crops on human health. For example, some studies have suggested that consuming genetically engineered foods could lead to allergic reactions or other health problems. However, the scientific consensus is that genetically engineered crops are safe to eat.
Regulation: Finally, it is important to consider the role of regulation in the future of genetically engineered crops. Some argue that current regulations are not strict enough to ensure the safety of these crops, while others argue that overly strict regulations could stifle innovation and progress in the field. Finding the right balance will be critical as we move forward.

Overall, the future of genetically engineered crops is complex and multifaceted. While there are certainly potential benefits to this technology, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and drawbacks as well. As the technology continues to advance, it will be critical to ensure that we are making informed decisions that prioritize the health of both people and the planet.

What is the reason of Genetic Engineering?

Mainly to make crops more resistant to disease genetic engineering is used. It also helps to make crops more nutritious and taste better.

What foods are genetically modified?

There are already a number of GMO crops that have been genetically modified:

94 percent of soybeans
92 percent of corn
94 percent of cotton
95 percent of sugar beets, one of our main sources of sugar
90 percent of canola oil, commonly used in prepared foods and to deep-fry things like French fries
77 percent of Hawaiian papayas

Need for GMO

By 2050 the population expected to be 9.7 billion and current agriculture practice cannot meet the demand.
In 2012, 868 million people malnourished and by 2030 653 million people will be malnourished.
Annual crop loss to pests is 20 – 40% and tackling crop diseases costs – 290 mm annually.
80% of deforestation worldwide is due to agriculture also by 2050 there will be only 0.18 hectares of land for each individual.

To overcome this outbreak there should be a match between increasing population with the rate on increase in staple crops. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stated that there should be a 60% global increase in agriculture production. The 4 major global crops (maize, wheat, rice, and soybean), should account for an annual increase of 2.4%.

Economic Contributions of GE crops

Since 1996-2016 genetically modified herbicide-tolerant Soyabean has boosted a gross income of $54.6 billion.
The overall gain from the production of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant Maize over the period 1996 – 2016 was $13.1 billion
The total income gains of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant cotton over a period of 1996-2016 are $1.92 billion.
Over a period of 1996-2016, the farm income has increased to 186.1 billion, out of which 51.7% is from developing countries.

Concerns regarding GE crops

GE products which are introduced in markets for human consumption and animal feed are considered to be unhealthy in most of the European countries.
Countries have different regulations established according to their convenience in terms of GE food consumption, it can be assumed of this being an issue in terms of exporting GE foods between the countries.
One issue of using GE herbicide-resistant crops can give rise to the outbreak of superweeds which can lead to the overuse of herbicides mixtures to tackle it.
Lastly, altering nature from its originality is also a matter of ethical issues which comes into consideration when using GE crops.
The seeds from GE crops are not reusable so every time a farmer has to buy new seeds that contribute to the GE crop seeds being costly.

CONCLUSION

In the benefits and threats related to GMOs, we find that there is just as much disinformation as there are facts. Another concern of GMO crops is the environmental impact that they may cause. They may be able to feed a hungry world, but they may also cause digestive issues in doing so. The question of whether or not humans should eat food from genetically modified organisms – and, therefore, if they should develop and propagate them – is clearly not open to a simple “yes” or “no”. Indeed, a wise answer comprehends a diverse array of scientific expertise, not only in files of molecular biology, but also in agricultural economics, animal and microbial ecology and food technology. The immediate advantages are too tangible to ignore or set aside out of fear of the unknown and unintended disadvantages.

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ANIMALS AND PUBLIC HEALTH