Genetically Modified Organisms: Pros And Cons?

A topic that can and has raised numerous arguments, whether it be agreeing or disagreeing with the argument, is the controversial one of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The history of GMOs is notably long and the conflict that is created regarding their safety should not be about whether they are safe for human consumption, but rather the way in which they will influence long-term, justifiable agricultural efforts.

A GMO is any organism (plant or animal) that has a genetic material which has been manipulated through genetic engineering. Genetic engineering involves the modification of an organism's phenotype by altering its genetic make-up. (World Health Organization, 2016). They are the result of scientific process where genes from

This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit either durability, nutritional value or both. An example where a crop has had genetic modification to enhance its nutritional value is in the case of golden rice. (Genetically Modified Organisms , 2013). At first, GM seed developers wanted their products to be recognized by producers which is why they mainly focused on innovations that bring direct benefits to farmers, as well as the food industry in general. GM crops that are on the market presently are specifically aimed at increasing the level of protection on the crops. This is done by bringing forward an idea to amplify the resistance against plant diseases possibly cause by insects through a higher tolerance of

Although farmers originally gave the most control to nature, unlike present times, they have always strived to improve their crops’ durability, resistance to diseases and at the same time maximize customer satisfaction with their produce. As years passed, and humans chose to have certain characteristics over others in plants, farmers have molded crops into what would please most people such as bigger, tastier or juicier produces. (Bushak, 2017). According to an executive director of the Biotechnology Center at the University of Illinois, plants have been changed so significantly by humans that they have developed into crops that would never survive in the wild without the supervision and care of humans. This same director also stated that plants such as strawberries, wheat and cabbage, along with almost all the other crops, stemmed from ancestors that were nowhere near the strawberries, corn or cabbage in prehistoric times. (Chassy,