GMO- The Benefitial Creation
by Vipul Reddy
Genetically Modified Organisms
The debate whether to modify organisms or not is a raging one. On one hand, some fear the modifying organisms might expose us humans to dangerous side-effects and allergies. On the other hand, advocates believes this may end hunger and allow the poor residents to get nutrition through these crops. Overall, I believe that Genetically modified organisms will prove to be a positive change to our world.
Genetically Modified Foods May Promise Health Benefits
Not only do genetically modified foods have longer shelf life, they are healthier for us. Some foods have been modified to have fewer calories and more nutrients. They also will be safer to eat. Genetically modified corn has lower fungal toxin content than non-genetically modified corn, and farmers typically produce genetically modified crops using fewer pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Genetically modified foods are a breakthrough in keeping healthy the residents of poor countries.
Farmers Will Reap Benefits from Biotechnology
Crops can be made to resist pests, saving farmers hundreds of dollars. This will also help keep the price of goods low, because the cost to cultivate the crop will be cheaper. Genetically modified crops can also become resistant to pesticides. This can help farmers because they only have to spray one type of weed killer to get rid of the weeds. To reduce losses from sudden frosts, which can kill young plants, geneticists have experimented with putting an antifreeze gene into tomato plants. To help crops cope with disease, researchers are trying to genetically confer disease resistance to food plants. And to help farmers in an increasingly land-hungry world sow crops on marginal land, agricultural scientists are working to craft plants that are drought and salt tolerant.
Genetically Modified Technology Will Help the Environment
In the US, farmers spray, spread, and otherwise administer more than 970 million tons of insect- and plant-killers every year. Pesticide residues linger on crops and in soil, find their way into the guts of wildlife that eat contaminated foliage, and leach into groundwater and wash into streams.
Genetic modification can allow a crop to obtain the ability to resist predators; thus, saving farmers from having to spend that much money. This will help the environment because these pesticides won't go to the environment and pollute the water.
Genetical Modification is Natural
Farmers say genetically modifying foods is normal. After all, plants modify themselves all the time. Also we have been modifying for a long time. We were able to create lasting impacts and improvements. For example, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage have been created by our manipulation of foods. Scientists say that genetically modifying organisms is just a more precise method than what was previously done. Now we are able to change one gene instead of many genes.
Genetically Modifying Foods May be the Best Way To Feed the Growing Population
It is estimated that our population might rise to 12 billion in 50 years. To keep up with the needs of humans, it is important that we genetically modify foods so that they will be able to grow faster and better. We will also be able to grow crops where previously we could not if we genetically modify them.
Genetically Modified Foods are Tested and highly Regulated
Every genetically modified food crop is tested and monitored for potentially hazardous health effects. Scientists also test for allergy-inducing potential by checking the chemistry of each new protein against those of about 500 known allergens.