Genetically modified organisms

Abstract

The manipulation and customization of the genetic code through genetic engineering, a biotechnological process, has led to the production of genetically modified organisms. The use of GMO has improved food production and in the development of medicine. However, it is not without associated usage risks that have presented its large-scale application

Introduction

Genetically modified organisms are organisms that have been altered using genetic engineering methods. Genetic engineering is a term used to describe biotechnological processes that are used by scientists to manipulate the genome of an organism directly. The genomes are then inserted in the parent organism and allowed to grow. This process allows the parent organism to be more robust, attain a faster growth and be resistant to prevalent conditions. In the case of genetically modified plants, the technology has created variations which have better nitrogen use efficiency and increased potential for soil carbon storage. These features make it a viable means of solving food insecurity and mitigate climate change.

Process

The process of genetically modifying organisms takes place through five steps. The first step is to a trait of interest. This is done by turning to nature and assessing different characteristics of existing organisms, a process that may lead to the discovery of a new genetic trait of interest. The second step is to isolate the genetic trait of interest, a process that is carried out through comparative analysis. The third step is where the desired genetic trait is inserted into a new genome. The final step is growing the GMO where the organism is allowed to replicate.

Uses

GMOs have several uses that are beneficial to humans. In agriculture, plant crops have been subject to several types of genetic modification. Genes are introduced that help increase the yield by making the plant drought, pest and disease resistant. GMO livestock have genes that increase milk and egg production, disease resistance and higher meat proportions. In the field of medicine, the first application was to create a bacterial strain that could produce human insulin. This presents a cheaper and efficient treatment method for humans who have diabetes. It has also been used in bioremediation to clean contaminated soils or water bodies.

Benefits and disadvantages

The main benefit that has been achieved with genetical modification is the increased production in agriculture. The introduction of genes into plant crops has made them drought, pest and disease resistant, increasing their survival and growth rate, which has increased the overall production. The main drawback that has been experienced in the use of GMOs is its potential toxicity and may cause allergic reactions to the users. One of the risk factors that can be encountered in this process is genetic contamination. In this case, the introduced GMO may interbreed with sexually compatible relatives which may cause the disappearance of the novel trait. This may completely alter the native species’ ecological behaviour.

Ethical Concerns

A major ethical concern with the consumption of GMO foods is the disruption of natural biodiversity, i.e. a result of cross-pollination of genes from GM crops to natural foods, and the potential impact on ecosystems. The concerns arise when analyzed against various codes of ethics which require nutrition and food professionals to ensure the health and safety of the public when they carry their duties. These professionals are, therefore, should ideally exercise total autonomy when they advise clients about the inclusion of GM foods into the products and foods they consume. This would present a responsible use of GMO, but in most cases, it does not occur.

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