Topic option: Genetically Modified Organisms (G.M.O.s)
I selected the topic due to its application in modern-day agriculture and food production relative to the increase in demand. As such, the G.M.O.s have resulted in scientific and public debates on the potential benefits of genetic engineering in modern-day agriculture (Brody, 2018). Thus, the topic is of great importance in improving the reliability and quality of food supply despite concerns on its long-term safety. Before I started on this assignment, I knew a piece of substantial information regarding the production of G.M.O.s (Phillips, 2008). For instance, I understood that G.M.O.s utilize recombinant D.N.A. technology to enhance crop productivity and food quality. As such, I apprehended that G.M.O.s have been considered as a vital undertaking that promotes sustainable agriculture. For example, G.M.O.s are effective in saving fossil fuels and decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, thus conserving soil and moisture (Brody, 2018). However, G.M.O.s have the capability to transfer engineered genes into the human population, thus creating health concerns.
From the video, I learned that G.M.O.s are the most controversial areas of science, such as the genetic modification of insulin despite being widely accepted (Kurzgesagt, 2017). However, from the video, I learned that the debate on G.M.O.s heats up when it comes to agriculture and food due to some of its negative impacts on health. Genetic modification leads to a different form of plants and animals from their pre-dominant states, thus inducing fears that G.M.O.s constantly mutate. As such, genetic engineering provides an opportunity for us to choose what we want to achieve throughout the modification process (Kurzgesagt, 2017). However, the knowledge provided by the video differs from what I initially knew regarding genetic modification. Initially, I apprehended that D.N.A. technology was the only means to create G.M.O.s, but other methods such as constant mutations also lead to genetic modification in plants and animals.
I agree with what I learned since G.M.O.s are not poison and pose numerous benefits to the millions living today. Present-day food demand is on the rise; thus, strategic measures such as growing genetically modified food are vital in sustaining the global requirements (Phillips, 2008). Genetically modified food can help reduce the pressure on deforestation in developing countries where the availability of farming necessities such as fertilizers and pesticides are hard to afford. Therefore, I agree with what I have learned about the need to promote the production of G.M.O.s in developing countries to address the current situation of food insecurity. I noted that some of the poorest countries, such as India and areas in the sub-Saharan region, had objected to the use of G.M.O.s, which poses concerns over food security.
References
Brody, J. (2018). Are G.M.O. Are foods Safe?. Retrieved 21 April 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/23/well/eat/are-gmo-foods-safe.html
Phillips, T. (2008). Genetically Modified Organisms (G.M.O.s) | Learn Science at Scitable. Retrieved 21 April 2020, from https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732/
Kurzgesagt. (2017). Are G.M.O.s Good or Bad? Genetic Engineering & Our Food. Retrieved 21 April 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TmcXYp8xu4