TOW #21 - GMO, does it stay or does it have to go?

Should organisms share genes like teenagers share clothes? Genetically modified organisms (GMO) and whether they should be used as food have been long a point of controversy. Scientists take genes that can do certain things, like fight of pests, from one organism and implant into another that could reap the benefits. In principle the genetic additions are beneficial and can ward off predatory species. Conversely, GMO products can cause complications cross-contamination with wild species, new toxins, and even cancer. Despite the drawbacks, GMO, with regulation and research, should continue to be implemented in American society for their benefits.

Genetically modified organisms’ original purpose is to make things more efficient. Corn plants, popular subjects for genetic modification, are highly subject of boring by Lepidoptera larvae. However, with the insertion of the Bt gene, corn is able to make it’s own natural insecticide that keeps the larvae from damaging the corn. It is understandable to think that is a favorable alternative to external pesticides sprayed on corn crops. In the same way, some soybean crops have inserted genes that act as in-house pesticides. In 1999, when asked why they use GMO soybean seeds, farmers said, “The majority, 53 percent, said they planted them to increase yields through improved pest control. Twenty-seven percent said they used GMO soybeans to decrease pesticide costs. Another 12 percent said they used GMO soybeans to increase planting flexibility” (Duffy). The increase of production through the the improved pest control in turn lowers cost of crops, making them less costly for consumers.

Admittedly, GMO products have not been tested enough for side effects. Scientists should continue to do research into the effects of GMO products. Also genetically edited organisms have come into the picture. These organisms do not have genes inserted or removed, but rather turned off or on, just our bodies naturally do. This process is not regulated and proves to have similar beneficial effects while seeming less risky.

So whether you think gene-swapping is cool or not, GMO products should continue to be used; they’re beneficial and will continue to be with further research from scientists. GMO products have much potential to help us in many ways in the future.

Bibliography

Chang, Kenneth. "These Foods Aren't Genetically Modified but They Are 'Edited'." The New York Times. The New York Times, 09 Jan. 2017. Web. Mar. 2017. <https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/science/genetically-edited-foods-crispr.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FGenetically%2BModified%2BFood&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=collection>.

Duffy, Michael. "Genetically Modified (GMO) Soybeans | Integrated Crop Management." Genetically Modified (GMO) Soybeans | Integrated Crop Management. N.p., 11 Oct. 99. Web. Mar. 2017. <http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/1999/10-11-1999/gmosoybeans.html>.

Smith, Jeffrey. "10 Reasons to Avoid GMOs." Institute for Responsible Technology. N.p., 15 Jan. 2017. Web. Mar. 2017. <http://responsibletechnology.org/10-reasons-to-avoid-gmos/>.