page 135 Module 8 : Genetically Modified Organisms A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered to contain a segment of DNA from another organism. Modern recombinant DNA technology enables the “stitching together” of pieces of DNA, regardless of the source of the pieces. Since the 1980s, this technology has been used extensively in the lab by researchers for countless purposes: to make copies of genes or proteins, to determine gene function, to study gene expression patterns, and to create models for human disease. One application has been to generate food crops that are ‘modified in a way that is advantageous to either the oducer or the consumer. Currently the GM crops on the market have bacterial genes introduced into heir genomes that encode for pest or herbicide resistance. In theory, this should cut down on the mount of chemicals a farmer needs to spray, but in practice that goal has not been realized as pests ind weeds become resistant to the chemicals being used JGenetics Generation, 2015) ‘ically modified organi ” i i i pets onmnaethaterd genterateup tiaras human sadlely is supported by is en edited in a laboratory to incorporate genes from ability to produce sufficient food ther organisms. for the total population while at the same time not using up or degrading the capacity to continue to produce that amount When scientists use genetic engineering to alter he genes of an organism, they're generally seeking to add trait they view as beneficial, usually for production wurposes. Genetic engineering is often done to achieve a of food in the future.” ait not typically held by an organism, such as longer (Bradfrod, 2016) Shelf life, disease resistance, or different colors or flavors. The dangers and benefits of GMOs are widely debated, but genetic modification is allowed in conventional farming in the U.S. As of 2018, any food item that is certified ganic cannot contain genetically modified ingredients. jeasons for GMOs Farmers long have sought to grow plants or breed animals with desirable characteristics. The sarliest farmers chose seeds from their best plants as the sources for the next year's crop and selected their best animals to breed and produce another generation. Increased knowledge of plant and animal genetics led to the practice becoming more ‘ophisticated, allowing farmers and scientists to select specifically for traits they wanted. They also jegan creating new crop hybrids in laboratories and applying chemicals and radiation in an effort to induce desired changes in plants’ genetic makeup.Peel These efforts have led to a variety of new crops, Including rie cultivars that are riz drought and wheat cultivars that have a much higher yield. nt GMOs take these efforts to yet another level and go beyond naturally occurring traits tha be achieved through selective breeding. Instead of inducing mutations that deliver git characteristics, GMO scientists directly edit the genetic code of plants and animals by inserting that carry the characteristics being sought. The genes being introduced into one species can, omen a completely unrelated species (Chait, 2019). 6 Ways GMOs Impact Society 1. GMOs provide economic benefits to millions of consumers. While the cost of food is impacted by various factors (the price of oil affects transportation temperature changes can cause drought; etc,), GMOs play an important role in keeping those prices low as possible. It’s estimated that corn-based products would be priced 6 percent higher and ‘Soyt a based products would be 10 percent higher if GM crops were not grown (Brookes et al. 2010). 2. GMOs reduce agriculturally related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agricultural economist Graham Brookes reports: “GMOs have helped farmers reduce their environmental footprint by allowing them to use fewer inp and enabling a shift to reduced tillage. These practices have led to less time spent on a tractor, less f used and fewer emissions. As a result,GMOs have helped reduce CO2 emissions equivalent removing 12.4 million cars from the road for one year. They have also led to 1.2 billion pounds pesticides being used between 1996 and 2013.” 3. GMOs reduce soil erosion. Herbicide tolerant (HT) crops enable more farmers to adopt conservation tillage because they farmers to more effectively and efficiently control weeds at a lower cost than comparable conventi cropping systems. Florida farmer Lawson Mozley explains that with herbicide tolerant GM crops, w can be sprayed and left in the field to protect the soil. Then the incoming crop is planted directly into leftover organic matter, without turning over the soil. 4, GMOs conserve water. Farmers utilize many tools to conserve water, incl drip irrigation systems and conservation tillage practi GMOs provide another tool that farmers can employ’ help conserve water. Herbicide tolerant GM crops ak with conservation tillage aid in soil moisture retent which can reduce the need to irrigate. But, GMOs help reduce water use in another way - dro and yield more when periods of drought occur- wit supplemental water fromTe ‘GMOs substantially decrease the use of many agricultural chemicals, common misconception is that the adoption of GM crops have increased the use of pesticides, when st the opposite Is true, Overall GM crops, including crops with the “Bt” (Bacillus thuringiensis) trait for sect resistance, have contributed to a 37 percent decrease in pesticide applications. . GMO technology also has potential to imy Prove the lives of millions In the developing world (Chi- jam, 2016), \dvantages of Genetically Modified Organisms he world population has topped 6 billion people and is predicted to double in the next 50 years. suring an adequate food supply for this booming population Is going to be a major challenge in the ears to come, Genetically modified foods promise to meet this need in a number of ways: est resistance 'arvation in developing countries. Farmer typically use many tons of chemical pesticides annually fonsumers do not wish to eat food that has been treated with pesticides because of potential health jazards and run-off of agricultural wastes from excessive use of pest for some crops, itis not cost-effective to remove weeds by physical means such as tilling so farmers will ten spray large quantities of different herbicides (weedkiller) to destroy weeds, a time-consuming and pypensive process, that requires care so that the herbicide does not harm the crop plant or the nvironment. Crop plants genetically-engineered to be resistant to one very powerful herbicide could elp prevent environment damage by reducing the amount of herbicides needed. isease resistance here are many viruses, fungi and bacteria that cause plant diseases. Plant biologists are working to reate plants with genetically-engineered resistance to these diseases. ‘old tolerance nexpected frost can destroy sensitive seedlings. An antifreeze gene from cold water fish has been troduced into plants such as tobacco and potato. With this antifreeze gene, these plants are able to to erate cold temperatures that normally would kill unmodified seedlings. rought tolerance/salinity tolerance s the world population grows and more land is utilized for housing instead of food production, farmers ill need to grow crops in location previously unsuited for plant cultivation. Creating plants that can thstand long period of drought or high salt content in soil and groundwater will help people to grow ops in formerly inhospitable places.Nutrition ~ a Malnutrition is common in third world countries where impoverished people rely on a single cro a rice for the main staple of thelr diet. However, rice does not contain adequate amount, necessary nutrlents to prevent malnutrition. rice could be genetically engineered to contain ad vitamins and minerals, nutrient deficiencies could be alleviated. For example, blindness due to Via, deliciency is a common problem in third world countries. Pharmaceuticals Medicines and vaccines often are costly to produce and sometimes require special storage cong) ot readily available in third world countries, Researchers are working to develop edible vacci tomatoes and potatoes. These vaccines will be much easier to ship, store and administer than tradi injectable vaccines. Phytoremediation Not all genetically modified plants are grown as crops. Soil and groundwater pollution continues to Problem in all parts of the world, Plants such as poplar tress have been genetically engineered to ¢4 up heavy metal pollution from contaminated soil, Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Organisms ‘The pros and cons for using genetically modified organisms ( GMOs ) are vast and varied but there little argument over the uncertain consequences of this relatively new science. The pace at which Gy have found their way into the food supply is what frightens many opponents, as long-term assessments won't be available for many years. Long-term health effects The science of genetically modifying organisms is in its infancy, coming online in earnest in the 19905. Pressure from agricultural interests and the scientific community eager to prove the viability the process has led to what some would call an irresponsible rush to market of these products. Reduced biodiversity Biodiversity even within a species or genus, keeps plant and animal population viable. If a part virus for example, affected corn in Northern lowa but the slightly different variety of corn grown on adjacent farm was immune, only the portion of the crop susceptible to the virus would be lost. genetically engineered crop consume more and more acreage, the number and variety of wild species reduced. Such as alignment threatens the entire supply as pests and diseases repelled by just one of few genetically altered varieties develop resistance to those defenses. Cross-pollination The potentially negative environmental impacts of GMOs are numerous, and many are as yet unk and could be irreversible. These include the loss of flora and fauna biodiversity, unintended harm other organisms and reduced effectiveness of pesticides. According to the Food and Agricul Organization of the United Nations, one of the biggest concerns is the creation of “super weeds":page [39 jenetic consequences he artificial insertion of genes into org: tations that could be detrimental eit sired gene Into a crop’s genome c nsequences as well, janisms could destabilize that ‘organism, encouraging genetic ther to the environment, to humans or both, Insertion of the ‘Ould activate or deactivate other genes, causing unintentional tellectual property companies, increasing the dependence of developing of natural resources, labeling issues and her countries are just a few of the concerns. Although entually more efficient and economical, initial research and development costs involved in bringing MO products to market are substantial, To offset these costs, companies patent their products. fringement issues are a major issue. juman health Juman health is also at stake. GMO plants may create new allergens or unintentionally confer antibiotic sistance in humans. As part of the technique, genes that confer antibiotic resistance are inserted into MOs as “markers” but they could confer resistance to these ant iotics when consumed by humans. food supply at risk enetically modified seeds are a patented product, and in order to purchase the seeds customers must ign an agreement for use with the seed manufacturer. As the reliance on GM seeds expands world ide, concerns about food supply and safety continue to escalate. Genetically engineered seeds are lentical in structure, and if a problem affects one pai lar crop a major crop failure can result invironmental destruction lost GMO seeds are genetically engineered to be herbicide tolerant, resistant to insect infestation and lisease. Environmentalists worry that the characteristics of GM crops may encourage farmers to crease their use of herbicides and pesticides, which will raise human consumption of dangerous toxins. 1M crops also manufacture their own pesticides, which puts further poisons into humans and soil and pay cause unforeseen changes in the environment. Another concern is that toxins contained in the MO plants may harm other organisms, such as monarch caterpillars, bees and birds. The pesticide und in genetically modified cotton and corn is implicated in the deaths of poultry, cows, horses, sheep nd buffalo worldwide. Although Genetically Modified Organisms have a lot of advantages but stil face many ethical sues related to the growing and consumption of genetically engineered crops. They hold potential to reatly increase the nutritional value of food as well as the productivity of crops, while at the same time rovide many safety as well environmental concerns (Essays UK, 2018).