Pros And Cons Of Genetically Modified Organisms

What is a GMO?

Genetically modified organisms (commonly called GMOs) are organisms or microorganisms (ie plants and animals) whose genetic composition has been manipulated by a transgenic modification in which the organism contains DNA of another species, or a cisgenic modification in which it contains DNA from a member of the same species, but not found naturally. Although the public debate - understandably - revolves around artificial food harvests, it may be interesting to mention that humans have been eating GMOs for thousands of years, and this is not the work of any megacorporation.

In fact, nature did it about 8,000 years ago with the well-known sweet potatoes today (to mention one popular example), and the big "culprits" are bacterial genes in the soil that have turned a simple root into something edible.

Optimism

Genetic modification of food through recombinant DNA technology seems attractive to scientists because it provides a means for the formation of new qualities in crops. So far, this has been done in view of a small number of characteristics, the two main ones being herbicide tolerance and insect resistance (one of the advantages in this case is that biological rather than chemical pest control methods are used).

Currently, farmers who have adopted genetically modified crops have benefited from more sustainable agricultural practices, in particular the reduction of tillage. Reducing both tillage and pesticide application has enormous benefits, as it reduces the carbon footprint in the environment, on the one hand, and the exposure of farmers and consumers to hazardous chemicals, on the other.

Malnutrition is one of the problems that genetically modified foods have to solve, as poor people usually rely on one food source in their diet, such as rice. However, many of these food sources do not contain enough essential nutrients to prevent malnutrition. GMO crops can provide more nutritional benefits through single food sources, providing higher levels of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Pessimism

The use of genetically modified crops is often justified by the fact that it can feed the world, but some commentators point out that the link between global hunger and GMOs is not direct: such crops are sold mainly on the basis of direct operational benefits (more production and more little cost) for farmers. Others fear that the market will be dominated by several companies , which will increase the dependence of developing countries on industrialized ones.

In terms of health benefits, critics often focus on the antibiotic resistance with which scientists modify seeds. Such a procedure, they admit, could facilitate the development of antibiotic resistance in pathogens that pose a potential threat to human health.

Any use of pesticides leads to evolutionary pressures, which in turn leads to pest resistance.  There are concerns that GMO crops may accelerate this process, as they limit the number of chemicals used, and the systematic use of a limited number of pesticides facilitates the adaptive response to the target species.

Conclusion

Many people are worried that GMOs will increase the use of herbicides and that companies will turn seeds into intellectual property. It should be understood, however, that the topic is nuanced, which is why consumers need well-presented information to formulate an opinion and accordingly make their rational choice. Although this material does not cover all the pros and cons, it is important to conclude that innovative technology requires special efforts on the part of regulators to ensure that genetically modified foods do not endanger human health and the environment. . At the same time, regulations should not stifle in its infancy the positive potential  of this type (and of future) technologies.