Genetically modified food

By Zani Alam

What is a genetically modified organism?

When a gene from one organism is moved and inserted into another, the result is a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is also referred to as ‘transgenic’.

When a scientist genetically modifies a plant, they insert a foreign gene in the plant's own genes. This might be a gene from a bacterium resistant to pesticide, for example. The result is that the plant receives the characteristics held within the genetic code. Consequently, the genetically modified plant also becomes able to withstand pesticides.

How?

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Frost tolerant strawberryThe gene from a fish that lives in very cold seas has been inserted into a strawberry, allowing the fruit to be frost-tolerant.

Insecticide sweet cornScientists have genetically modified sweet corn so that it produces a poison which kills harmful insects. This means the farmer no longer needs to fight insects with insecticides.

Long-lasting tomatoesThe genetically modified

tomato produces less of the substance that causes

tomatoes to rot, so remains firm and fresh for a long time.

Some examples

Maize (corn) Wheat Rice Oilseed rape (canola) Soybean Alfalfa

Some Foods that have been modified

Some of the animals created with these techniques

Mice Rats CowsSheepGoats Pigs Dogs Cats Rabbits.

Why would we want to modify an organism?

Crops Enhanced taste and quality Reduced maturation time Increase the shelf life Increased nutrients, yields, and stress

tolerance Improved resistance to disease, pests,

and herbicides New products

Animals Increased resistance,

productivity, hardiness, and feed efficiency

Better yields of meat, eggs, and milk

Improved animal health

Society Increased food security for growing

populations

Greater production of food especially for developing countries would allow these countries.

Better quality foods are produced. Less chemicals on crops is better for the environment so for

example if cotton can be bred that needs fewer sprays it saves money and prevents the spray drifting into the neighbouring bushland.

Vaccines can be produced in plants for better human health outcomes.

Some arguments for

The new gene may cause allergic reactions in people. Genetically identical plants and animals leads to a loss

of biodiversity. There has not been enough research on the effect of

inserting a gene from one species to another. The new species may escape into the wild populations

and super weeds could be formed by the cross-fertilisation of wild species and transgenic species.

Even one gene could causes major changes in an organism.

Business has control of the products being produced and their motive is profit which may not be in the best interest of poor farmers.

Some arguments against