Question

List and briefly describe at least five general reasons behind creating GMOs. (~100 words)

List and briefly describe at least five downsides of creating GMOs. (~100 words)

State and support, with references, your personal opinion on GMO. (~50 words)

Answer 1

Reasons behind creating GMOs are as following -

1. Genetically modified animals have certain genes inserted into their genomes so that they can produce ‘better’ milk, eggs, and meat. GMO foods can be modified so that they provide a complete nutritional profile. Multiple vitamins and minerals can be built into the crops as they grown by adjusting the genetic profile of the plant, making it possible for people to get what they need with fewer foods and lower costs.
2. These animals also are expected to have a higher resistance to disease and overall better health, with better natural waste management.

3. genetically modified crops and animals will also be more environmentally friendly because they conserve water, soil, and energy.

4. GMO crops have a greater overall tolerance, no-till farming methods become a possibility. Even if tilling is required, less may be necessary to successfully plant a crop. That means less irrigation may be necessary. Less nutrient runoff may be experienced. Soil erosion can be reduced. At the same time, the safety and nutritional value of the crops are not placed at-risk.

5. When Bt proteins are used in genetic engineering, it targets a specific group of insect pests that are dangerous to that specific crop. Other beneficial insects that would be killed when spraying a general pesticide are saved.

Disadvantages of GMOs -

1. The crops may be genetically modified, but they still grow the same way as any other crop. That means pollination is required for the crop to produce the “fruit” that is being grown.

2. GMO crops are fed to livestock, aquaculture, and apiculture, which impacts groceries that are based on animal proteins. GMO ingredients can be found in milk, seafood, eggs, and animal muscle tissues. Even honey can have GMO ingredients when bees are pollinating genetically modified crops to produce it.

3. More than 80% of GMO crops grown around the world are created to be tolerant to herbicides. Farmers have increased the number of toxic herbicides because of this by more than 1500% since the first GMO crops were introduced.

4. Animal testing may be highly controversial, but it should be noted that GMO foods studied in animals have found organ impacts in virtually every circumstance. In humans, there may be an increased trend of food allergies and digestive intolerance because of genetic modification. When plants produce pesticides inside of the plant to kill insects, by basic definition, that plant is toxic.

5. GM crops and their associated herbicides can harm birds, insects, amphibians, marine ecosystems, and soil organisms. They reduce bio-diversity, pollute water resources, and are unsustainable.

Personally I believe that GMOs are as harmful as they are benefecial. GMOs are result of tampering with nature by mixing genes. No one really knows what is the future of GMOs. Though we can say that alteration in genetic materials is not a good method to improve crops and organisms. Use of GMOs should be decreased as much as possible.