GMO Basics
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) – are those the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of which or is changed with the help of genetic engineering (Lallanilla, 2016). Pros and cons of the issue are widely discussed by scientists and ordinary people, and meanwhile much is written on the topic. GMOs are widely used nowadays but still there are no exact evidence of their safety or harm.
Pros and Cons
Growing GM foods can help those who do not keep to a healthy diet, as do not get enough fruit and vegetables. Luckily, the lack of vital elements can be reinforced by supplementation or biofortification in GMO (Hefferon, 2015). Such elements as zinc, β- carotene, selenium, omega-3 can be added with the help of the practices (Hefferon, 2015; Buiatti, Christou & Pastore, 2012). Backside of GM crops can be allergy to them, though not proven directly (Hefferon, 2015; Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012).
Benefits for farmers
Dealing with GM crops is a great benefit for farmers, as herbicide tolerant and pest resistant crops acquire less petrol and manpower, grow quicker and are less harmful to the environment (Hefferon, 2015; Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012). However, gene flow is a present and future burning issue. Nowadays we observe a tendency of increasing lands with GM crops, notwithstanding possible risks (Hefferon, 2015; Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012). GM seed value is expensive, but such food is cheap due to all described benefits (Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012).
Different attitudes towards GMO
Many authors support the idea that mass consumer disapproval can influence the usage of GM crops. Buiatti, Christou and Pastore depict different arguments on the issue (Buiatti, Christou & Pastore, 2012). In the majority of cases, manufactures protect GM foods, while the consumers and religious organizations consider them to be harmful and contradicting to nature (Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012). Meanwhile GMOs must be tested and trialed for a long time to be sure in their safety (Hefferon, 2015; Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012).
Conclusion
In conclusion, we admit, GMOs are widely used nowadays but still there are no exact evidence of their safety or harm. They help people lacking vital vitamins, are great benefit for farmers. Manufactures protect GM foods, while the consumers and religious organizations consider them to be harmful.
References
Bawa, A. S., & Anilakumar, K. R. (2012). Genetically modified foods: Safety, risks and public concerns—a review. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 50, 1035–1046.doi:10.1007/s13197-012-0899-1
Buiatti, M., Christou, P., & Pastore, G. (2012). The application of GMOs in agriculture and in food production for a better nutrition: Two different scientific points of view. Genes & Nutrition, 8, 255–270. doi:10.1007/s12263-012-0316-4
Hefferon, K. (2015). Nutritionally enhanced food crops; Progress and perspectives. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16, 3895-3914. doi:10.3390/ijms16023895
Lallanilla, M. (2016).GMOs: Facts about genetically modified food. | Live Science.com. Retrieved 14 June 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/40895-gmo-facts.html
