We see these days restaurants like Chipotle and grocery stores claiming to serve non-genetically modified foods. Are we eating artificial food? Is that good for our bodies? Is that good for the food that is being modified? These questions raise awareness for people who are oblivious of what GMOs are and how they are affecting our daily lives. GMOs may be more common in our diets than we know. GMO stands for Genetically modified organism and is a term that stems from biotechnology. It is the alteration of the genetic code of an organism to either enhance its properties, including but not limited to its flavor or size, by using biotechnological means. The DNA of the organism is changed via insertion, deletion and recombinant DNA. A DNA sequence of another organism may be added to the organism's DNA via recombination to produce properties that are favorable for masses. The DNA sequence may be deleted to repress certain properties of the organism. The most common methods to create GMO include DNA microinjection, embryonic stem-cell mediated gene transfer, recombination and retrovirus mediated gene transfer. In DNA microinjection, the gene of desire is inserted into a fertilized egg. The egg is then transferred to a surrogate for its entire development. This method is most commonly used in animals. Retrovirus mediated gene transfer is the use of the retrovirus to introduce the gene of interest into the organism. Recombination is the process of creating recombinant DNA by inserting the gene of interest in a plasmid and then introducing it in organisms through a gun or bacteria. Similar to the latter process, it is most commonly used in plants. Embryonic stem cell mediated gene transfer is the use of stem cells and specific growth factors that are added to an embryo and allowed to grow over its full span of development (Powell, 2015).
GMOs have been used since 1994 in the United States. Flavr Savr tomato were introduced in grocery store shelves. They delayed the ripening process causing their shelf life to increase. Before, plants and their properties were enhanced through selective breeding, but that process required lengthy periods of time. It also never gives the same results everytime, affecting its productivity. Moreover, selective breeding could only occur within the same species of organism. With the introduction of genetic engineering, different types of species and their genes are allowed to interact. Genetic engineering also gives fast results and higher production as compared to selective breeding. With modification at the genetic level, the results are also precise, thus proving to be a more effective way for growing food for the masses. The most common GMOs today are crops and fruits and vegetables. The Flavr Savr Tomato was created by introducing by creating an antisense mutation in the genetic code that repressed the activity of an enzyme that helped ripen the tomato. Later on, a gene from the arctic flounder was added to the genetic code of a tomato to let it withstand cold weather similar to how flounder survived in the cold. Round up Ready crops are made to resist herbicides. Crops are also genetically modified to resist drought and have pesticidal properties. All of this is done to increase productivity and yields in a cost effective manner. In addition to plants, fish, poultry and cattle are also prone to genetic modification in today's day and age. Genetically modified Salmon called the Acuadvantage Salmon is mass produced at a quicker rate of time all year round instead of spring and summer due to the addition of a growth factor (gene) from a Pacific Chinook Salmon with a promoter of Ocean Pout. The promoter allows it to grow in cold waters whereas the growth factor gene is responsible for the speedy growth. The two genes involved led to the production of Atlantic Salmon that was available in the market all seasons (Ledford, 2015). Genetic modification is not just limited to food but is also used in medical field. Animals are modified to be used as human models to experiment for diseases. Pigs have been genetically modified to produce human hemoglobin in their blood. This enables for various kinds of treatments in humans (Stolberg, 1991). Another feat is the use of plant gene to be introduced to an animal. Spinach gene has been introduced to pigs to yield healthier meat pork with less amount of fat. The introduction of a plant gene in a mammal is first of its kind and has been deemed successful so far (Young, 2002). Even though genetic modification seems like a prosperous method of improving our diets and medicine, the process has raised many questions on its safety of use and drawbacks in the long run both to humans and the environment. A study conducted by Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen, France, showed that GM Maize and Roundup can cause tumors, multiple organ damage and premature death in people (Seralini et al., 2012). The introduction of BT toxin in plants to aid as an insecticide has raised questions as well. The toxin causes the insects to die by interfering with their digestive system and ultimately causing them to burst. The harmful consequences have affected humans as well causing many digestive problems including the leaky gut syndrome in humans (Group, 2013). Use of GMOs have led to infertility, hormonal imbalance and cancers in humans. In addition to the health risks, GMOs also affect the environment negatively. GM crops have led to the production of super weeds and super pests that are resistant to the pesticide and herbicide in the plants, making it harder to grow crops. Moreover, the pesticide are harmful to the niche affecting bees, birds and other organisms that are critical to maintain the ecosystem. Measures are taken to control and approve the use GMOs in the United States. The food and Drug administration is a part of the government that regulates GMOs. According to the FDA website in 2016, “FDA regulates the safety of food for humans and animals, including foods produced from genetically engineered (GE) plants. Foods from GE plants must meet the same food safety requirements as foods derived from traditionally bred plants (FDA website).” The FDA goes through a series of consultations with GM food makers to ensure that the food is safe and healthy to eat. It asks questions like, “Does food from the GE plant contain a new toxin or allergen? Is food from the GE plant as nutritious as that from its traditionally bred counterpart (fda website)? To test and finalize the product before it hits the market. Food items in market are also labelled as GMO for consumers to be aware of their presence. Several health organizations and NGOs work to provide food items that are non-GMOs and create awareness of their harmful effects to humans and their environment.
Although genetic engineering in organisms may be the future to food, it does have side effects like any other invention, and with proper education and awareness, people should be able to make the right decision in choosing which GMO is best to use.
Reference List
Group, E. (2013). What is the Bt Toxin? Retrieved April 24, 2016, from http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-is-the-bt-toxin/
Ledford, H. (2015, November 23). Salmon approval heralds rethink of transgenic animals. Retrieved April 24, 2016, from http://www.nature.com/news/salmon-approval-heralds-rethink-of-transgenic-animals-1.18867
Powell, C. (2015). How to Make a GMO. Retrieved April 24, 2016, from http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/how-to-make-a-gmo/
Seralini, G. E., Claire, E., Mesnage, R., Defarge, N., Melatesta, M., Hannequin, D., & Vondemois, J. (2012, October 2). CRIIGEN: GM Maize and Roundup can Cause Tumours, Multiple Organ Damage and Premature Death. Retrieved April 24, 2016, from http://www.gmoevidence.com/criigen-gm-maize-and-roundup-can-cause-tumours-multiple-organ-damage-and-premature-death/
Stolberg, S. (1991, July 17). Pigs Altered to Make Human Hemoglobin. Retrieved April 24, 2016, from http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-17/news/mn-622_1_human-hemoglobin
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2016, from http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResearch/GEPlants/
Young, E. (2002, January 25). GM pigs are both meat and veg. Retrieved April 24, 2016, from https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1841-gm-pigs-are-both-meat-and-veg/
