Jayden Bearnson

BIO 1010
12/3/14
Genetically Modified Organisms
Since the discovery of DNA, scientists have continuously tried to find applications for this
macromolecule in our everyday lives. One such example is the development of genetically modified
organisms, or GMOs. GMO Inside cites an article by Rosebud Magazine that details the history of GMO
production and use. The article shows that GMOs are fairly new to the scientific community with the first
patent for a genetically modified bacterium that eats up crude oil being issued in 1980. Two years later
the first genetically engineered E. coli bacteria appeared on the market and 12 years after that it hit the
shelves in our grocery store in the form of tomatoes that had a delayed-ripening attribute that made its
shelf life longer than the traditional tomato. With genetically modified organisms being more commonly
used in agriculture we began to see GMO-resistant weeds, toxin-resistant insects, and the first signs of
health risks among consumers. The controversy surrounding this subject comes from these underlying
health risks that GMO consumption presents along with its connection to environmental damage. It is
because of these problems that we need to cease GMO production and resort to more natural alternatives.
Despite the risks of using genetically modified organism there are many potential benefits to
using them. Arguments for the use of GMOs in agriculture, as summarized by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United States, include: better crop resistance to stress, more nutritious staple foods,
more productive farm animals, more food for less land, rehabilitation of damaged or less fertile land, and
many others. GMOs are also described to have potential benefits for human health. One such benefit
includes the identification of allergenic genes. For example, an allergenic gene from a Brazil-nut was
transferred into a transgenic soybean variety and its presence was discovered during the testing phase.
Because of this incident scientists discovered the allergenic gene and steps can now be taken to remove

this gene. Another such example for the potential benefits of GMO use, described by the organization, is
in the production of vaccines and medicines. Molecular biology can be used to develop vaccines and
medicines for farm animals and it has proved quite successful. Plants have also been engineered to
produce vaccines, proteins and other pharmaceutical products in a process called pharming. There are
many potential benefits to GMO use, but there are still many problems that still need to be addressed.
Genetically modified organisms are connected to several environmental and health problems. The
Non-GMO Project an organization against the use of GMOs in agriculture, describes that GMO crops are
responsible for the emergence of super weeds and super bugs; which can only be killed with more
toxic herbicides such as 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic, which is a major ingredient in Agent Orange. The
American Academy of Environmental Medicine, as cited by the Institute for Responsible Technology,
stated in 2009 that a number of animal studies have indicated serious health risks associated with GMO
food including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in
major organs and the gastrointestinal system. The Academy has advised physicians to recommend
patients to avoid GM foods.
Science has come a long way since the discovery of DNA. Advancement of technology and a
better understanding of DNA has led to the production of genetically modified organisms. The potential
benefits of these organisms was greatly anticipated by many, however with this came many problems.
These problems include the health and environmental risks associated with GM food and the use of
GMOs in agriculture. It is because of these problems that I am fully against the use of GMOs. The mass
production of food has increased the need for longer shelf lives, among other things, and as a result has
led to many of the health problems we see today. As stated these health problems are associated with
GMOs and it is because of this that I stay away from them. Many nations have already banned or imposed
restrictions on the sale of GMOs and I propose we follow suite. There is still much research to be done
with GMO production and only until we can limit the negative effects of GMO use can it be given for
consumer use.

References
"Health Risks." Institute for Responsible Technology. Web. 26 Nov. 2014.
<http://responsibletechnology.org/health-risks>.
"GMO Facts." The NonGMO Project RSS. Web. 26 Nov. 2014. <http://www.nongmoproject.org/learnmore/>.
"GMO Timeline: A History of Genetically Modified Foods - GMO Inside." GMO Inside. 10 Mar. 2013.
Web. 26 Nov. 2014. <http://gmoinside.org/gmo-timeline-a-history-genetically-modified-foods/>.
"Weighing the GMO Arguements." Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Web. 26
Nov. 2014. <http://www.fao.org>.