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GMOs
Alexi Holzinger
Ms. Noffsinger and Mrs. Richman
Biotech 1-2
February 22, 2016

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Alexi Holzinger
Ms. Noffsinger and Mrs. Richman
Biotech 1-2
February 22, 2016

GMO's
GMO's have been the hot topic of debate for the past several years, but does anybody really
know the truth? Most people don't even know the process in which GMO's are created. GMO's
are a genetically modified organism which means any food products with altered genes. GMO's
are in a lot of the food eaten on a daily basis and customers don't even know it. Some customers
of America believe they have the right to know what's in their food by looking at the label, as
GMO's are said to have potential health hazards in the human body.
GMO's can be plants or animals that have been genetically manipulated with another gene of a
different species to make the product bigger, more flavorful, or replace the use of pesticides.
Scientist have linked genetically modified foods to cancer and other life-long health issues.
Genetically modified food can result in good things too, like replacing herbicide and pesticide
use in farmer's crops.
The real question is: Do GMO's really harm you? "GMO critics say genetically engineering a
food could affect its nutritional value or create allergens or toxins in the food, although these
claims are disputed by federal regulators, including the Food and Drug Administration" (Lee).
About 80% of the foods you find in the grocery are genetically modified in some way and are

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almost impossible to avoid in the grocery store but should you know what's genetically modified
and what isn't?
The process of making genetically modified organisms can be quite complicated and a long
process. It starts with a scientist finding a plant and adding genes from another plant into the first
plant to give the first plant characteristics of the second. These characteristics can be the size, the
taste, the smell, and can help keep insects from eating the food, kind of like a pesticide. "Genetic
modification has made plants with extra vitamins, minerals, and other benefits. Swiss researchers
created a strain of "golden" rice with a lot of beta-carotene. This antioxidant is good for the eyes
and skin. And those bruise-free potatoes are supposed to cut down on cancer-causing chemicals
created when potatoes are fried" (Paturel and Yamakawa).
The scientific way to genetically modify foods is less easy to understand. There are multiple
ways to go by modifying foods. Protein synthesis is used to produce genetically modified food.
These experts have a complicated but clear way of explaining the process. "Protein synthesis is
the process by which individual cells construct proteins. Both deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and
all types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) are involved in this process. Enzymes in the cell's nucleus
begin the process of synthesizing protein by unwinding the needed section of DNA, so that RNA
can be made. The RNA forms as a copy of one side of the DNA strand, and is sent to other areas
of the cell to aid in the bringing together of different amino acids that form proteins. Protein
synthesis is so called because proteins are "synthesized" through mechanical and chemical
processes in the cell.
Once the strand of RNA has been made in the nucleus, it is called messenger RNA (mRNA).
The mRNA exits the nucleus through tiny openings called nuclear pores, and moves into the
larger area of the cell, known as the cytoplasm. Once it exits the nucleus, the mRNA is drawn

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toward a structure known as a ribosome, which serves as the cell's work station for protein
synthesis. At this point, only one sub-unit of the ribosome is present.
As the mRNA binds to the ribosome sub-unit, it triggers the approach of another strand of
RNA, called transfer RNA (tRNA). The tRNA strand looks for the proper place to bind to the
mRNA, and when it finds it, it attaches to the mRNA, while holding an amino acid on one end.
When this occurs, the other sub-unit of the ribosome arrives to form a complete structure. As the
ribosome surrounds the strands of RNA, another strand of tRNA approaches. This strand is
carrying another amino acid, and is different from the first. Again, the tRNA looks for the proper
place to bind to the mRNA.
When the second strand of tRNA is in place with its amino acid, the two amino acids bind
together with help from the ribosome, as well as cellular energy in the form of adenosine
triphosphate (ATP). This sequence repeats itself, and the chain of amino acids grows longer.
When the amino acids have all been placed in the correct sequence, the chain folds into a threedimensional shape. When this has occurred, the protein is complete." (Wisegeek)

The process of making and selling GMOs seem to be created solely for the better of the
environment but over 20 studies say that genetically modified products have bad effects on the
human body, like kidney, liver, and heart damage. Countries like China, Australia, and Europe
have require labeling on all genetically modified products because of the customers' concerns
about their health. The United States does not require any sort of labeling. Choosing organic and
non-processed foods can help you avoid GMO's and there may be some foods labeled "Non
GMO" in your local grocery store if you're really concerned.

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So, are you for them or against? "Fans of GMOs say they will help us feed the extra 2
billion people that will fill the planet by 2050. Farmers can grow more food because these plants
can live through a drought or cold snap. They arent as likely to die from disease. Not using
these tools would push us back 40 to 50 years in food production, Bradford says" (Paturel and
Yamakawa) Also many people say it can cause less stress on our environment. The use of GMOs
can cause farmers to use less pesticides and toxin on their crops which would decrease the
pollution levels.
In conclusion, there are many different sides to the GMO debate. Some believe that
labeling could be safer for all customers but some believe that requires too much time and
money. The GMO debate is a long list of pros and cons in which there really is no answer. This
debate is going to continue for what some say decades to come. What side are you on?

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Bibliography
Lee, Jolie. "What you need to know about GMOs." USA Today (2014): 1.
Paturel, Amy and Robert Yamakawa. GMOs: What You Need to Know. 10 June 2015. 7 February
2016 <http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/truth-about-gmos>.
Wisegeek. What is Protein Synthesis? 2003-2016. 7 February 2016
<http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-protein-synthesis.htm>.

Bibliography
United Technologies. (2016). United Technologies. Retrieved February 4, 2016, from
utc.com: http://www.utc.com/Careers/Pages/default.aspx