Patricia Marie S.

Rebong SCITESO

Q1A

GMO: An Issue?

Genetically modified organisms or GMO is a term that society often relate to

food. In fact, almost all of commercially available food products are already genetically

modified. Fruits and vegetables like the watermelon, carrot, and corn are results of

modifying their genetic structure by cross-breeding two different species of the same

fruit or vegetable.

Most people think that GMOs are not safe for our health. Although no further

research on GMOs proved that there are grave threats on human health caused by

consumption of these products. In fact, the process of altering an organism’s genetic

structure has been present and used for thousands of years, passed on from civilization

to civilization. Although there are some products and processes that has raised some

minor issues that are yet to be resolved through further research and tests. Like for

instance, the effects of GMOs on untargeted species. Bt corn, which produces its own

pesticide, is also in use today. Concerns have been raised regarding adverse effects

on Monarch butterfly populations, which are not the original target of the pesticide

(Losey, 1999). Although the pesticide can protect crops against unwanted insects, they

can also have unintentional effects on neutral or even beneficial species.

 One article pointed out that people believe that just because a product is

genetically altered means that it is not safe for human consumption. An example the

author used was the “fish-tomato” which is basically a tomato that contained a gene

found in fish. This would not be unsafe for we are already consuming these genes by

eating fish alone. Critics protest to not support GMOs even though their claims have no

legitimate scientific explanation. Due to this, biotechnology was imprinted a negative

impression.

Despite the rumors and some news about minor concerns in the growing

popularity of GMOs alongside with Biotechnology, I don’t think that the emergence of

GMOs in our society is something to be alarmed of. The innovations and processes are

remarkable and truly helpful for the development of our world. The only solution to the

issues, if they are true, is the practice of limitation and further research and tests on the

products and modifications that are being done. Through this, Biotechnology can be a

safe haven for the scientific world to emerge and develop. Perhaps we should give

Biotechnology more time to improve and assure the safety of products that will greatly

benefit humanity in the future.