Gmo Benefits

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genome or genetic characteristics have been modified or changed by a technique known as genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes that do not occur naturally in the organism. The most common of all the GMOs are the genetically modified foods, which have sparked a widespread debate as to whether or not GMOs are beneficial or harmful to human health and the environment.

The human population has developed more concern as to what foods they eat and what the dangers of these foods might be and, as a result, has become increasingly aware of the prevalence of genetically modified foods in the modern world. A study by the National Academies of Sciences in 2015 showed that

An example of a GMO that demonstrates this advantage is a rice species in the Philippines that is being modified to produce beta- carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. According to a Harvard international review journal by Erin Baggot, this rice is called “golden rice” and is genetically modified by transferring genes called phytoene synthase from a daffodil and carotene desaturase from a soil bacterium into the nuclear genome of rice. When the gene is expressed in the endosperm it produces beta- carotene. This rice can be used in the diets of children and adults in developing countries with major Vitamin A deficiencies to reduce the risk of blindness and even

There has not been much research or testing done on these types of GMOs so there could be dangerous, health related risks involved in the consumption of them that are unknown to the general population. There has been some speculation the genetically modified foods are related to an increase in food allergies but there is no confirmed link. Labeling of genetically modified foods is also not a requirement for manufacturers so people may not even know they are buying modified foods even if they do not want to eat them because of possible health risks. Pollen from genetically engineered crops can also be carried by wind to other areas where they then contaminate other seeds. This can eventually lead to the loss of biodiversity of crops in various areas. As crops like the Bt corn are also engineered to kill insects, insect populations could also be affected by genetically modified foods which would damage an area’s