ipl-logo

The Pros And Cons Of Genetically Modified Organisms

664 Words3 Pages

“DNA is something that every living thing possesses. It is defined as a deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information” (Genetics Home Reference, 2017). DNA can reproduce or duplicate itself. This is very important for when cells divide so that the two cells have the same copy of DNA. DNA is very important when it comes to the GMO process in organisms.
A GMO is known as a genetically modified organism. A GMO is defined as the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant, fungus, bacteria, or animal. The foreign genes may …show more content…

What you may not know is FDA does not require for food companies’ to label GMOs in their listed ingredients. “The most common foods that have GMOs are soy, cotton, canola, sugar beets, corn, papaya, zucchini and yellow squash” (responsibletehnology.org). The biggest question people have when they first learn about GMOs is, are they safe to for humans to eat? Scientists say that GMOs themselves are safe for human consumption, however, GMOs have not been around long enough to research the long term effect on the body. The spraying of pesticides and herbicides on the foods containing GMOs are up for dispute. Foods containing GMOs are resistant to the chemicals that are in these sprays, but they are still harmful for human consumption. It has been proven to be connected with certain cancers, heart disease, birth defects, and other health related impacts on humans. Although people are hesitant about GMOs, they serve multiple purposes. A lot of the reasons why food contains genetically modified organisms is for the sole survival purpose of crops. When crops contain GMOs they are more resistant to diseases, insects, and herbicides. “The developers of GM foods believe that genetically modified organisms will have lower prices, higher nutritional value and taste, and durable in terms of produce quality (E School Today, 2016).” GMO plants also have viruses inserted so they can be more resistant to prevent crop wipe

Open Document