GMO foods

What is meant by genetic modification?

Genetic modification is when organisms, such as plants, animals, microorganisms, have been altered in a way that is not produced by natural mating and/or natural recombination (Pearson).

How does genetic modification occur?

Genetic modification begins with selective breeding in which a chosen selection may have poor quality dna, and mating the dna through modern technology with a higher quality of DNA (Pearson). Biotechnology have moved genetic modification beyond selective breeding, manipulating the DNA cells to the desired characteristics from the scientist. Recombinant DNA technology is a genetic modification in which scientists combine DNA from different sources to produce a transgenic organism that expresses a desired trait. Recombinant involves producing plants and other organisms that contain modified DNA, enabling them into desired traits (Pearson).

Pros

• Faster rate of growth than conventional crops

• Conservation of water

• Can be produced to enhance nutrients, improve digestibility, and lower levels of carcinogens.

• Higher profits for farmers

Cons

• Health Risks

• Allergenicity

• Antimicrobial properties

• Indirect effects on food safety and loss of diversity

• Link to cancer

• Environmental Risks

• Loss of biodiversity

• Generation of superweeds

• Threats to other species

The decision to choose to eat GMO foods, depends on what food choice I am selecting that is GMO. Reading about genetic modification regarding beef, actually sounds like a good idea. Because the farmers take a breed of cattle that is lower in class and combine with a higher-class breed of cattle, enhancing the quality of the lower bred cattle. It's interesting how this can be done, and I do not see anything that can be harmful in doing this. However, it is a little awkward as well. We do not want to completely weed out the higher quality of cattle as well the Gertrudis. I can see where this can be a great profit for farmers. But is also not bad nutritional wise for people. Now when it comes to our plants, I feel different. I feel like plants all need to be organic and nothing should be modified in natural plants chemical wise. They may appear to look better and are not better for me. It seems like it is a costly ordeal to have to work on genetically modifying, and the time it takes to find the proper DNA to make sure the plant grows properly. But reading the intolerance to herbicides, chemicals that kill weeds, makes me consider GMO is a great creation. Possibly creating a better looking, quality vegetable/fruit. We are in a time where cancer, diabetes, and all these other diseases and disorders are appearing that we did not hear about 25+ years ago. And is this linked to GMO? I am considering yes, there is something in the food system, or even chemically in other things in our atmosphere causing greater medical and mental health concerns for people. This is why I think, I would stay with organic, very basic with my food choices.

References:

Nutrition: An Applied Approach, text