Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) By. Jay Chen

What is GMO? A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering methods.

What is its purpose? A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering methods. GMOs are used to produce many medications and genetically modified foods and are widely used in scientific research and the production of other goods.

How does it work? You get bitten by a radioactive spider (erroneously classified as an insect in the panel) at a science exhibit and "acquires the agility and proportionate strength of an arachnid". Finally, you become a Spider-Man.

How does it (really) work? The key steps involved in genetic engineering are identifying a trait of interest, isolating that trait, inserting that trait into a desired organism, and then propagating that organism.

Benefits One of the pros of genetically modified crops is a better taste, increased nutrients, resistance to disease and pests, and faster output of crops. Farmers can grow more food on less land with genetically modified crops. Genetically modified animals are expected to have a higher resistance to disease and overall better health, with better natural waste management. In theory, genetically modified crops and animals will also be more environmentally friendly because they conserve water, soil, and energy.

Risks One of the potential health risks of genetically modified food is allergies. To genetically modify a food, scientists take genes from one food to put into another food. This can cause allergic reactions and other side effects when people consume the modified foods. Another serious concern is that GM foods contain antibiotic markers, which is thought to be one of the reasons that the effectiveness of treatments are decreasing. This means that more powerful drugs are going to be needed to treat infections and diseases in the future. Humans health is not all that’s at risk. GM plants allow farmers to increase the amount of pesticides and herbicides used on their land, which will increase the amount of chemicals finding their way into the water system and damaging the soil.

Allergies & disease: A key ethical concern about GM foods is their potential to trigger allergies or disease in humans. There is the fear that new allergies could occur from the mixing of genes from two organisms. Damage to the environment: Damage to the environment is another ethical fear with regards to GM crops. Unfortunately, the technology is still new enough that there is much we do not know about the effect of GM crop production on the environment. Cross-pollination: Cross-pollination is a challenge for any crop growth but it can typically be managed if care is taken to use good growing practices.

Food web & risks: Risks to the food web are a very real ethical concern around GM technology. Any pesticide or herbicide from the crop could harm animals and other organisms in the environment. Addressing ethical concerns for GM foods: Unfortunately, the controversy and fears around GM foods and any company that produces these products still continue to persevere, although this could be viewed as a positive movement because it will challenge GM technology and help to make it safer and more regulated.

My opinion I personally believe that genetically modified organisms are very beneficial in today's society. Genetically modified foods have helped to improve the production of produce drastically over the past decade. GM foods have also helped to solve many issues that farmers have had to constantly face. GM foods have helped farmers cut back costs on purchasing and applying pesticides and herbicides to their crops which also benefits the consumer because they don't have to worry about their products being laced with toxic chemicals. The removal of pesticides and herbicides also eliminates a lot of pollution caused from runoff. GM plants are also benefiting farmers/industries because more are becoming genetically modified to withstand cold conditions from spontaneous frosts as well as withstand drought and saline soil conditions in areas that would usually not be "growable" areas.

Future Implications You can have a “cheespider” for pet, or a “tacodile”. (Watch “Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs 2”)

Future Implications (Seriously) A major concern of genetically modified organisms is that they will cause reduced genetic diversity of plants and animals in the environment. What this means is that the DNA, which codes for proteins in an organism, will become more similar between individuals of a species. Genetic diversity is directly related to biodiversity, the variability in the traits of organisms that make up an ecosystem, because diversity in DNA will inform the characteristics of the organisms that make up a population. Maintaining genetic diversity is important for the environment and agriculture because increased variability in DNA will provide a better opportunity for organisms to adapt to a changing environment.

Bibliography Genetically modified organism. (n.d.). Retrieved January 13, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism How to Make a GMO. (2015, August 10). Retrieved January 13, 2017, from http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/how-to-make-a-gmo/ Vaesa, M. J., Says, R. L., Says, R., Says, K. B., Says, S., Says, L., . . . Says, B. W. (2013, July 19). GMOs: Benefits and Negative Effects of Genetically Modified Food. Retrieved January 13, 2017, from https://www.decodedscience.org/gmo-food-pro-and-con/23179 Ethical Concerns and GM Foods. (n.d.). Retrieved January 13, 2017, from http://www.geneticallymodifiedfoods.co.uk/ethical-concerns-gm-foods.html