Genetically Modified Organisms Nowadays

Genetically modified organisms are organisms that are fashioned from removing one gene from a given organism and placing into any other organism. This process is also regarded as transgenic which refers to the transfer of genes. In any organism, there are many ways in which genes are transferred from one organism to the other. For each animals and plant, the most traditional way of genetically modifying organisms is via selective breeding.

Purpose of genetic engineering of crop plants and domestic animals

Genetically, plants are modified to be able of achieving a trait that is favored such as being resistant to a disease or an insect. Genetic engineering of crop plants and domestic animals enhance the modification of the crop plants and domestic animals. This group of individuals ensures that the crops being modified are healthy for consumption by human beings. Also, the genetic engineers make sure that the animals being modified undergo the right selective breeding which is the most common way of modifying domestic animals (Moseley, 2012).

How GMOs are created

There are different ways in which plants and animals can be genetically modified. The first method is the traditional method of genetically modifying organisms. This is mainly done through selective breeding. In this case, a plant with a trait that is desired is chosen and left to breed in order to produce more plants with the same trait that is desired. However, with the rise in technology, a new method of genetically modifying organisms is through laboratory experiments (Krimsky, 2015). Here, genes that are desired are moved from one plant to the other physically. Plants that are produced with this technology are referred to as transgenic plants. In most cases, this process is done on crops to aid in the production of plants that are resistant to both insecticides and herbicides (Halford & Shewry, 2010).

Foods in the supermarket that contain GMOs

In this modern world, there are many types of foods that are genetically modified. Supermarkets have most of their foods modified. In this supermarket, there are also a variety of foods that are modified. Some of these foods which are genetically modified include the following: chicken, cereals including maize grains, beans, and peas among others, vegetables like tomatoes, and onions among others. Also, the supermarket has their beef and eggs from genetically modified domestic animals like cows and even sheep and goats. Most individuals visiting the supermarket prefer the GMOs due to their attractiveness, for instance, while comparing natural onions and genetically modified onions, the genetically modified onions look more attractive than the natural tomatoes. Also, from the supermarket's sales, genetically modified tomatoes are sold more than the natural tomatoes (Halford & Shewry, 2010).

Safety of foods that contain GMOs

When GMOs are taken in low quantities, their effects are not observable especially when they are consumed by human beings. However, research shows that continuous intake of GMOs cause cancer. Therefore, GMOs are harmful for human consumption, and there are several federal laws that to oppose GMOs in many states due to their adverse health effects (Bernstein et al., 2013).

Types of regulations that exist for GMOs

Many states have federal laws that tend to govern the selling and purchasing of genetically modified products. Some of these legislations and regulations include FDA oversight which tends to regulate the genetically modified foods. Also, federal agencies like Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) deals with environmental effects of GMOs (Moseley, 2012). USDA also tends to articulate the disadvantages of GMOs by ensuring that all foods being imported into the US have correct labels.

References

Bernstein, J. A., Bernstein, I. L., Bucchini, L., Goldman, L. R., Hamilton, R. G., Lehrer, S., ... & Sampson, H. A. (2013). Clinical and laboratory investigation of allergy to genetically modified foods. Environmental health perspectives, 111(8), 1114.

Halford, N. G., & Shewry, P. R. (2010). Genetically modified crops: methodology, benefits, regulation and public concerns. British Medical Bulletin, 56(1), 62-73.

Krimsky, S. (2015). An illusory consensus behind GMO health assessment. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 40(6), 883-914.

Moseley, B. E. (2012). Safety assessment and public concern for genetically modified food products: the European view. Toxicologic pathology, 30(1), 129-131.