Introduction

Genetically modified organisms are beings with cells and genetic materials engineered in a scientific laboratory to favor certain physical traits. In turn, the traits enable the creature to produce more of a specific biological product. In the past, farmers would cross breed two different animals belonging to the same species group to bring up an offspring that would produce more of a specific biological item. However, with progress and advancement in the field of genetics, genetic manipulation is one of the options. Equally important to note is the fact that genetic modification and genetic recombination methods are able to go an extra mile and combine genes from diverse species. Combination of different species is not possible with conventional methods.

Purpose of genetically modified crop vegetation

 Usually crops are sensitive to climate change, pests, and diseases among other vices. However, through genetic modification, crops are able to acquire new traits that resist pests, diseases, and climate change. Hence, modification gives a crop the natural ability to become more economically viable and endure unpredictable weather. Comparatively, genetically modified crops are drought resistant since they have a trait that enables them to grow in more than one climatic condition (Dittmann, 2012).

 Through adjusting crop genes, plants can survive various herbicides sprayed by farmers. This tolerance allows farmers eradicate weeds with ease and make use of no-till ways of   conserving fertile soils and preventing soils erosion (Dittmann, 2012).

An example of a genetically modified crop is cotton. Previously, farmers could not plant cotton without the exhaustive utilization of pesticides due to pests and disease that would attack the crop and cause unrepairable damage to them. More so, over the past years, pests and diseases became more tolerant and resistant to pesticides. Therefore, modifying cotton genes made them more resistant to diseases and pests. Apart from cotton, the papaya crop in Hawaii, survived the ringspot disease due to genetic modifications that gave proper traits (Dittmann, 2012).

 Generation of GMOs

One of the consequences of discovering central dogma was genetic engineering. Scientists concluded that alteration and manipulation of DNA was possible. Altering DNA would affect gene expression, which would in turn affect the physical traits of an organism. Stakeholders of the industry probed further into the function of a single gene. Hence, finding cure to various diseases was a reality. Later, the technology would spread to the food industry (Robbins, 2011). 

Coupled with the information above, genetically modified organisms come about when foreign genetic content encounters a host organism. This occurs by threading genes and DNA fragments into molecules to form a plasmid. The plasmid has a set of instructions, which can redirect processes within the host organism leading to modification (Robbins, 2011). 

Foods with GMO

Soy flour and protein shakes contain GMOs. GMOs enable soy and protein shakes harbor more supplements and vitamins than usual. Apart from Soy flour, dairy products have growth hormone, Rbgh. Alfalfa is a food substance eaten by livestock. Consequently, pork and eggs among other products may have traces of alfalfa (Robbins, 2011). 

 

 

Safety of GMO food

Most people prefer natural foods compared to genetically modified food items. Some experts claim that genetic materials may have negative effects in the future if consumed. In short, the public has a negative attitude toward GMOs. However, consequences of GMO are yet to arise. Because of the unknown effects of GMOs, the laws state that companies should inform consumers incase if their products have GMOs (Robbins, 2011).  

In conclusion, genetically modified organisms have altered genes that enable them express certain physical traits. The purpose of genetically engineering crops is to enhance their traits, making them withstand emerging environmental challenges. Introducing foreign genetic material into a host organism leads to genetic modification of the host’s genes. Effects of GMOs do not presently exist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Dittmann, R. (2012). Brighton baby: a revolutionary organic approach to having an extraordinary child: Book one. Bloomington, IN: Balboa Press.

Robbins, J. (2011). The food revolution: How your diet can help save your life and our world. San Francisco, CA: Conari Press.