Biotechnology Position Paper

Genetically modified organism, (GMOs) have been part of food production for many

years. Only recently it has been taken to another level of precision using gene editing. Gene

editing is defined as “the process of making a tiny, controlled change in the DNA of a living

being to produce a GMO.” It is used around the world and federal agencies regulate it. One

method of gene editing is CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats),

which is used to produce GMOs.

GMOs, are used to help farmers with their crops by providing safer food to consumers. Also,

lowering the risk of illness and disease amongst individuals by providing safer medication and

vaccines. Insects and weeds are two main factors that can cause poor yield of crops. GM crops

are modified to resist various types of insects which reduces pesticide use. A reduction of

herbicides allows plants to be ingested without any harm to the consumer. It also allows less

soil erosion and cost efficient. The production of medication through the use of GMOs shows

significant reduction of contamination. This was due to medication being taken out of animal

parts, blood donors, and cadavers. This would result in the risk of transmission of disease due

to the unknown cause of what they are carrying.

One example of an ethical issue surrounding GMOs is failure to produce viable crop. Scientists

tried to incorporate beta-carotene into rice known as Golden Rice. This was to help people with

Vitamin A deficiency. It took over two decades and millions of dollars for the production of GM
rice. However, the results showed ineffectiveness due to poor yield and the need to consume

more than 3 kilos per day. It also would need to be vacuum packed in order to receive the full

benefit of golden rice.

In conclusion, there is no evidence indicating that GMOs have a negative effect on human

health. Conversely, they have been shown to produce safer crops for consumers. Also, reduce

the amount of pesticides, herbicides, and insectides. Lastly, it has been shown to produce safer

and better-quality medication for consumers.

Citation:

https://ag.prudue.edu/gmos/pages/geneediting.aspx

https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/gmos-political-and-ethical-concerns

https://nebraskacorn.gov/corn-production-uses/biotechnology/