Introduction to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism or

microorganism whose genetic material has been altered to contain a
segment of DNA from another organism. Modern recombinant DNA
technology enables the “stitching together” of pieces of DNA, regardless
of the source of the pieces. Since the 1980s, this technology has been
used extensively in the lab by researchers for countless purposes: to
make copies of genes or proteins, to determine gene function, to study
gene expression patterns, and to create models for human disease. One
application has been to generate food crops that are modified in a way
that is advantageous to either the producer or the consumer. Currently
the GM crops on the market have bacterial genes introduced into their
genomes that encode for pest or herbicide resistance. In theory, this
should cut down on the amount of chemicals a farmer needs to spray,
but in practice that goal has not been realized as pests and weeds become
resistant to the chemicals being used.
In the US, the most commonly found GM crops are:
* Soy
* Corn
* Cotton
* Canola
Most scientists agree that GM foods are safe. There is concern among
scientists that the vocal resistance of certain individuals to GMOs is due,
in part, to a lack of understanding of the technology and the prevalence
of misinformation. Man has been “genetically modifying” food crops
through selective breeding since we moved from hunting and gathering
to agriculture over 10,000 years ago. Modern technology speeds up this
process. However, that does not mean the technology should be given
blanket approval. GM crops have been planted extensively for a little
over a decade. While no negative health consequences have been
detected (or are anticipated), the relative newness of GM crops requires
that we continue to monitor for health impacts. At present, the ecological
concerns that stem from the way GM crops are planted are a more
pressing concern. In some states, public unease with GMOs has resulted
in attempted legislation to require labeling of food products that contain
GM ingredients. To date, none of the proposals have passed.