Genetically Modified Foods: Advantages & Disadvantages. by Mariam Barseghyan

What are Genetically Modifed (GM) Foods? Foods that are derived from genetically modifed organisms (GMOs) are called GM Foods. A GMO is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Examples of GM Foods Food Modification Percent Modified in US Soybeans Herbicide resistant gene taken from bacteria inserted into soybean. 89% Corn, field New genes added/transferred into plant genome. 60% Tomatoes A reverse copy of the gene responsible for the production of PG enzyme added into plant genome. TBA Sugar cane Rice “Golden rice" Three new genes implanted: two from daffodils and the third from a bacterium.

Countries That Grow GM Foods

Worldwide Increase of Growing GM Foods

Genetic Engineering Techniques Recombinat DNA - uses biological vectors like plasmids and viruses to carry foreign genes into cells. Microinjection - involves injecting genetic material containing the new gene into the recipient cell.

Electro- and Chemical Poration - involves creating pores or holes in the cell membrane to allow entry of the new genes. Biobollistics - uses metal sliver to deliver the genetic material to the interior of the cell.

Advantages of GM Foods Crops Enhanced taste and quality Reduced maturation time Increased nutrients, yields, and stress tolerance Improved resistance to disease, pests, and herbicides New products and growing techniques Animals Increased resistance, productivity, hardiness, and feed efficiency Better yields of meat, eggs, and milk

Environment "Friendly" bioherbicides and bioinsecticides Conservation of soil, water, and energy Bioprocessing for forestry products Society Increased food security for growing populations

Examples

Disadvantages of GM Foods Environmental Hazards - Unintended harm to other organisms: last year a laboratory study was published in “Nature” showing that pollen from B.t. corn caused high mortality rates in monarch butterfly caterpillars. Reduced effectiveness of pesticides: many people are concerned that insects will become resistant to B.t. or other crops that have been genetically-modified to produce their own pesticides.

Gene transfer to non-target species: Crop plants engineered for herbicide tolerance and weeds will cross-breed, resulting in the transfer of the herbicide resistance genes from the crops into the weeds. These "superweeds" would then be herbicide tolerant as well. Human Health Risks - Allergenicity: there is a possibility that introducing a gene into a plant may create a new allergen or cause an allergic reaction in prone individuals.

- Unknown effects on human health: There is a growing concern that introducing foreign genes into food plants may have an unexpected and negative impact on human health.

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