The Effects of

GMOs
By Quinn Shapiro
GMOs

Genetically modified organisms, or

GMOs, are living things that have had
their DNA altered. This is done by a
process called genetic engineering, in
which you can insert and delete certain
genes. (1)
GMO Application

GMOs can be used in a variety of things

from drugs to food. For example, they
can make a plant become
herbicide/pesticide resistant and increase
its size. It can even be used to add more
nutritional value to the crop, such as in
Golden Rice. (2)
GMO History

People have been been using selective breeding since the

agricultural revolution. However, the first GMO was created in
1973 when Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen created a bacteria
that could survive the antibiotic kanamycin. In 1982, the FDA
approves the use of humulin (insulin produced by E. coli), which is
the first GMO. In 1994, the first GMO appears in stores, a tomato
with a longer shelf life.
GMOs Now

GMOs have come a long way since the

kanamycin resistant bacteria. In 2010,
the first synthetic life form was created,
called Synthia(4). The first
commercialized GMO animal was a
Zebra fish that was made able to glow
in the dark. The first edible GMO animal
was a salmon that had a gene that
made it grow larger.(5)
Arguments in Favor

There are several arguments in favor of GMOs.

One main reason is that it can increase crop
yields, reducing the cost of foods. This allows
more people to be able to afford it. Another pro
is that since the crops are becoming stronger,
less pesticides are needed. The overall nutrition
of a fruit or vegetable can also be improved.(6)
Arguments Against

One argument against GMOs is that it allows

large companies to flourish and take over
smaller ones. It can also be bad for the
environment. This is because the GMO seeds
can be blown into non-regulated areas like
forests and cross-pollinate with plants there.
This can cause “superweeds”. It might also
negatively affect the food chain. Many
people also claim the GMOs are
unhealthy.(6)
My Opinion

I am more for than against GMOs. I believe that they have a great
potential to benefit our society, such as decreasing world hunger. It
also can help lives due to its advances in medicine. However, I also
believe that the use of GMOs should be very regulated. We should
be very careful with what we are growing and feeding people. We
should also make sure no GMO gets out of hand and dramatically
impacts the environment.
Sources

(1) Royal Society

(2) GMO Answers
(3) GMO Inside
(4) The Gaurdian
(5) FDA
(6) Debating Europe
(7)