Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetic modification was pretty much an esoteric term back then. With the
advancement in Science and Technology, so much has been achieved in this area. Scientists
are no more limited by knowledge and resources. Now, with the modern world plagued by
the outbreak of so many diseases, genes modification has been trending a lot. Some part of
the population is against it, but most have embraced this advent. There are clear benefits of
having genetically modified organisms.
Firstly, the transgenic organisms can prevail even in the harshest of the environments.
The genes of the animals can be tweaked to adapt to a specific environment. It is a good
alternative for endangered species; indeed, a group of scientists came forward with a
proposition where they [incorporate] genes from well-adapted species into the genomes of
endangered species (a cross-species approach) (Pepelko). Also, these hybrid organismsas
Id like to call the genetically modified onesare bigger and stronger. They can better protect
themselves from the predators. In addition, the modified organisms are more immune to
diseases; there are different techniques to achieve that immunity. One of them is the use of
animals engineered to produce antibodies in milk that confer passive immunity to offspring,
for example against coronavirus infection (Whitelaw and Sang).
Secondly, the threatening organisms can be restrained in action by altering their
genes. Zika virus has been pandemic in Brazil, and it is slowly spreading all over the world;
thus, mosquitoes, who act as its medium, have been genetically modified to self-destruct after
reaching a certain point in their life cyclethe whole process (very novel) is in its
developmental phase. Then, there is the possibility of making humans immune to viral
diseases. The method is conceivable if more research is done in this area. For example: HIV
AIDSa nightmare to every human beingcan be stopped from transmitting by

incorporating antibodies in our genes. Likewise, there are weeds that inhibit the growth of
crops and other edible plants. They absorb more nutrients and water making these scarce for
other plants. By modifying the seeds of these superfluous plants, we can check their growth
and effect on ecosystem.
Also, the genetically engineered organisms are superior to ordinary ones in every
area. They are bigger in size compared to the mundane ones; their organs are well developed.
In an exhibition in Seoul University, one biologist showed off pictures of hogs with
extraordinarily large backsides, and such physical change was obtained by using a geneediting technique called TALEN (Chen). In addition, these hybrid organisms are stronger
compared to their counterparts. They can have unmatched physical prowess like the
genetically modified dogs which have a greater muscle mass and a stronger running
ability, which is good for hunting, police (military) applications (Alford). Furthermore, the
transgenic organisms are more intelligent compared to the normal ones. They can understand
humans better. Scientists have made this possible in monkeys by successfully [enhancing]
the intelligence of rhesus monkeys using a brain implant, albeit temporarily (Dvorsky).
Finally, the productivity of domestic organisms can be increased by modifying their
genes. With the increase in populationthe area of arable land decreasingthere are more
mouths to feed, and transgenic crops promise more food with less land (Unknown).
Farmers can produce crops in abundance despite the unfavourable climatescredit to the
genetic engineering. Also, chickens, fishes, and other sources of meat can be made bulky with
genetic modification; likewise, their growth rate can be increased. One example of such an
animal is a fast-growing salmon which [was] genetically engineered to add the growth
hormone of Chinook salmon (Lucas). In addition, fruits or herbs which are endemic to
certain geographical locations can be grown in a completely new environment through

genetic engineering. The rare species of herbs in the world can be made ubiquitous if only
enough research is done in their genes.
To round it up, organisms can be preserved, eliminated (only for the good of
ecosystem), and mass-produced against all the odds by modifying their genes. People watch
sci-fi movies and get the wrong idea of how monsters are created by gene-alteration, but
thats only in the fictional world. In reality, there are many profits we can reap from
genetically modified organisms.

*Highlighted words need consideration*