Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are controversial for several reasons. Supporters argue that GMOs can increase crop yields and resistance to pests/disease, helping feed a growing population. However, critics argue that long-term health and environmental impacts are unknown and consuming GMOs poses potential risks. While GMOs may increase nutrient levels in some crops, concerns include possible allergic reactions, gene transfer to humans altering DNA, and negative health effects. The debate around GMOs considers both potential benefits but also unknown risks to human health and the environment.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are controversial for several reasons. Supporters argue that GMOs can increase crop yields and resistance to pests/disease, helping feed a growing population. However, critics argue that long-term health and environmental impacts are unknown and consuming GMOs poses potential risks. While GMOs may increase nutrient levels in some crops, concerns include possible allergic reactions, gene transfer to humans altering DNA, and negative health effects. The debate around GMOs considers both potential benefits but also unknown risks to human health and the environment.
Original Description:
Science, Technology, and Society activity answer. Module 5
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are controversial for several reasons. Supporters argue that GMOs can increase crop yields and resistance to pests/disease, helping feed a growing population. However, critics argue that long-term health and environmental impacts are unknown and consuming GMOs poses potential risks. While GMOs may increase nutrient levels in some crops, concerns include possible allergic reactions, gene transfer to humans altering DNA, and negative health effects. The debate around GMOs considers both potential benefits but also unknown risks to human health and the environment.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are controversial for several reasons. Supporters argue that GMOs can increase crop yields and resistance to pests/disease, helping feed a growing population. However, critics argue that long-term health and environmental impacts are unknown and consuming GMOs poses potential risks. While GMOs may increase nutrient levels in some crops, concerns include possible allergic reactions, gene transfer to humans altering DNA, and negative health effects. The debate around GMOs considers both potential benefits but also unknown risks to human health and the environment.
1. Why is there a debate around the world regarding GMO? - In the field of biotechnology, GMO stands for the genetically modified organism, whereas GMO in the food industry refers to food that has been purposefully engineered and not selectively bred organisms. So, why is there such a controversy about GMOs? Genetically modified foods are becoming increasingly popular as the debate over their safety rages on. Some people support GMOs, while others oppose them. Crop protection is one of the primary goals of GMOs. The goal is to give the crop resistance to insects and infections, as well as herbicide tolerance.1 Resistance to insects, for example, is achieved by inserting a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis into the DNA. This allows the plant to produce a protein that attacks certain pests' digestive systems. Fortunately, these proteins are not harmful to the human digestive system, and we can happily eat them. GMO crops may also provide an opportunity to feed the world's growing population. Crops could be genetically modified to have a higher nutrient content. Many people in our growing world live in underserved areas and rely on a few single crops that are not always nutrient-rich, and GMOs could be a solution. Yields could increase significantly as a result of their resistance to pests and infections. Golden Rice is an example of a GMO that is currently in use. It was modified to counteract a Vitamin A deficiency and is linked to a humanitarian project. GMOs, on the other hand, are not all sunshine and rainbows. Many people are concerned about GMOs which is why some people are against GMOs. People are legitimately concerned about GMOs. The most obvious is the potential risks of consumption. Are they going to poison us? Are they environmentally friendly? One of the main concerns in the GMO and health debate is the possibility of allergic reactions caused by gene transfer between organisms. Another concern is that eating GMOs can have a negative impact on our health. Genes from GMOs are feared to transfer to human cells and alter our DNA once inside. So far, no allergic reactions have been observed during tests and the likelihood of transmission of genes is low. 2. What are the limitations of gene therapy? - According to what I read in the module. The limitations of gene therapy include: the risk of an immune system reaction, targeting the wrong cells, the ability to cause infection, and germline and somatic gene therapy; a lack of knowledge about the disease at the DNA level; multiple gene effects; and the high level of technical expertise required.