A Genetically Modified Organism: Benefits and Risks
A genetically modified organism is an organism that has been genetically altered to present certain desirable traits. The general topic of the overall health and safety of genetically modified organisms is a widely controversial topic. Many people believe that genetic engineering has a negative effect on every aspect of the genetically engineered organisms. This includes the environment, economy, health of those consuming the organisms, and those living around GMO farms. Others believe that genetic engineering is overall beneficial for the economy, environment, and those consuming the organisms.
The point of this experiment is to answer those questions related to the real benefits/downsides to genetic engineering. I will be using a few different experiments to answer different questions. I will be answering how genetically modified organisms affect the growth of children. I will also be answering how a GMO diet can affect the mood, behavior, and cognitive sharpness of humans. This will help the population better understand how GMOs affect the body.
Introduction
A genetically modified organism is an organism whose genome has been engineered in order to favor the expression of desired traits or the production of desired biological products. In genetic engineering, recombinant genetic technologies are used to create organisms whose genomes have been altered at the molecular level, usually by the inclusion of genes from unrelated species of organisms that code for traits that would not be obtained easily through selective breeding (Fridovich-Keil & Diaz 2017). It is most commonly used in livestock production for larger, faster-growing animals. This is useful for livestock like chicken, pigs, and cows so they can grow larger and faster to increase revenue from the animals’ meat. It is used in crop farming for faster-growing and weed and bug-resistant crops. This is useful because ideally, it creates healthier crops due to the decreased use of chemicals. It’s also used in pet breeding for certain traits. Some of these traits can include the size of the animal, facial structure, or athleticism. In laboratory studies, some genetically modified foods have been linked to allergic reactions, sick, sterile livestock, and damage to almost every organ studied in lab rats. The effects on humans of consuming these combinations of proteins produced in GMOs are unknown and are currently being studied (Smith 2015).
Benefits of GMOs include semi-weed resistant crops, disease-resistant crops, increased production of crops, lower need for pesticides and herbicides, bigger crops and livestock, longer-lasting food, and cheaper food caused by cheaper crops and livestock. Environmentally, genetically modified crops are less sensitive to items and particles in the soil so they’re easier to grow. Scientists are also working to genetically modify organisms to create edible vaccines and medications.
Negative effects of genetically modified organisms can be unhealthy food caused by the lack of nutrients in organic food. Lab animals that have been exposed to genetically modified organisms have shown organ failure, multiple different kinds of diseases, increased aging, and more allergies. These studies, however, can’t always be applied to the human body because rats and humans are, after all, different beings. Like all natural crops and livestock, genetically modified organisms cross-pollinate, which contaminates all close plants and animals. This can cause non-modified organisms to become contaminated and eventually die. Non-modified animals that consume modified plants or other smaller animals can develop diseases or become poisoned by the cross-contamination. In some cases, long-standing GMO farms can become resistant to herbicides and pesticides, causing increased use of these chemicals over time. If a GMO production doesn’t go as expected, it can create diseases, toxins, allergens, and carcinogens, increasing a public safety risk. Some people believe that the government isn’t regulating genetic engineering as much as it should, which can lead to uncontrolled production. Big corporations that work with genetic engineering can lie to the public about the safety of their products, which can cause people to turn a blind eye when it comes to the food that they’re eating. Oftentimes, people would much rather take the easy route and just trust that what they’re eating is safe. The true nature of the effect of GMOs on the human body isn’t really known. Sources say that they are harmful to the body, while others say that they have no effect. This research is being done to help determine the effect genetic engineering has on the population because it’s important for people to know what they’re consuming and how it affects their bodies.
Literature Review
The controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms stems from various factors including health risks, environmental impact, and economic considerations. Numerous studies have attempted to address these concerns with mixed results. For instance, research by Fridovich-Keil & Diaz (2017) highlights that while GMOs can increase agricultural productivity, they may also pose health risks, such as allergenic responses or organ damage in lab animals. Similarly, Smith (2015) discusses how the consumption of GMO products might be linked to unknown effects in humans, necessitating further investigation.
Environmental Impact:
Genetically modified crops are designed to be more resilient against pests and harsh environmental conditions. This theoretically reduces the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, which can have harmful effects on the environment (Benbrook, 2012). However, there are concerns about the long-term ecological consequences. For example, cross-pollination between GMO and non-GMO plants can lead to genetic contamination, which might result in the loss of biodiversity. This could potentially lead to the development of “superweeds” that are resistant to conventional herbicides, requiring even more potent chemicals to control them (Mortensen et al., 2012).
Economic Considerations:
From an economic perspective, GMOs have the potential to lower food prices by increasing crop yields and reducing losses due to pests and diseases. This can be particularly beneficial in developing countries where food security is a major issue (Qaim & Kouser, 2013). However, the economic benefits are not uniformly distributed. Small-scale farmers may struggle to afford the seeds and associated technologies, leading to increased economic disparity within the agricultural sector. Additionally, the dominance of a few large biotech companies in the GMO market raises concerns about market monopolies and the ethical implications of patenting living organisms (Howard, 2009).
Experimental Design
To comprehensively understand the effects of GMOs on human health, I propose a series of experiments. The first experiment will investigate the impact of a GMO-based diet on the growth of children. The second will examine how a GMO diet influences mood, behavior, and cognitive sharpness in adults.
Experiment 1: Impact on Child Growth
Objective: To determine whether a diet high in GMOs affects the physical growth and development of children.
Methodology:
Participants: 200 children aged 5-10 years, split into two groups: one consuming a GMO-rich diet and the other consuming a non-GMO diet. Duration: 12 months. Measurements: Growth metrics (height, weight), health markers (blood tests for nutrient levels, allergies), and developmental milestones. Hypothesis: Children on a GMO-rich diet will show no significant difference in growth compared to those on a non-GMO diet.
Experiment 2: Effects on Mood, Behavior, and Cognitive Sharpness
Objective: To evaluate the psychological and cognitive effects of a GMO diet on adults.
Methodology:
Participants: 150 adults aged 18-50 years, divided into two groups: one on a GMO diet and the other on a non-GMO diet. Duration: 6 months. Measurements: Mood (using standardized questionnaires), behavior (observational studies), and cognitive tests (memory, attention, problem-solving skills). Hypothesis: There will be no significant difference in mood, behavior, or cognitive function between adults consuming a GMO diet and those on a non-GMO diet.
Procedure
The procedure for these experiments will include regular health check-ups, dietary logs, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance and accuracy. Ethical considerations will be paramount, ensuring that participants provide informed consent and that their health and well-being are prioritized throughout the study.
Data Collection and Analysis:
Data will be collected at regular intervals (monthly for children, bi-monthly for adults) and analyzed using statistical software. Growth and health metrics will be compared using t-tests and ANOVA to identify any significant differences between the GMO and non-GMO groups. Psychological and cognitive data will be analyzed similarly, with additional regression analyses to control for potential confounding variables.
Expected Results
Based on existing literature, it is anticipated that there will be minimal differences in growth and health metrics between children consuming GMO and non-GMO diets. However, there may be slight variations in allergy prevalence or nutrient absorption that warrant further investigation. For the adult study, it is expected that mood, behavior, and cognitive function will remain largely unaffected by a GMO diet, though subtle differences in specific cognitive tasks may emerge.
Discussion
The results of these experiments will contribute to the ongoing debate about the safety and impact of GMOs. If the findings support the hypothesis that GMOs have no significant adverse effects on human health, this could alleviate public concerns and promote more widespread acceptance of genetically modified foods. Conversely, if adverse effects are observed, it would underscore the need for stricter regulations and further research.
Conclusion
All in all, genetically modified organisms present a complex and multifaceted issue. While they offer numerous benefits, such as increased agricultural productivity and potential economic gains, they also pose significant risks to health and the environment. The true nature of the effect of GMOs on the human body isn’t really known. Sources say that they are harmful to the body, while others say that they have no effect. This research is being done to help determine the effect genetic engineering has on the population because it’s important for people to know what they’re consuming and how it affects their bodies. Continued research and transparent, unbiased reporting are essential to fully understand the implications of GMOs and to develop policies that maximize their benefits while minimizing their risks.
References
- Benbrook, C. M. (2012). Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the U.S. — the first sixteen years. Environmental Sciences Europe, 24(1), 24.
- Davies, K. (2010). The $1,000 Genome: The Revolution in DNA Sequencing and the New Era of Personalized Medicine. Free Press.
- Howard, P. H. (2009). Visualizing consolidation in the global seed industry: 1996–2008. Sustainability, 1(4), 1266-1287.
- Mortensen, D. A., Egan, J. F., Maxwell, B. D., Ryan, M. R., & Smith, R. G. (2012). Navigating a critical juncture for sustainable weed management. BioScience, 62(1), 75-84.
- Qaim, M., & Kouser, S. (2013). Genetically modified crops and food security. PLoS ONE, 8(6), e64879.
- Smith, J. M. (2015). Genetic roulette: The documented health risks of genetically engineered foods. Yes! Books.