Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants, animals or microorganisms in which the genetic material has been modified by using appropriate technologies known as modern biotechnology and genetic engineering. These technologies allow people to transfer genes from one organism to another, as well as between unrelated species. GMO products are developed and marketed because there are benefits for either manufacturer or consumer of these foods.
One of the goals of developing GMO-based plants is to improve crop protection. There are some examples. Firstly, a new form of dwarf rice, bred by selection methods, allowed to increase the yield of rice fields by 50%. This is a green revolution. Secondly, using a Bt gene in cotton and other plants (tobacco, corn) not only allows people to more effectively deal with harmful insects, but also allows to use less insecticides in the fields. The cost of cotton and the environmental damage are reduced because of this. It is possible to save 36 thousand tons of insecticides and win about 10 billion dollars.
Thirdly, genetic engineering helps to save different plant species (including soybeans) doing them resistant to certain herbicides. That made it possible to destroy weeds without damaging valuable crops. This markedly improved field yields, makes it easier to work for farmers. Finally, practically all of the insulin used by diabetics is produced by using genetically modified microorganisms. Scientists take a gene from a person, transfer it to bacterium or other microorganism, and then it produces human insulin. Henetic engineering is a progressive field of science that has already given much to mankind, and will give even more in the future if we are not afraid of it.
This was written by Nino Kutivadze
TASK:
What products are genetically modified nowadays?
What harm does GMO producing cause?