Genetically modified organism (GMO)

An organism classified as a genetically modified organism (GMO) has had its DNA altered or transformed. Recombinant DNA is a process that includes transferring genetic material from one plant or animal to another to create these organisms. The genetic engineering method produced GMOs (Zhang, 2016). The method involves inserting the necessary genes into the organism using bacteria and viruses. For instance, if researchers wish to make a crop generate a nutrient that it cannot do so naturally, they will look for another organism that possesses the desired nutrient and introduce it into the plant. The genetic engineering works by ability to activate and deactivate a trait within a plant or animal (Albert, 2010). The required genes usually have activators that make the genes to switch off and on when needed. Today, GM foods such as corn, soya beans, canola, and cotton are common in groceries and are used widely for consumption purposes.
Purpose of Genetic Engineering
In crop plants, genetic engineering serves to improve crops, create crop resistance to pest and disease as well as improve product characteristics. The process helps plants to resist viruses, insects, fungi, nematodes and mites. According to Albert (2010), genetic engineering in plants boost their resistance to pest and diseases. The result is the reduces amount of pesticides used and less environmental pollution. Furthermore, such resistance to such pest and diseases help to improve their produce. Besides, Zhang (2016) asserts that genetic engineering contributes to high crop resistance to drought and thus enhance their survival capacity in dry areas. He argues that crop drought tolerance contributes to sustained food production in drylands. Besides, genetic engineering help in crop improvement. Albert (2010) argues that the process contributes to improving the nutritional value of crops and thus help to reduce the number of that malnutrition. It helps plants to be tolerant and resistant to herbicides. It also improves utilization of nitrogen by plants, regulation of hormones as well as increase yield. The process also helps to enhance the characteristic of crop products. It improves the nutritional content, reduces the level of allergens as well as contribute to more functional attributes. Moreover, genetic engineering help to produce crops that boost immunity. According to Simpson (2014), the process allows vaccines such as hepatitis B can be placed into GMO, and this contribute to enhanced consumers immunity. He asserts that the procedure has allowed for cheaper and more efficient mechanism for delivering the vaccine to many individuals
In domestic animals, genetic engineering help in research to create human proteins required for medical therapy. It also assists in xenotransplantation to improve the number of organs available for transplantation. Besides, genetic engineering help to increase weight gain or growth among domestic animals. It serves to resistance to diseases and to alter the properties of milk produced by these organisms. It may help to reduce the amount of lactose in milk as well as enhance self-life.
Impact on Human Health
Genetically modified foods can affect human health. According to Herman (2003), GM foods are safe for human consumption in the short run because there is less likelihood that antibiotic resistance gene could move to humans. However, he warns that the use of this food without precaution and particularly those that have antibiotic resistant genes could adversely affect consumers. Besides, the GMOs can cause allergic reactions in humans. Simpson (2014) argues that the genetically engineered products from plants and animals could adversely affect the immune system. He claims that consumption of such product could lead to the immune system deciphering compounds that are hostile and intrusive resulting to an allergic reaction.
The production of the GM foods occurs under the regulation of the statutory authority of environmental, safety laws as well as heath regulations (Zhang, 2016). The control process involves three many organizations. These institutions include the Food and Drug Administration, US Department of animal and plant health inspection services and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The policies include stipulate GM food that is not harmful consumption as well as the terms of production of these food products. The procedures also regulate the microorganisms and pesticides that arise due to genetic engineering.
In conclusion, GMO occurs due to genetic engineering. The alteration in genes helps to enhance resistance to diseases and pest, improve quality as well as in research to for medical therapy. Besides, the consumption of the GM food is safe in the short run when there is less likelihood of transmission of antibiotic resistance genes. The consumption of these foods should occur under precaution. Many regulations exist that control the utilization of the products from GMOs.










Reference
Arber, W. (2010). Benefits of genetically modified crops for the poor: household income, nutrition, and health. Biotechnology Journal, 552-557.
Forman, L. E. (2010). Genetically modified foods. Edina, Minn: ABDO Pub.
Herman, E. (2003). Genetically modified soybeans and food allergies. Journal of Experimental Botany, 1317-1319.
Simpson, M. (2014, November 24). Hepatitis B vaccine produced cheaply and efficiently using GMO corn. Retrieved from Genetic Literacy Project: https://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/11/24/hepatitis-b-vaccine-produced-cheaply-and-efficiently-using-gmo-corn/
Zhang, C. (2016). Genetically modified foods: A critical review of their promise and problems. Journal of Food Science and Human Wellness, 116-123.

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