Introduction
Media, scientists, and governmental agencies have all expressed interest in and opinions about the use of genetic engineering and biotechnology. There are no definitive solutions to the question of what lies ahead for genetically engineered creatures. Organisms that have had their genetic makeup altered by genetic engineering are referred to as genetically modified organisms. To do this, a foreign gene is inserted into an organism's DNA in order to produce the desired characteristic. In the medical, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, the technology has demonstrated both many advantages and disadvantages. Social, medical, and health challenges are being addressed as a result of genetic engineering technologies. Some of the concerns include the nutritional quality alteration, toxicity, carcinogenicity, and possible creation of new allergens and disease-causing organisms.
Purpose of GMO
The most commonly modified organisms are food, plants, viruses, bacteria, and animals. The aim is to introduce new characteristics into an organism to increase its usefulness. The technology has been used in medicinal, environmental, agricultural, and industrial purposes. The technology has been used to make plants resistant to herbicides, plants resistant to insecticides, improve the quality of foods, virus resistance among other desirable traits and also in pharmaceutical products such as insulin. Pesticides resistance crops include the Bt corn, a modified crop with the bacterium gene that produces a Bt protein poisonous to the European Corn borer. The Bt Protein kills the pest when ingested as it binds the insect's digestive system and causes septicemia. Herbicide tolerance crops have also been made such as soybean that is modified through the insertion of Agrobacterium Tumefaciens gene that produces glyphosate tolerant enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase. Virus resistant plants such as the plum have been achieved through the insertion of the Plum Pox Virus coat protein. The genetically modified organisms are created for various purposes. Animals are usually modified for research purposes such as drug development tests. Animals could also be made for commercial purposes. A good example is a fluorescent fish that is widely used as pets. (Porter, 2003)
How are GMOs Created?
Genetically modified organisms are products that are produced through gene manipulation using modern biotechnology techniques. The technique involves artificial selection and precise control over genetic changes in an organism.
The basic steps in Genetic engineering
1. Gene isolation
2. Vector construction and gene manipulation
3. Transformation with vector
4. Target gene expression
5. Gene deliveryIsolation of the preferred gene is achieved using restriction enzymes. Restriction enzymes are proteins that recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences into fragments that can be isolated. An example of a restriction enzyme is Eco RI. The second step involves making a recombinant DNA with the help of a bacteria plasmid. Plasmids are used as vectors that transport the isolated gene into the target organism. The isolated gene is introduced into the plasmid by attaching the gene to the plasmid's sticky ends. To achieve this, the target gene and the plasmid genes are cut using the same restriction enzyme. The third step involves the multiplication of the target gene in a bacterial host commonly Escherichia Coli. The plasmids with the target DNA are multiplied into many copies. The recombinant DNA is then isolated and cloned through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After cloning the DNA sequencing is performed to determine the DNA sequence of the isolated gene. The fifth step involves the introduction of the isolated gene to the target organism or cells. Gene delivery can be achieved through several ways such as microinjection, bio ballistics, and electro and chemical poration. (FAO, 2017)
Foods in the Supermarket Containing GMOs
Some of the products in the market that have been made using genetic engineering are insulin, maize, cotton, rapeseed, and tomato. The manufacturing industry is using modified Chymosin in the production of cheese. Chymosin is a hormone found in yeast for fermentation. The knowledge of the benefits of chymosin in fermentation has led to the isolation of chymosin and multiplied to fasten the fermentation process in cheese making. The technology has been utilized in making thick tomato paste. The thickness is achieved through suppressing the genes that are responsible for softening in ripe tomatoes. Suppressing the gene makes the ripe tomatoes remain hard and it saves the thickening energy that would have been in tomato paste. (Pearson, n.d)
GMO Consumption
The debate on whether GMOs are safe for human consumption is still inconclusive. Biotechnologists insist that GMOs are safe for human consumption. One of the major concerns of GMO consumption is the gene transfer that could lead to the transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes from the vector organism. The effect could be detrimental to human health as bacterial infections would be hard to treat. Another concern is the long-term effects of the consumption of GMOs as very little is known about the long-term effects of the technology. Other health concerns include allergic reactions and excess cell growth that could lead to cancer. (FAO & WHO, 2000)
GMO Foods Regulation
The regulations for genetically modified foods differ from one country to another. There is no specific legislation law that regulates genetically modified foods. In the United States, GMOs are regulated by a coordinated framework that consists of agencies such as the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Service, Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The regulation of GMOs by these agencies depends on the type of GMO product. There are also two international protocols that govern GMOs across borders. These protocols are Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary and the Cartagena Protocol. The aim of the two protocols is to provide safe transfer and minimize human health risks that could arise from the transboundary movement of GMOs. (Global Legal Research Center, 2014)
Conclusion
GMOs have been used in various industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry to enhance food production supply as well as pharmaceutical products. Despite the benefits highlighted by scientists, GM food consumption faces strong resistance due to the health problems posed by the consumption. The regulation of GMOs differs between countries as some countries require GMO food labeling.
References
FAO & WHO. (2000, June 29). Safety aspects of genetically modified foods of Plant Origin. Retrieved from FAO & WHO: ftp://ftp.fao.org/es/esn/food/gmreport.pdf
FAO. (2017). THE PROCESS OF GENETIC MODIFICATION. Retrieved from FAO: http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y4955e/y4955e06.htm#TopOfPage
Global Legal Research Center . (2014, March). Restrictions on Genetically . Retrieved from The Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Center : https://www.loc.gov/law/help/restrictions-on-gmos/restrictions-on-gmos.pdf
Pearson. (n.d). Genetically Modified Foods. Retrieved from Pearson: https://www.pearsonhighered.com/klug-11e-info/assets/pdf/klug11e-stmg-ch5.pdf
Porter, J. A. (2003). GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS and Aquaculture. FAO Fisheries Circular. No. 989. Rome, FAO. 2003. 38p.
