GMO: GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGNISMS

The issue of genetically modified organisms is drawing unprecedented media attention due to its potential of bringing about fundamental changes in the genetic make up of living beings. Following paragraphs throw some light on this controversial subject.

What are Genetically Modified Organisms?

The genetically modified organisms or GMOs are the animals and plants that are genetically modified in order to develop the useful or desired traits. The techniques used to carry out genetic modification are known as genetic engineering techniques. The recombinant DNA technology is used for creating a new set of genes by combining the DNA molecules from different sources. The DNA is transferred into the organism in question and it results into the formation of two different types of GMOs (transgenic and cisgenic) based on the origin of DNA being used. Transgenic organisms are formed by inducing exogenous genes called transgenes in an organism. In the process of cisgenesis or the creation of cisgenic organisms, the genes are transferred between organisms that are compatible in terms of breeding.

Pros and Cons of Genetically Modifying Organisms

The idea of modifying an organism genetically sounds exciting however, the genetically modified organisms pros and cons have not been studied on a long term till date. Let us understand the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms with the help of details presented below.

Pros of Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering has many applications in different fields like medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, etc. Let us have a look at some of the important applications of this technology which carries out the manipulation of genes.

Production of Human Insulin: Patients suffering from diabetes are not capable of producing enough insulin. So, there arises a need for such people to obtain insulin from external sources. With the help of genetic engineering, human genes can be transferred into other mammals for the production of insulin. The mammals like sheep and goat are used as medium with human genes playing the role of 'software' or the 'brain' containing necessary genetic information for produce insulin.

Use in Gene Therapy: The GMOs like some viruses are used in gene therapy. Gene therapy can be used in the treatment of various genetic disorders and diseases like sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis.

Creation of Neo-organs: The unavailability of organs for transplants is a big problem in USA. The creation of neo-organs in order to increase the supply of desired organs is possible by means of genetic engineering. The regeneration of new tissues is carried out by the injection of a growth factor using a tissue injector. There is another procedure for creating new organs in which a scaffold made from biodegradable polymers is used to contain the plant cells. This scaffold is placed in a position where the new growth is expected. Eventually the scaffold breaks down or dissolves and a completely new organ is formed.

Usage in Agriculture: Genetically modified plants have many applications in the field of agriculture. Genetic modification or engineering is used for increasing the production of crops, pest control, weed management, etc. The genetically modified foods are also produced to make them more nutritive. For example, the incorporation of digestible iron in the genetically modified crops influences health in a positive way.

Cons of Genetic Engineering

Main argument made against activity of genetic modification is that it leads to unpredictable outcomes or side effects. Genetic modification is considered to be unnatural and doesn't fit in the context of natural ways like breeding/crossing the plants and

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