When the words “GMO” or Genetically Modified Foods come up in
conversation, it is usually followed by a disgusted look coming from the typical
“chemophobic” adult. But what they probably don’t know is that many of the foods
the average person eats every day are (or contain in some way) genetically
modified foods. Many variations of GMO corn crops, soybean, potato, and many
others are produced right here in the USA!
GMO foods, whether you know it or not, are everywhere. Food
eateries like Buffalo Wild Wings, Apple Bees, Dominos, Starbucks, Dunkin
Donuts, McDonalds, and Chipotle all give you food that are or contain genetically
modified foods, just to name a few of the more popular brands. But what exactly
labels a food or crop to be “genetically modified” you might ask? To answer
this question, we can go take an in-depth look at the creation of an insect
resistant tomato plant. First, a bacterium with the desired insect resistance gene
is selected for and the gene is cut out. The gene is then inserted into a vector
and copied within the bacteria. Tungsten, or gold particles are then coated
with the DNA vectors and loaded onto a Teflon bullet, which is then shot out of
a gene gun into the plant cells. These vectors enter the cell and incorporate
the gene into the plant genome. The cells are then plated onto a selective antibiotic
media, which allow only cells that have incorporated the vector to grow. Once
they are transferred onto media containing plant growth factors, eventually
grows an insect resistant tomato plant!
Amidst the doubters and those against GMO crops, GMO’s have
proven themselves to be very worthwhile and even needed in some situations! For
instance – let’s look at an example of a developing nation with a slow economy.
Say this developing nation has a hunger problem amongst its citizens, and with
a very weak economy, it cannot afford to import foods let alone have their
citizens purchase every meal at expensive prices. This developing nation is
also in salty coastal wetlands; therefore, it cannot support the growth of
needed crops. However, the technology of GMO’s has come to the rescue. With the
developing idea and technology of GMO crops, a biotechnology company has
genetically modified a rice plant that can thrive in salt water conditions,
allowing this nation to provide food for its citizens as it increases its
economy!
There are many people who are “on the fence” about
genetically modified foods because they claim there is not enough research done
on them to know if they are truly safe for people over long periods of time.
However, GMO foods are so widely used, and have to go through numerous and very
extensive safety checks before they can be passed and allowed to be grown and
distributed. The safety checks on these genetically modified crops and the
research that is being done as well almost guarantee’s the products safety.
Some go as far to say that people who are big advocators for anti-GMO products
are spreading lies and instilling chemophobia in anyone who will listen! At the
end of the day, it is of a personal decision whether or not you want to consume
foods that are genetically modified. But, it is important to know the true
facts about GMOs and how GMOs have helped our world increase food production
and continue on!
References:
- https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/science/gmfoods/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3791249/
- https://gmo.geneticliteracyproject.org/FAQ/which-genetically-engineered-crops-are-approved-in-the-us/
