Question

Describe both potential benefits and concerns with the genetic modification of organisms.

Answer 1

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material is altered or manipulated by inserting components of other organism using geneticengineering techniques. This include bacteria, yeast, plants and animals.

Benefits

Using GMO practises disease resistent, nutrient rich crop varities which can grow quickly, giving more yield can be produced

GMO are used as a good experimental tool for research. for example, genetically modified mice is used for research for the development of male contraceptive pills for man.

Foods with additional nutrient supply can be produced

GM bacteria are used to produce insulin which is useful for the treatment of diabetis patients (thus pesticide usage declined).

Clotting factors (to treat haemophilia,) and human growth hormone (to treat dwarfism) are also produced artificially through genetically modified bacteria

Genetically modified fishes are used as indicators of pollution (aquatic pollution sensors)

Some genetically modofoed viruses are used in gene therapy (which is useful in treatment of genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis)

GMOs are useful in mining for the extraction of the useful elements from its ores

Concerns

Unpredictable nature of GMO crops are discovered through research.(eg- it was found that there is a high risk for occurance of liver and kidney disorder associated with consumption of genetically modified corn and soya in mice)

GMO affect individulas with allergies in unpredictable ways.

GMO products involve testing or experimenting its action in animals which according to animal rights is unethical.

Genetic modification is considered as unnatural does'nt fit into the context of natural selection of the fittest character

Possibility of unpredictable alteration in genetic make up orgamisms is the serious concern

It can cause harm in non target organism (Bt cotton caused high mortality in monarch butterfly)

There are concerns that insects will be more resisitant to crops that are genetically modified