In: Biology
Why could GMOs have a different impact on the environment from genetically engineered bacteria used to make pharmaceuticals?
Genetically modified bacteria are often used in pharmaceuticals. Their job can range from producing a hormone, a protein, a drug, or providing nutrition to the human host. They might also serve as probiotics which can be used to cure diseases like diarrhea.
GMOs are genetically modified organisms that are then grown into natural settings. They can range from plants like tomato, rice, wheat to animals like mosquitoes, flies, etc. They can serve as better sources of food or can help prevent infections and much more.
However, they are different from the pharmaceutical genetic products in the sense that they will be able to interact with the biotic world. The genes that are present in them can enter into other organisms like prey, predator, or the same species. And it is very difficult to state exactly what effects this can have on the biodiversity and food webs.
Hence GMOs can impact the environment to a huge extent.