Author: Vincent Guo
Editor: Ruoxi Lin, Maria Flores
Artist: Emily Tai
Did you know that the food you eat every day is most likely genetically modified? We have been genetically modifying food for a very long time. In ancient times, our ancestors used selective breeding, which is when two animals with desired traits are bred to pass down those traits. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, scientists have been cross-breeding to create different kinds of food.
Some common genetically modified foods we see often are apples, corn, squash, and potatoes. Some non-consumables, like cotton, are also genetically modified. So far, genetically modified food has no effect on animals like cows, pigs, and sheep. Researchers feed the animals genetically modified food and, after a while, compare animals who consumed the genetically modified food to animals that consumed the food that wasn’t genetically modified. They noticed no difference and no negative effect on the animals that consumed the genetically modified food. Therefore, it is safe for anyone to eat an animal that has consumed a genetically modified crop. Genetically modified foods could also help feed our growing population.
Genetically modified food is created through a process called genetic engineering. It involves taking a favored gene and inserting it into another plant. This process starts by identifying the desired gene in one organism’s DNA. Scientists then use genetic engineering techniques, such as recombinant DNA technology, to precisely place this gene into the DNA of another plant. But genetic engineering isn't just used for plants, it’s also used to create medicine. For example, some people with diabetes are unable to produce insulin, which regulates their sugar level. This is where genetic engineering comes into play: we use it to create insulin. We do this by using a bacterium called plasmid in a lab and inserting a part of DNA from a human that produces insulin. Then that bacteria would be able to produce insulin, and we would harvest it. We would use that harvested insulin to create a pill. After that, the person with diabetes could take an insulin pill to regulate their blood sugar level.
Genetically modified foods are resilient against viruses and insects that feed on plants. This allows farmers to use less pesticide on the plants. Not only that but genetically modifying food can increase the nutrition inside the food. For example, a certain crop can be made to have more vitamins for people in a place in need of that certain vitamin. If an area needs more vitamin A, scientists can produce sweet potatoes that already have vitamin A to contain even more, allowing the residents in that area to get the nutrients they need. These modified foods last longer and won’t spoil quickly, which allows for less preservative use to keep them from going bad. This makes the crop more predictable and lowers the chance of a food shortage. Currently, scientists are looking for a new way to administer medication. This could help the people who hate having to take shots and allow them to eat food and get the medication they need.
Even though there are tons of pros, it also comes with some cons. Some people are concerned about having a higher chance of getting cancer, having their DNA changed, or the food being toxic to their organs. Fortunately, no study proves consumption of genetically modified food is connected to these outcomes. However, genetically modified food can still trigger allergic reactions; a person who is allergic to peanuts can get an allergic reaction from another food that is genetically modified with a peanut. But these cases are rare and unlikely to occur. There are some negative effects on the environment. Genetically modified food prevents insects that usually feed on the food from consuming it. The insects that would normally consume that plant are now unable to eat the plant anymore, and their population would drop. This causes the predators that eat those insects to lose a food source and causes their population to also drop. This would cause a disturbance in the food chain. Since there is a disturbance in the food chain, it would also harm the environment., for instance, a species dying out in the area. Genetically modified food also takes away biodiversity. Since genetically modified food is immune to insects that feed on it, the crops that aren't immune are consumed by the insects instead, reducing the different varieties of plants. Another important consideration is outcrossing, which occurs when a genetically modified plant mixes with the natural version of it. This is concerning because it could lead to unintended effects like changes in natural ecosystems, genetic mixing with wild species, or impacts on biodiversity.
Even though there are many concerns about genetically modified food, there are organizations that regulate genetically modified food to ensure its safety. They make sure that the favored genes implanted into the crops’ DNA are stable and that no outcrossing is happening. Not only that, but they make sure no allergens are being transferred into the genetically modified crop unless that allergen is useful to the person consuming it. This all ties back to how genetically modified food has a good effect on us but does come with a downside and could harm the environment and nature around us.
Citations:
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Concerns-A Review.” Journal of Food Science and Technology, U.S. National Library of
Medicine, Dec. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3791249/.
“Food, Genetically Modified.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization,
Accessed 30 May 2024.
“Pros and Cons of GMO Foods: Health and Environment.” Medical News Today,
MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324576. Accessed 30
May 2024.
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “GMO Crops, Animal Food, and Beyond.”
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-
biotechnology/gmo-crops-animal-food-and-beyond. Accessed 30 May 2024.