Is Genetic Modified Organism a friend or foe of mankind?

GMOs : Wonder or Blunder

The term genetically modified organism (GMO ) is used to refer to any organism whose genome has been altered in ways that do not occur naturally , usually with the addition of one or more genes from the same or a different species through the use of modern biotechnological techniques (Oregon Department of Agriculture Laboratory Services [ODA] 2007 World Health Organization [WHO] , 2005 . These techniques often involve nucleic acids procedures , the most well-known of which is recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA ) technology . Natural reproductive selection , involved in traditional breeding , is

technically a means of genetic recombination in itself , and occurs in the same or closely related species (Campbell , Reece , and Mitchell , 2000 . The process is slow , and unwanted traits are likely to be transferred along so it takes generations to produce the purely desired varieties . With recombinant DNA technology , the process is accelerated and also more controlled by the scientist , in that unwanted genes can be removed Most notably , the technology allows the insertion of desired or novel traits from unrelated species , which is beyond the possibilities produced from the natural process (Pickrell , 2006 WHO , 2005

The primary application of genetic recombination technology at present is to create genetically modified food crops , which are thus , the most common genetically modified organisms by far (Pickrell , 2006 . But there are some livestock animals and fish that have been genetically modified , as well . Initially , crops were genetically engineered to improve protection against problems of diseases , insects and viruses Resistance traits that have been successfully incorporated genetically include pest and disease resistance and herbicide tolerance . A popular case in point is the Bt corn , where the bacterial gene Bt from Bacillus thuringiensis was introduced . The gene expresses insecticidal compound production abilities in the plant but is harmless to humans (Pickrell 2006 WHO , 2005 . In the mid-1990s , Hawaiian papaya farmers were threatened with the devastating effects of the insect-borne papaya ring spot virus (PRSV . The production of a PRSV-resistant papaya variety in 1998 salvaged both the delicacy and the livelihood (Beren , 2003

Other desirable plant traits are currently being developed . These include improved durability , nutritional value , and flavor Nutrient-enriched crops like vitamin A-boosted rice and protein-enriched potatoes are being developed , as well as the removal of naturally occurring toxins , as in the natural cyanide content in cassava according to a 2005 World Health Organization study (WHO , 2005 Allergen-free plants like hay fever-free grass and cry-free onions have been created and are currently being field-tested . Relatedly , livestock animals that have been genetically modified to improve nutritional value of derived food products include pigs with spinach genes for production of low-fat bacon , and cows that produce casein-enriched milk (Pickrell 2006 . Crops that can grow in unfavorable or hostile conditions are now also being researched intensively . Salt and drought tolerance are particularly sought after , as traditional breeding have failed to bring about these desired characteristics (WHO , 2005

There are certain perceived advantages and benefits in genetically engineering food crops . Improved resistance to diseases and pests can contribute...