Kaden Kennard

Mr. Jones

Biology 1010

May 6th, 2017

GMOs Finding Their Root

The United States of America, as well as many other developed nations, have

become very well acquainted with the use of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs

for short. GMOs are organisms which have had an alteration to their genetic coding

through the use of technology and engineering. GMOs have been altered with DNA

from another organism, be it a bacterium, plant, virus, or animal; these organisms are

sometimes referred to as transgenic organisms (Lallanilla). Thus, individuals can count

on finding various GMOs at the grocery store, since genetic engineering is most practiced

with food. Knowing this information causes people to worry about what exactly theyre

feeding their bodies. However, aside the fact of creating tolerant insects, GMOs are very

beneficial in that they are more nutritious, help the environment, and have large harvests.

To begin with, GMOs are specifically altered so that they can provide more

nutritional value. Now when customers go into a grocery store, they have a better and

wider range of healthy foods. This can have an effect on a local scale as well as a global

scale. By modifying some GMO foods in terms of mineral or vitamin content,

companies can supply more necessary nutrients and help fight worldwide malnutrition
(Mandel). In todays world, there are many less developed countries which struggle

getting any food, let alone nutritional. So, the incorporation of GMOs in developed

countries can also benefit other nations eat healthier. Therefore, genetically modified

organisms provide communities with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential

to the human diet.

Likewise, scientists have discovered that the production of GMOs can play an

influential role in the environment. Unlike most engineering though, genetically modified

organisms can have a positive effect. Oklahoma State University reports that the

increase of GMO crops and animals often requires less chemicals, time and tools, and

may help to reduce environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion

(Duvauchelle). For instance, GMOs do not require pesticides to keep insects away from

harming the process of cultivation. Also, using pesticides can risk the probability of them

traveling throughout the ecosystem and reaching the atmosphere, causing pollution.

Therefore, farmers dont have to use harmful chemicals that may hinder the soil and air.

Thus, GMOs can protect the environment from detrimental contamination.

However, genetically modified organisms do not need the use of pesticides

because they have a similar function produced within themselves, which is one potential

drawback due to the complications it could and has produced. The DNA of a GMO is

altered in that it will grow its own type of pesticide, which plants naturally lack. Plants

that produce their own insecticide, a bacterial toxin Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT), which
has led to BT-resistant bugs (Connealy). Therefore, pesticides are not used as much to

drive away insects which allows bugs to consume the GMOs insecticide. As a result,

insects become tolerant to the toxin Bacillus Thuringiensis. Thus, GMOs can lead to a

more resilient insect population that will eventually cause farmers to use stronger

pesticides to get rid of them. Nonetheless, this one drawback does not take away from all

that GMOs have to offer.

In addition, GMOs are produced in large harvests. More food grown in less time

and less land translates to more money for farmers and better prices for customers.

Yet another benefit that is believed to occur from GM technology is that crops can be

engineered to withstand weather fluctuations and extremes. This means that they can

provide sufficient yields and quality despite a severe, poor weather season (Murnaghan).

Droughts and floods pose a serious threat to farms as a large percentage of plants can not

withstand such conditions. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry about severe weather

since GMOs are capable to endure them. In result, the crop production can increase and

aid the economy in that the supply and demand of produce will keep prices low.

Consequently, genetically modified organisms offer more food in less time.

In conclusion, GMOs offer better nutritional value, protect the environment, and

have large harvests. Beside the effect it has on insects in making them tolerant to

bacteria, GMOs are a great scientific advancement. The human population can find

healthier food to help maintain a good diet. The environment can see a drop in pollution
and soil depletion as less pesticides are used. The food industry will grow as more

produce is sold in grocery stores. Hence, genetically modified organisms provide a

revolutionary improvement. The potential benefits are foods that are tastier, more

nutritious and resistant to diseases and droughts (Lallanilla). Though many people

shudder when they hear GMO, there is no need after discovering all that it can contribute

in this day and age.

 Works Cited

Connealy, Leigh E. "GMOs: The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food." Newport

Natural Health. N.p., 17 Nov. 2014. Web. 6 May 2017.

Duvauchelle, Joshua. "Pros and Cons of GMO Foods." Live Strong. N.p., 13 Jan. 2014.

Web. 6 May 2017.

Lallanilla, Marc. "GMOs: Facts About Genetically Modified Food." Live Science. N.p.,

11 Jan. 2016. Web. 6 May 2017.

Mandel, Ken. "GMO Food Pros and Cons." News Max. N.p., 11 June 2015. Web. 6 May

2017.

Murnaghan, Ian. "Fact Sheet: Pros vs Cons." Genetically Modified Foods. N.p., 27 Apr.

2017. Web. 6 May 2017.