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Writer's pictureSaakshi Golia

Genetically Modified Organisms- Weapons For Our Biosphere

Genetically Modified Organisms are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated creating combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.


Common examples are:


  1. INSULIN

Scientists make insulin by inserting a human gene that codes for the insulin protein into either yeast or

bacteria.

These organisms then become mini-insulin biofactories which can then be harvested, purified and bottled. Diabetic patients can be injected with this insulin produced by bacteria/yeast.




2.SPIDER SILK- IN GOATS – SPIDER GOATS


Spider Silk Fiber-

  • Is very light and flexible

  • Has strength equal to steel


Researchers have developed a way to incorporate spiders' silk-spinning genes into goats, allowing the harvest of silk protein from the goat’s milk for a variety of applications:


  • making artificial ligaments and tendons,

  • jaw repair

  • bulletproof vests



ARE GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS GOOD FOR US?

Its medical applications are widely accepted. The debate heats up when it comes to food and agriculture.


How do you make a crop genetically pest-resistant?


Scientists can modify the plant’s protein manufacturing system so that it makes a new protein that is toxic to only certain insects.

This protein is so specifically targeted towards certain pests that its harmless to other insects, animals and

humans that eat it.




Stigma associated with GMOs


The assumption that “genetically engineered” or “genetically modified” is a dangerous classification has led not only to vandalism of field trials, but also to destruction of laboratories and assaults on researchers.


In August, a group of activists vandalized test fields of “golden rice,” which has been genetically engineered to contain beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. People have been far from accepting GM crops and refuse to be educated about them.


The world eats 11 million pounds of food every day. We will need 70% more by 2050. We have two courses of action-


Plan A- produce food by clearing forests for agricultural land, and using more pesticides that have ugly effects on human health


Plan B- intensify farming that already exists by incorporating genetic engineering


GMOs have the potential to change agriculture for the better, reducing humans’ adverse effects on the environment and giving to us the opportunity to build and create with nature.


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