GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, involve transferring genetic material from one organism to another. This alters the host organism's genetic traits. There are three main components to creating a GMO - the host organism, the desired gene from another organism, and a vector to transport the gene into the host cells. While GMOs aim to address issues like food supply and the environment, they also raise health and ecological concerns that require further long-term research. Debate continues around both the benefits and risks of GMOs.

1. Kaitlyn Essel 2014
Things you should know about GMOs
GMO is a term that you have probably heard a lot in recent news. GMO (or GM) is an
acronym for genetically modified organisms also referred to as genetically engineered (GE)
products. Basically, this term means genetic material from one organism is implanted into
another. This process alters the genetic traits of the host organism. This is a micro science that
demands a great understanding of gene coding. There are three main components to creating a
GMO. First is the host organism or what is being modified, known as the target species. Second
is the desired gene from another organism that must be isolated. Restriction enzymes are used as
“molecular scissors that recognize specific sequences in the DNA and cut it at those places”
("How are GMOs," 2011). Third is a vector that is the transportation unit to take the isolated
gene into the host cells. Virus cells are often used as vectors because they are capable of easily
entering cells. The genome of the virus that causes harm is first removed so that all that is left is
the target gene and the ability to enter the host cell. “Once in the host cell the genes will insert
into the host’s genome. After this, every time the genome is replicated and new cells are made
the trans-gene will also be found the DNA of each new cell” ("How are GMOs," 2011). The
process can be explained in a relatively straightforward manor, but execution can be extremely
intricate.
The outstanding benefits of GMOs are being weighed heavily against the potentially
enormous consequences of their global distribution, creating a large ethical debate ("How are
GMOs," 2011). An example of tremendous benefit from GMO research can be seen in one of
the first products from, “1978 when the company Genetech transferred the gene for human
insulin into an E. coli strain. These E. coli cells were able to produce insulin themselves which
could be collected and used for diabetes treatments” ("How are GMOs," 2011). Creativity paired
with this technology is nearly limitless. This was demonstrated again with the controversial

2. Kaitlyn Essel 2014
Things you should know about GMOs
creation of GM goats that contain a spider genome enabling their milk to be manufactured into
spider silk. The beneficial outcome of producing an abundance of valuable silk was matched by
the stirring up of ethical questions and concern. Many organisms, including mice, fish, plants
and bacteria, are being genetically modified today for research and use in the food supply.
Those involved in the production of GMOs believe this science may be the answer to
many global issues especially in relation to food. GMOs could lead to environmentally safer
farming methods than previous practices. For example, a drought resistant crop could help
tremendously with ground water conservation. In the production and disposal stages especially,
GM seeds may cut back on environmental harm that is caused by conventional use of
insecticides, herbicides and fungicides (Ando & Khanna, 2000). World hunger could be
eradicated with the creation of GMOs able to survive in harsh environments, allowing food
production in previously barren places. Nutrients could be better provided to people in dry, cold,
or hard to reach areas by creating products with a longer shelf life. Additionally, hunger and
nutrition deficiency could be solved by maximizing yields and fortifying crops.
Soy can be used as a great example to showcase the different perspective arguments for
and against GMOs. Soy is considered the fourth most important crop in the world with a global
production of over 562.2 trillion pounds (FAOSTAT, 2010 as cited in Ainsworth et al., 2011).
Due to its versatility, demand for soybeans persistently increases and in return the amount of
land needed to grow them on expands. Soy producers have begun to cut down and wipe out
fragile Brazilian rainforest ecosystems in order to keep up. Parties concerned for Brazilian
rainforest preservation insists that no further expansion occur because the benefits of soy do not
outweigh the sacrifice being made. Scientists are now looking for a new version of GM soy as
the solution. Modifications to improve photosynthetic efficiency, increase flower number and

3. Kaitlyn Essel 2014
Things you should know about GMOs
survival, and optimize soybean growth may be the way to accomplish a greater yield without
using more land (Ainsworth et al., 2011).
The first version of GM soybean was introduced in 1996 and by 2010, 93% of all
soybeans grown in the US were GM (Ainsworth et al., 2011). A land conserving modification
has not yet been perfected, although, herbicide-tolerant or “glyphosate-tolerant soybean” is
currently being grown to help increase yields. This prevents weeds from tampering with soybean
yields by enabling soy crops to survive heavy concentrations of herbicides (“National
environmental policy,” 2010). Unfortunately, this method raises concerns of “super weeds” and
“genetic pollution” (Ando and Khanna, 2000). Through consistent exposure to these powerful
chemicals “super weeds” can start to develop that are herbicide resistant and capable of
dominating nearby organically grown crops and other native vegetation. The same principle is
occurring with pests that are adapting and becoming resistant to all forms of insecticide,
dooming unprotected crops. “Genetic pollution” is another concern, when GM crops cross
pollenate with surrounding plants, the modified genetic traits are able to spread. Uncontrollable
dissemination of GMOs is leading to contamination of wild foliage and neighboring organic or
heirloom farms (Ando & Khanna, 2000).
Scientists have set out to utilize GMOs to resolve environmental and humanitarian
crisis; but, concern has arisen that the opposite effect may be occurring instead. Bt corn is
another example of this. Bt corn is GM to contain a toxin that will kill larva that burrow in and
feed on the product (Ando & Khanna, 2000). This modification allows the corn the ability to
defend against pests without the use of pesticides, reducing chemical use and increasing crop
yields. However, soil ecosystems and soil fertility are now facing compromise due to toxins
released by the plant itself and the danger of toxins leaving residue on produce and in

4. Kaitlyn Essel 2014
Things you should know about GMOs
groundwater is an apparent possibility. Plus, concerns are being voiced about products such as
Bt corn having a potentially harmful effect if accidentally ingested by non-target species (Ando
& Khanna, 2000). This includes direct threats to the health of other insects, such as butterflies,
as well as birds and some small mammals. By way of the food chain, any species that preys on a
target species could be at an indirect risk as well. An alarming study revealed green lacewings
that consumed European corn borers that had been eating Bt corn instead of conventional corn
exhibited higher mortality rates and slower maturation rates (Hilbeck, Baumgartner, Fried-
Padruot & Bigler, 1998 as cited in Ando & Khanna, 2000). This could eventually lead to grave
environmental health concerns for the entire ecosystem.
In addition to the potential of causing a negative chain of events in the plant and animal
kingdom, inconclusive studies have presented infertility and cancer as possible side effects of
consumption of various GM products (“Monsanto tried”, 2008, Organic Consumers Association,
2008, Schwartz, 2013 and Smith, 2011). In 2002, Pusztai expressed concern about GM products
currently on the market while there are still: few studies published about the safety of these food
crops, no peer reviewed articles and no literature studying effects of consumption on humans (as
cited in Schwartz, 2013). For nearly twenty years now, GM food such as tomatoes, soy and corn
have been grown, distributed, sold and consumed, yet research is still lacking. A grassroots,
non-profit organization, Organic Consumers Association (2008), documents the need for more
long-term studies and the difficulty to independently fund them. Long term studies must be
funded by unbiased parties in order to determine the true outcomes of GMOs’ widespread use.
Without this information, a global experiment is taking place involving the populations subjected
to these products.

5. Kaitlyn Essel 2014
Things you should know about GMOs
There is an inherent risk associated with almost everything in life. It is our right as
autonomous beings to have a choice over what risks are worth enduring for the benefits they
offer. Labeling laws have been requested, in order to allow people the choice to consume GM
products or not. Unfortunately, disparity exists and for underprivileged populations GM food
may be the difference between eating and starving, in which case the choice is not as flexible.
However, until sound, fundamental research is conducted on the long term effects of a GM diet
many are requesting the right to choose.

6. Kaitlyn Essel 2014
Things you should know about GMOs
References
(2008). Monsanto tried to block Austrian government funded research showing GE corn causes
infertility. Organic Consumers Association, Retrieved from
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_15720.cfm.
Ainsworth, E. A., Yendrek, C. R., Skoneczka, J. A., & Long, S. P. (2012). Accelerating yield
potential in soybean: potential targets for biotechnological improvement. Plant, Cell &
Environment, 35(1), 38-52. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3040.2011.02378.x.
Ando, A. W., & Khanna, M. (2000). Environmental costs and benefits of genetically modified
crops implications for regulatory strategies. American Behavioral Scientist, 44(3), 435-
463.
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. (2011). How are GMOs made? Retrieved from
http://www.hudsonalpha.org/education/kits/gmod/gmos-made.
Schwartz, S. A. (2013). The great experiment: Genetically modified organisms, scientific
integrity, and national wellness. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 9(1), 12-
16. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2012.11.004.
Smith J. (2011). GMO researchers attacked, evidence denied, and a population at risk. Center for
Research on Globalization. Retrieved from http://www.globalresearch.ca/gmo-
researchers-attacked-evidence-deniedand-a-population-at-risk.
U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Biotechnology Regulatory Services. (2010). National environmental policy act decision
and finding of no significant impact. Pioneer Hi-Bred International.