What are the Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified FoodWhat are the Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food

Do you know what are the Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food? We are going to discuss all the Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food. in this article. Nowadays most vegetables and fruits are genetically modified to make them more productive. So many problems can be avoided with these types of fruits and vegetables.

An organism ( either plant or animal) whose DNA is altered for beneficial purposes using the technique of genetic engineering is known as a genetically modified organism (GMO).

The foods that are produced from such genetically modified organisms are called genetically modified foods (GMFs). These foods are also known as bioengineered foods or genetically engineered foods(GE foods). Introduction of new beneficial traits to the organisms and control of the defective undesirable characters are made possible by the techniques of genetic engineering also known as recombinant DNA technology.  Gene manipulation is done to improve growth,  pest resistance, sustainability and nutritional content.

We know that genetically modified foods, produced from genetically modified organisms are cheaper and healthier. We should understand that the modification of genes (DNA) might lead to some consequences.

In this article, we are going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified foods.

How genetically modified food are being created?

What are the Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food?

Genetically modified food is created by using scientific techniques and equipment in laboratories. The process of creating genetically modified foods involves multiple steps.

StepsDescription
Step 1: Useful Gene IdentificationIdentifying the useful gene from the donor organism.
Step 2: Gene IsolationIsolation of the gene (DNA) of interest.
Step 3: Cutting of Donor DNAThe donor DNA is cut into many fragments using particular enzymes(restriction endonucleases).
Step 4: CloningThe fragments of donor DNA is introduced into the suitable replicon, also known as vector or cloning vehicle. The most suitable vectors used in this technique are plasmids, the extra-chromosomal circular DNA present in the bacteria.
Step 5: Use of endonuclease enzymesUsing the same restriction endonuclease enzymes, the DNA of the vector is also fragmented.
Step 5: Joining of donor DNA and vector DNABoth the donor DNA and vector DNA are joined together using the enzyme DNA ligase, to form recombinant DNA (rDNA).
Step 5: Use of recombinant DNA into the recipient organismThis recombinant DNA is introduced into the recipient organism, in which the expected desirable traits will be expressed.

These new traits will be carried to succeeding generations. Potato(protein-rich potato), Genetically modified mustard (GM-mustard) and BT-brinjal are some of the genetically modified foods produced in India.

As only the desirable traits are selected to introduce into the GMO crops, we have the following advantages;

  • Pest resistance properties
  • Low cost of Genetically modified crops
  • Enhancement of nutritive value
  • Improvement of flavour and appearance

Advantages or Pros of Genetically Modified Foods

What are the Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food

Genetically modified foods are beneficial to both the producers ( farmers) and consumers.

SNAdvantages of Pros of genetically modified foods
1.Genetically modified foods are Pest resistance
2.Genetically modified crops are comparatively low cost
3.Genetically modified foods have Enhanced nutritive value
4.Genetically modified foods have Improved flavour and appearance

1. Pest resistance properties

A gene of many genetically modified crops is altered to make the crops resistant to many pests and other insects. For example, in the case of BT-brinjal,(Bacillus thuringiensis- brinjal), a gene from the naturally present soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis is incorporated into the brinjal. Because of this genetic alteration, the BT- brinjal produces a protein that is capable of killing many insects and pests and protects the crop from damage.

This reduces the need of spraying pesticides on GM crops, as the crops are produced with the pesticide property. This means that farmers need not use more pesticides. The pesticides expenses of farmers are reduced much. According to a study in 2020, genetically modified crops reduced pesticide usage to a considerable level. Limited pesticide usage also reduces the health issues caused by pesticides and also decreases the damage to the environment.

There are similar genetically modified crops like BT- corn, BT- cotton, BT- soya beans, etc available in the market.

2. Low cost of Genetically modified crops

These genetically modified crops are being cultivated for their efficient growth performance. Using these genetically modified crops, the farmers can produce the same quantity of the food as that of conventional agriculture, even using less area, poor irrigation facilities and low pesticide usage.

Thus the cost of production of the crop is significantly decreased. The farmers can save more money as many expenses are reduced. All of these make genetically modified foods available to consumers at cheaper costs. The cost of genetically modified foods is 15 to 30% per cent cheaper.

Genetically modified crops can withstand stressful conditions like droughts, and resistant to several diseases like blight and these properties increase the yield of crops.

3. Enhancement of nutritive value

Further, genetically modified crops increase the nutritive value of the foods obtained from them. For example, golden rice,   a genetically modified rice, is rich in beta carotene. This golden rice was particularly designed to prevent blindness in people whose local diets are deficient in this particular nutrient(beta carotene).

Genetically modified African corn is another example of nutrient enhanced genetically modified crops. This genetically modified African corn contains 2 times more folic acid(vitamin B9), 6 times more ascorbic acid(Vitamin C) and 169 times more beta carotene than the traditional corn crops.

4. Improvement of flavour and appearance

Genetically modified crops are also designed to improve the appearance and flavour of the foods, obtained from these crops. For example, Non-Browning apples, also known as Arctic apples, are genetically modified apples. Normal apple

when it is cut and exposed to oxygen, the enzyme polyphenol oxidase causes the oxidation of polyphenol in the apple. This is the reason for the browning of apples. However, the arctic apple is genetically modified in such a way that it does not turn brown after being cut, which protects its appearance and flavour.

Even though the recent studies based on research insist that genetically modified foods are safe for human consumption, the genetically modified foods have their own set of disadvantages.

  • Allergic reactions
  • Cancer risks
  • Other environmental problems and health issues

Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods

What are the Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food
SNDisadvantages or Cons of Genetically Modified Foods
1.Genetically Modified Foods can cause Allergic reactions
2.Genetically Modified Foods can cause Cancer risks
3.Other environmental problems and health issues

1. Allergic reactions:

Recent studies suggest that allergic reactions may get triggered by genetically modified foods.

As we know that genetically modified foods have the genes of other organisms, people who consume genetically modified foods worry about the foreign genes being incorporated into their bodies. This is the reason for allergic reactions.

During the middle of the 1990s, researchers found that the protein-rich genetically modified soya beans, ( produced addition of protein-producing genes from Brazil nuts to soybeans) provoked allergic reactions in people who are very sensitive to the Brazil nuts. After this incident,    they stopped producing these genetically modified soybeans.

Even though the reasons for the allergic reactions are valid, there is no solid evidence connecting genetically modified foods, which are currently available in the markets and allergic reactions.

Non genetically modified parts of genetically modified foods are more likely to produce allergies. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised the researchers to carry out tests in genetically modified foods for ensuring that the allergy-causing agents are not transferred from one food to the other food. But the fact is if a person has a soybeans allergy, allergic reactions will occur even they consume normal soybeans which are not genetically modified.

2. Cancer risks

There is a common belief that genetically modified foods may help cancer cells to progress their growth. We know that some of the cancers are related to mutations of DNA. So some people are thinking that genetically modified foods (as they have manipulated genes) may cause mutations in their DNA, which in turn may increase cancer risks. However, these worries are based on the earlier research conducted on mice, which related genetically modified foods to cancer development and the occurrence of early death.

But this is disproved later. However, currently, there is no evidence connecting intake of genetically modified foods and increased or decreased cancer risks. Many long term studies in humans are required for confirmation.

3. Other environmental problems and health issues:

The genetically modified crops are beneficial to farmers but at the same time, there are some environmental problems.

Most of the genetically modified crops are resistant to powerful herbicides like Roundup glyphosphate. So farmers started using these herbicides without any fear.(sometimes, these herbicides may harm the main crops if the crops are not genetically modified).

All the weeds growing with the genetically modified crops gradually become resistant to herbicides. As a result, the farmers are forced to spray more roundup herbicides to control the weeds as the weeds can affect the harvesting of crops.

The active ingredient of roundup herbicides is  glyphosphate, which is related to various diseases. Genetically modified foods are safe for consumption if the amount of glyphosphate is less.  However, long term research in humans is necessary to find the effects of glyphosphate on humans.

HOW CAN WE IDENTIFY GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS?

In the United States of America, genetically modified foods like corn, soybeans, canola, potatoes, sugar beets, alfalfa, papaya, summer squash and some varieties are commonly cultivated, grown and sold. However, as of now, there is no label showing that the food is genetically modified. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, genetically modified foods should be labelled as “bioengineered food”.

In European countries, if the genetically modified ingredients of foods exceed 0.9 per cent, the labelling must be done.

India takes fifth place in producing the most genetically modified foods after the United States of America, Brazil, Argentina & Canada(in terms of Cultivated area).

We are consuming more genetically modified fruits, vegetables and other ingredients of food without our knowledge.

FAQs Related to Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food?

What are the Cons of genetically modified foods?

1. Genetically Modified Foods can cause Allergic reactions in some peoples
2. Genetically Modified Foods (GMF) can cause Cancer risks (Rare Cases)
3. GMO can cause other environmental problems and health issues

What are the pros of genetically modified food?

1. Genetically modified foods are Pest resistance
2. Genetically modified crops are comparatively low cost
3. Genetically modified foods have Enhanced nutritive value
4. Genetically modified foods have Improved flavour and appearance

What are the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified food?

Advantages

Genetically modified foods are Pest resistance
Genetically modified crops are comparatively low cost
Genetically modified foods have Enhanced nutritive value
Genetically modified foods have Improved flavour and appearance

Disadvantages

Genetically Modified Foods can cause Allergic reactions
Genetically Modified Foods can cause Cancer risks
Other environmental problems and health issues

How genetically modified foods are being created?

The process of creating genetically modified foods involves multiple steps.

Step 1: Useful Gene Identification
Step 2: Gene Isolation
Step 3: Cutting of Donor DNA
Step 4: Cloning
Step 5: Use of endonuclease enzymes
Step 6: Joining of donor DNA and vector DNA
Step 7: Use of recombinant DNA into the recipient organism

Conclusion:

Genetically modified foods are available in our local markets. Even though they are beneficial to farmers and safe to consume, many people are worrying that GM foods may lead to health issues. However, there is no solid proof but people wish to avoid genetically modified foods. Hence long term researches on humans should be done to determine whether genetically modified foods are safe or not.

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