WHAT IS GMO?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are animals, plants and even bacteria that have been engineered to exhibit certain positive qualities and eliminate attributes that are undesirable. The Human Genome Project (HGP) website, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research, says that GMOs are the result of recombinant DNA technology, which simply defined is the combination of genes from different organisms. From its very beginnings, this form of genetic engineering has been the subject of heated debate.

EXAMPLE OF GMO
This GMO has been in practice for several years. Examples of its technological achievements can be found around the world. These include a sweet potato variety genetically modified to resist a common African virus that sometimes wipes out whole crops of the tuber. Another example is rice that is modified to contain higher levels of nutrients in order to combat widespread malnutrition in parts of Asia. Other plant species have been modified to resist weather extremes and specific types of insect damage. Grapple is also been modified which is a grape has a size of an apple! The purpose behind creation of the grapple was to incorporate a high vitamin C dose in it, in order to provide the third world population with a nutritious diet. Besides, GMO is also been practice onto animal. The GloFish is a genetically modified in the form of zebra fish. Yorktown Technologies from Austin, Texas brought the GloFish into the US market in the year 2003.

PROS OF GMO
The agriculture industry and government have indicated the known benefits of GMOs to the general public. It will expect better taste and quality of food using genetic modifications, since the process can make peppers spicier, corn sweeter, longer shelf life for fruit and vegetables and very tasty apples and pears. GMOs also mean faster and more efficient food production, since genetic altering will help farmers skip a number of steps and expenses when going through the process. Some plants and animals to develop in just a few months, compared to traditional means that can take years. GMOs also mean higher yields in less time. Animals and plants will grow healthier and faster in just a few months, which can cut costs and mean cheaper prices of commodities. Animals will experience less health problems, since the genetic modification process will lead to animals with higher resistance and immunity and can tolerate the usual farm and facility conditions.

 Better taste and quality of food Higher yields in less the time Faster production of food and products Healthier animals

CONS OF GMO
GMOs also have a number of drawbacks that have caused concern among different agencies and organizations. Modified foods have acquired the name frankenfoods and have been the subject of criticism among many environmentalists and health experts. It will cause several safety risks, because genetic modification is a new technology and it is quite hard to determine the long term results once you consume these foods. Environmental risks are also present since the existence of new animals and plants into the ecosystem can have negative effects on other species. Cross breeding and cross pollination might eventually drive some natural species to extinction. There are also ethical and social concerns with the development of GMOs. Ethical risks involve altering the makeup of plants and animals. This is almost the same or very close to the topics revolving around human cloning that might spell future problems in what should be present and the other fatal effects of artificial creation. Social concerns are also present, since third world countries still do not have the budget to create GMOs. A lot of people can lose their jobs or might need to resort to the unethical practice just to survive. Collateral damage will also ensue, leading to animals and plants that are tolerant and resistant to bacteria. Bacteria and other microorganisms will become much harder to eliminate. Herbicide-resistant plants will eventually lead to herbicide-resistant weeds. Ethical concerns Social concerns Environment problems Safety problems Collateral damage