by Geromn Gabriel Dacquil | Reprimo
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose genomes are modified using genetic engineering to create more favorable phenotypes for that organism. By definition, genetic engineering has given us an opportunity to choose the traits that are beneficial to us.
Since then, humans have been modifying animals and plants for thousands of years. Scientists have used techniques such as selective breeding in order to produce more desirable traits, making them better suited to the environment. But in 1973, biochemists Herbert Mayer and Stanley Cohen made an enormous breakthrough by developing the first genetic engineered organism. This discovery led to the development of the field of genetic engineering, which led us to the existence of GMOs. From that moment, several experiments emerged about genetically modified organisms. To regulate the experiments done in laboratories, a set of guidelines were established by the Asilomar Conference in 1975. Furthermore, a set of guidelines and standards were given by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2003. In 1996, the first GMO was planted in the US soil. Fast forward to 2015, a genetically modified salmon was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption.
Examples of GMO are widely observed around the world. We often see GM foods that are available on the market. These are crops that were designed and crafted carefully to be used as an ingredient for our meals. Aside from that, GMO foods are used as feeds for animals and are also in the making of medicinal products, as well. One example of a medicinal product is insulin which is used in treating diabetes.
GMOs play an important role in agriculture, environment, and biomedical research. This technology enhances our chance to have better health and nutrition since it can incorporate several nutrients that are beneficial to us. One example of this is the golden rice that has been developed for decades. It aims to combat Vitamin A deficiency, one of the common problems of malnutrition in our country. Furthermore, agriculture has benefited from this technology. Bt crops that are developed in the laboratories are being tested and studied in the fields. These kinds of crops can adapt to environmental disruptors, such as an invasion of pests, which is one of the leading problems in agriculture. In addition, scientists are modifying plants to be more resilient to erratic weather conditions and other problems regarding climate change. On the other hand, GMOs are a game changer in the medical field. Genetically modified animals and plants have transformed the production of complex drugs to create better and safe vaccines and medicines for some diseases. Additionally, gene therapy has become a treatment option in fighting serious diseases such cancer and rare diseases. Not only can GMOs bolster advancements in agriculture and medicine, it can also protect our environment. Scientists are modifying plants which can absorb and collect carbon from the surroundings in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, primarily on diminishing carbon footprints on the planet. This significance of GMOs can help our planet to recover, but it requires a further dissemination of its importance to the people and proper education on having this technology for the betterment of humankind.
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