Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

Types of processES USED

What are

What it consists of and how it was born.

ABOUT advantages and disadvantages

And their problems

PROS AND CONS OF GM food

• Gianluca Roberto
• Davide Perla Donato
• Nicolas Penta

GM FOOD IN THE FUTURE

Since man began cultivating plants and breeding animals, he has tried to select those with favorable characteristics to improve the species. These characteristics consisted of genetic variations present in nature with the aim of increasing agricultural yields or resistance to diseases and environmental pressures.

GMOs

With the modernization of techniques it has become possible to modify the genetic material in order to create new characteristics. Such techniques have been used mainly in crops to increase their resistance to insects and tolerance to herbicides, and in microorganisms to produce enzymes.

Organisms whose genetic material has been modified in these ways are called "genetically modified organisms" (GMOs for short). Food and feed containing or consisting of GMOs or which have been produced from GMOs are defined as “genetically modified” (GM for short).

Back

In past

USED PROSSES

farmers were able to create a fungus-resistant corn by observing how individual plants reacted to a specific type of fungus and selecting those that were least affected by it; or by cross-pollinating the plants which seemed more resistant. They succeeded, after several generations, in producing a strain of corn plant with a very high resistance to that specific type of fungus.

Selective breeding has been used for many years: a process of trial and error by which farmers could select a specific trait they wish to maintain or enhance, in a plant or animal so as to selectively breed members of the species that they have this trait

NOW

new genetic engineering techniques now allow scientists to insert genes directly into plants or animal, avoiding the long and slow process of selective breeding. Furthermore, with genetic engineering techniques the DNA in cells is altered by adding genes from other organisms, so now modifications can be made extremely fast.

GENETIC ENGENEERS

Genetic engineers, now use a variety of techniques to modify plants or animals in many different ways:

• Crossing species
• Creating plants that produce human insulin
• Inserting genes wich produce natural insecticides
• Make plants resistant to insecticides

Back

WHAT ARE

DISADVANTAGES

ADVANTAGES

1) the transmission of the new gene from the modified plant to plants of the same or similar species through the diffusion of pollen. 2)the transfer of the new gene to soil microorganisms. 3)the increase in the use of pesticides linked to the new tolerance characteristics genetically induced in plants.

1) resistance to pathogens and parasites. 2) resistance to environmental stress. 3) herbicide tolerance. 4) improvement of the nutritional characteristics of foods. 5) increase in product shelf life.

Back

PROS

CONS

1. Increased crop yield: GM crops are often engineered to be resistant to pests, diseases, and harse environmental conditions, resulting in higher yields.
2. Reduced need for pesticides: Some GM crops produce their own insecticides, reducing the need for chemical sprays, which can be harmful to the environment and human health.
3. Enhanced nutritional content: Scientists can modify crops to be more nutritious, addressing deficiencies in certain nutrients in populations that rely heavily on specific staple foods.
4. Extended shelf life: GM foods can be engineered to have a longer shelf life, reducing food waste and improving food security.
5. Environmental benefits: GM crops that require fewer pesticides and herbicides can lead to less chemical runoff into waterways and soil, benefiting ecosystems.

1. Unknown long-term health effects: Critics raise concerns about the potential health risks of consuming GM foods over time, though extensive resecarci has not conclusively proven any significant negative health impacts.
2. Environmental concerns: There are worries about the unintended consequences of releasing genetically modified organisms into the environment, such as the potential for genetic contamination of wild plant populations.
3. Corporatization of agriculture: Some argue that the dominance of GM crops produced by a few large corporations could lead to monopolies and decreased biodiversity in agriculture.
4. Ethical considerations: Questions arise regarding the ownership of genetic material and the potential exploitation of farmers, particularly in developing countries.
5. Allergenicity: There are concerns that introducing genes from one food into another could potentially introduce new allergens or increase the allergenicity of certain foods.

Back

THE PROBLEMS OF GMOs

After seeing the advantages and disadvantages, GMOs present other problems such as:

1. Risks for the consumer, in fact proteins of transgenic origin can cause allergic or toxic reactions.
2. The insects become more resistant.
3. Stress for animals.
4. Loss of biodiversity.

• Planting genetically modified (GM) crops has been a topic of debate for a while. GM crops have the potential to address food security challenges, increase crop yields, and reduce the need for pesticides. However, concerns about environmental impact, biodiversity loss, and long-term health effects remain. The future of GM crops will likely depend on continued research, regulation, and public acceptance. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks and ensure transparent communication about their use and impact.