What is genetically modified organisms gmos?
Welcome, fellow curious earthlings! Today we delve into the deep and murky world of GMOs. Don’t worry; there won’t be any complex scientific mumbo-jumbo here. Just good old fashioned simple talk (wink) from yours truly.
It’s All in the Name
Let’s start with a little terminology, shall we? Genetically modified organisms or GMOs are creatures whose genetic makeup has been altered through artificial means like genetic engineering or gene splicing. Scientists create new species by adding genes to an organism that it wouldn’t naturally possess.
For example, most commonly used pesticides can damage crops as well as insects that harm them; scientists then genetically modify crops so they become toxic to pests but not humans who eat them (thank god for science).
So How Do They Produce These Freaks?
Amazingly enough, scientists insert these foreign genes into plants and animals using similar devices they could’ve picked up at Home Depot (DIY GM-ing – now what could go wrong?!). Typically they use viruses and bacteria which act as carriers to take these bits of DNA where needed (ya’ know just some casual gene swapping around-town).
Once introduced inside a living creature’s DNA pool happens via various methods including microinjection and agrobacterium tumefaciens (try saying THAT three times fast).
Don’t get it twisted: GMO isn’t exclusive to food items alone but also include products such as pharmaceutical medicine (hard core stuff right here dudes) synthesized with animal organs through pioneering biotechnology. Imagine making medication inside your Frankenstein pet monster named Fluffykins!
But Why Bother Creating Freaky Frankenveggies?
Well my dear reader- because superpowers don’t come without a cost.
Traditionally grown foods often had their downfalls—Pests munching on them, the crop failing from bad weather conditions and low fertility soil all lead to lower yield (cue big sad face). So scientists found a solution by creating crops that could withstand harsh weather or were resistant to pests! Voila, you got yourself organic ninja carrots.
Ultimately it leads to higher production output providing greater food availability and lower costs. And who doesn’t love saving money? (we heart cheap veggies because we broke AF)
Before You Grab Your Pitchforks: GMO Demystification
With increased awareness for genetically modified organisms came the inevitable skeptics… (cue spooky music).
True, people will sometimes argue against most innovational things forcing us to dig our heels in rather than accept new realities- like flat earthers 🙁 What’s important however is that science thrives via research built around findings shaped from previous tested results not just hearsay.
While eating GM foods definitely should be considered with cautiousness (because honestly we still can’t figure out how shaving cream dissolves hair), there hasn’t been any concrete proof linking genetic modification of crops leading major health concerns (Phew- anyone else’s anxious anxiety hamsters feeling better now too?!)
Good news for those fearing mutated monster munchies might take over their bodies; study after study have shown no real-life negative impacts through consumption of these Frankenfoods.
The Good & Bad
Let me make this clear—as with anything else, both side exist when it comes down to good vs bad of consuming GMO products including their use outside food:
THE GOOD:
- Healthier Foods
Foods get fortified with vitamins typically lacking within most individuals’ diets.
Hey vegans don’t feel left out either; some veggies go under nutritional recreations such as making broccoli taste like chocolate hallelujah
-Yields
Remember though earlier mentioned lack-yielding farms? Okay so imagine, having 50% gains in crop output saving up resources such as water, gives back to earth via lesser crop waste or even… greater produce yield!
-Transgenic Creations
For medicinal purposes we can alter animal DNA to then extract and modify enzymes that are lesser harmful thus leading to less adverse reactions when they’re used in medicines.
THE BAD:
-Lack of Long-term Safety Proven Studies
No major consensus for long term health dangers upon consumption may affect people in the future. Moral panics are rife where social parties raise alarm bells without presenting credible evidence (give us those facts).
-Costs
To genetically modify crop strain create an entirely different field which normally would cost millions or billions that regular farmers won’t be able to maintain their expenses from making it less accessible.
Why do Some People Still Fear GMO?
The plain answer? Mistrust along with a lack of information!
A large percentage still harbor distrust toward science since some companies have been reported manipulating research so as not every result published is truthful while media only presents what’ll most likely generate cinema dramatizations (C’mon American movies)
Thankfully more and more unbiased scientific findings prove there simply isn’t enough solid proof for any negative effects consuming GM foods will have on you!
So go ahead; buy the pre-sliced fruits because Monsanto didn’t plot with Big Foot behind your back OR DID THEY?! (wink)
That’s all folks—until next time xoxo A.G
P.S don’t forget: Overly Modified Organisms show excessive mutation akin Mutants (like X-Men), sadly I’m afraid this only takes place inside movie theatres & comic books though do NOT try modifying Spiderman into your tomatoes at home(bye)