Why Were GMOs Developed?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally, allowing selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another and between non-related species." Among other things, genetic engineering is used to give food traits that make its production more cost-efficient.

History

• GMOs are developed by splicing different strands of DNA together.

  According to an American Public Media (APM) report, the development of GMOs began with the discovery of DNA in 1953. By 1982, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the first genetically modified drug, a form of insulin. In 1987, the first genetically modified crops of tobacco and tomatoes were tested in the United States, and in 1992, the FDA ruled that GMOs are not dangerous and do not require special regulation. According to Michael Pollan, by 2001 "more than 50 million acres of American farmland had been planted to genetically modified crops, most of it corn, soybeans, cotton and potatoes engineered to produce their own pesticide or withstand herbicides."

Pest and Disease Resistance

• GMO potatoes called "NewLeafs" produce their own pesticide.

  Many genetically modified seeds with pest and disease resistance are available to farmers. Insect-resistant crop seeds have been augmented with a special bacterial toxin called Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). BT is deadly to insects that eat plants containing the gene but is safe for human consumption. According to the WHO, crops with BT have been shown to require lower quantities of insecticides. Virus resistance occurs when a gene from a particular virus is introduced to the seed genes, making it less susceptible to that disease.

Herbicide Resistance

• Large-scale, commercial farming operations commonly spray crop fields with herbicides for weed control.

  Large-scale commercial farming operations commonly spray crop fields with herbicides for weed control. However, the chemical herbicide is naturally deadly to many crops in addition to weeds. Some seed companies have produced crop seeds that are resistant to herbicides. For example, Monsanto Agricultural Company makes a popular herbicide and markets their own line of herbicide-ready cotton and soybean seeds that are genetically manipulated so that they can survive direct applications of the company's herbicide. Herbicide resistance is achieved by splicing the genes of certain herbicide-resistant bacteria with the genes of the crop.

Longer-Lasting Food

• Scientists have bioengineered new versions of strawberries, pineapples, bananas, tomatoes and peppers.

  Scientists have bioengineered new versions of strawberries, pineapples, bananas, tomatoes and peppers, each genetically modified to extend its shelf life. Long-lasting tomatoes were the first genetically modified food approved for commercial production in the United States. According to a CBS News report, lengthening the shelf life of produce is done by suppressing two enzymes (alpha-Man and beta-Hex) associated with ripening. Such technology gives produce a firmer texture and extends its life considerably, thereby reducing the cost associated with transporting delicate fruit and vegetables.

Considerations

• Insect-resistant crops may harm unintended species, such as butterflies.

  Bioengineering is a relatively recent area of technology, and groups opposed to the widespread use of the technology point out the lack of independent research conducted on GMOs as a cause for concern. According to the WHO, emerging data are beginning to link genetically modified food with the increased tendency to create allergic reactions. Other concerns center on pest and herbicide resistance. According to APM, the problem is twofold: Insect-resistant crops may harm unintended species, such as butterflies; or the insects that GM crops are designed to kill could develop resistance to those crops, eventually leading to the need for more aggressive pest control measures.