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GMO Negative Effects

The use of genetic manipulation in plant biology is not a new concept. Food crops such as corn, soybeans, and rice have been experimented on for decades to test antibiotics and pest-repellent characteristics that would be intended to improve overall crop quality and yields. Yet there has been a great deal of concern about the possible negative effects of introducing a genetically modified organism (GMO) to existing agricultural sources.

  1. Lack of GMO Mutation Control

    • One of the concerns about the possible negative effects of a GMO has to do with the way in which genes naturally extend themselves in DNA strains. If a GMO was introduced to a native plant that had certain characteristics that repelled destructive organisms normally responsible for crop losses, the modified gene(s) may pass on to the native plant genes. This could result in a depleted ability of the native plant to resist contamination from the destructive organisms. A GMO may also pose a threat to the natural characteristics of existing plant genes that are activated to protect the plant from potential hazards such as severe weather. A GMO process includes a promoter gene that triggers a certain response. A possibility exists for the accidental triggering of an untimely reaction from the plant's genes by the promoter gene, which could adversely affect the health of the plant.

    Potential Transfer of Unwanted Genes

    • The makeup of many GMO strains includes an antibiotic-resistant gene for the purpose of marking the progress of the intended effects of the GMO. There is a potential for these antibiotic-resistant genes to be transferred to the food chain by way of traditional crop yields. One possible result would be the adoption of antibiotic resistance by consumers of the food crops, leading to toleration problems when taking antibiotic medications for various illnesses and medical conditions. Allergens and toxins may also be elevated through GMO processes. Naturally occurring genes in native plants that contain allergens or toxins can be altered and intensified by a GMO, resulting in an elevated risk of consumers encountering even more of these deleterious elements.

    Unintended Presence of GMO Products in the Food Chain

    • The case of StarLink corn several years ago highlights one of the potential negative effects of GMO experimentation. This GMO, originally intended for corn feed for pigs, made its way into human food reserves. Although no serious health risks were reported as a result of this mix-up, the damage to the financial status of farmers who unknowingly were harvesting cross-pollinated GMO corn strains was substantial. This was due to the protein Cry9C found in StarLink corn genes, which was found to present the possibility of allergic reactions in humans.

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