Şebnem KARAKİRAZ

Dept. Of Food Engineering

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

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WHAT IS GMO?

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The term GM foods or GMOs (genetically-

modified organisms) refers to process of transferring or vaccination desirable feature in an organism to other organisms.GMOs can be a plant, animal, or microorganism.

Scientists expolered to put genes to another

organisms by isolating DNA 25 years ago.This transfer is possible with using genetic engineering techniques. Genetic engineering purposes to create crossing species that can not grow in nature.

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Firstly the gene which is wanted to transfer is removed by cutting from the first organism’s DNA.Then this useful gene is applied to the target organism’s DNA by viral vectors.

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GMO products known as Frankenstein foods appear in the form of cottons with scorpion genes, potatoes with chicken genes or fishy tomatoes. First transgenic product is the Flavr Savr tomato which has the long-shelf-life. GMOs are produced in USA, Argentina, Canada and China, mostly.

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The reasons for occuring GMOs

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Products may be more resistant to drugs and pests.Properties like taste,durability and nutrition may be

cultivated.More copious products may be obtained.GMO may be the respond to supply the growing need

for food in the world.

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs

More resistant products to the bad conditions.Storage and shelf-life can be extended.Increment of nutrition values of plants.Growing of a plant under very different conditions can

be provided. GMOs can remedy to the hunger problem in the world

a little bit. The reduction in the use of pesticides.

DISADVANTAGES OF GMOs

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These disadvantages can be categorized by;Human health risksEnviromental hazardsSocio-economic problems

Human health risks

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Potential food allergenicity (peanuts and soybeans)Carcinogenicity risks (corn,soybean and cotton)The formation of antibiotic-resistant microorganismsReduction in nutrition valuesBirth defects and shorter life spans

Environmental hazards

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Soil and water pollutionGene transfer to non-target speciesReduction in effeciencies of pesticidesTransforming in micro-organisms in harmful wayFaunal exchangeDisruptions in the food chainDestruction of beneficial insects

Socio-economic problems

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Patent enforcement (that means to be supplied the suicide gene seed from any company every year)

Expensiveness of productsDifficulty in the marketing of standard products

because of growing of GM cropsExternal dependence in terms of seed and drug

POLICIES TO PREVENT GMOs

In uncontrolled areas, the planting of GMOs should not be allowed.

An effective control system should be established at customs and in the domestic market.

The countries should create their own infrastructure system for transgenic products.

References

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http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/id/25018394/

http://www.genecure.com/technology.html

http://www.raw-wisdom.com/50harmful

http://andy-luttrell.suite101.com/harms-of-genetically-modified-food-crops-a218983

http://www.gidaraporu.com/genetik-yapisi-degistirilmis-urunler-gdo_g.htm

http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php