Biological Basis of Genetically Modified Crop Plants Essay

Introduction

Genetically modified crops have their DNA altered using genetic modification techniques. The objective is usually the introduction of new characteristics that are not naturally occurring in plant species. Genetically modified crops usually have specific genes removed or added with the use of genetic modifying techniques. Some of the techniques that have been used for this purpose include gene guns, agro-bacterium, and microinjection. A Gene gun is the most common method and is used to "shoot" targets genes into specific crop cells. In this method, DNA is attached to particles of tungsten or gold and the shot into plant tissue (Arya, 2015). The result is that the particles penetrate the plant's cell wall. Then there is a separation of the DNA from metal and incorporated into the DNA of the specific plant in the nucleus. This technique has been used for various cultivated crops such as maize and wheat.

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Another technique that has been used is agro-bacterium tumefaciens which uses the agro-bacteria ability to transfer genes. Agro-bacteria usually transfers a T-DNA to plants. In genetically modified crops, the bacterial T-DNA is replaced with the desired gene. The bacterium acts as a vector which enables the placement of foreign genes into plants. This technique has been successful in dicotyledonous plants such as tobacco, tomatoes, and potatoes (Arya, 2015). As highlighted above, the genetic modification of a plant begins with the insertion of a foreign gene into the gene of a specific plant. It starts with gene mapping and then the isolated gene is copied. The genes are transferred using methods such as gene canon, or soil bacteria among others.

Social and Ethical Implications of Genetically Modified Crops

Genetic modification technology has been a cause of controversy over the years. It has been accepted by some countries while it remains unacceptable to others. In the examination of social and ethical implications, two ethical arguments can be considered. These include extrinsic ethical implications and intrinsic ethical implications. Extrinsic ethical implications are these potential harms consequent upon the use of genetically modified crops (Comstock 2014). These concerns are based on newness, its potential, and applications. The proponents of this technology claim that genetically modified crops can potentially solve the problem of hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity globally. However, issues have been raised concerning safety and risks to the health of consumers. It is claimed that some of the genes in genetically modified crops might be transmitted to people. Genetic modification is also considered unnatural and often referred to as Franken foods. It is considered impossible to set apart genetically modified crops to other conventional crops since they have similar appearance and tastes. They can only be differentiated through labels. It is hard to conclude if they are safe or unsafe since they have been accepted in some parts of the world such as the United States and not in others (Comstock 2014). Concerns have been raised by non-governmental organizations that genetically engineered crops have potential negative effects to the environment and may result into development of "super-weeds". It has also been pointed that genetically engineered crops were not safe for an organism that feed on them. For instance, opponents of GM crops claimed that Bt toxins are harmful to the larvae of the Monarch butterfly. It is also extensively feared that genetically altered crops lead to reduced biodiversity. There are also intrinsic ethical issues which concern how people view various aspects such as life, religion, nature, emotions, and values. It has been the perceived that altering genes is "Playing God" and human being should not be involved in God's creation (Comstock 2012). Genetic modification results in disruption or the integrity and nature's balance which might ultimately adversely affect life.

The development of GM crops is pursued due to perceived benefits to the producers and ultimately consumers. Genetic modification of plants has been geared towards making them insect-resistance. This is achieved through the introduction of a gene for toxin production usually bacterium Bacillus thuringienis (Bt) (Arya, 2015). The toxin has been used in insecticide production and considered safe for consumption. It, therefore, means plants that can produce this toxin do not require a lot of externally applied insecticides. The genetic engineering helps in reduction in the cost of crop production and improves safety in pest control. There is reduced contamination of the environment which is beneficial to consumers, producers, and farmers. Genetic modification also helps in the development of crops that are herbicide resistant such as corn and cotton among others. The result is a reduction in costs and environment implication (Dizon et al., 2016). This development leads to a reduction or elimination of the necessity for pre-emptive use of herbicide which might introduce toxicity. Plants can also be genetically engineered to be resistant to diseases compared to conventional crops. For instance, the Hawaiian papaya industry was threatened by a viral disease (Verma et al., 2011). Genetic modification was done to make them resistant to diseases. Additionally, genetic modification helps in the development of plants that are nutritionally enriched. For instance, "Golden Rice" is reported to have more Vitamin A (Verma et al., 2011).

Despite the inherent benefits, there risks which have been associated with genetically modified crops and they include allergenicity, out-crossing, and gene transfer. It has been reported that genetically engineered foods can potentially lead to allergic reactions. The proteins resulting from gene modification can lead to an additional allergic response. Gene alteration can also lead to the introduction of novel proteins that were not previously in existence and the assessment of their potential allergic reactions is hard (Arya, 2015). There is also the risk of out-crossing which is the movement of genes from genetically engineered crop to traditional crops. Fa or instance, a trace of "Starlink" GM maize that was being used for feed was found in maize for human uses in the US (Arya, 2015). Another risk that has been identified is the possibility of gene transfer. It is thought that genetic materials from genetically modified foods can be transfers to the human body.

Personal Opinion on Genetically Modified Crops

Genetically modified crops have been around for quite some time. They have many potential benefits and risks. Research has shown both positive and negative results concerning GM crops. In the United States, obesity has been reported to be an epidemic. It is therefore important to note that food is a critical determinant of our health. The constituents of food has changed with the utilization of herbicides, pesticides, and genetic modification. In my personal opinion, genetically modified crops are important since they have helped in the improvement of food production. They have been critical in solving some serious issues faced by farmers. They can also potentially help in dealing with the issue of global security. Despite this, there are some serious risks that have been identified. There is a need for continued research on these risks. All stakeholders need to collaborate for comprehensive research without conflict of interest. Considering the increased need for food security, it would be unwise to not examine all possible strategies that might help. However, utmost care and appropriate regulations are needed to ensure risks are minimized.

References

Arya, D. (2015). Genetically Modified Foods: Benefits and Risks. Retrieved from http://www.massmed.org/Patient-Care/Health-Topics/Nutrition-and-Physical-Activity/Genetically-Modified-Foods-(pdf)/

Comstock, G. (2014). Ethics and Genetically Modified Foods. Ethics and Emerging Technologies, 473-485. doi: 10.1057/9781137349088_31

Dizon, F., Costa, S., Rock, C., Harris, A., Husk, C., & Mei, J. (2016). Genetically Modified (GM) Foods and Ethical Eating. Journal of Food Science, 81(2), R287-R291. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.13191

Verma, C., Nanda, S., Singh, R., Singh, R., & Mishra, S. (2011). A Review on Impacts of Genetically Modified Food on Human Health. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 4, 3-11.