A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is one
whose gene setup has been manipulated to either enhance or suppress certain
traits. Various methods are used to achieve this but all entail microscopic
attention to detail.
Man has
always tried to influence his environment in order to overcome challenges such
as food shortages and aesthetic displeasure. Towards this end, he has engaged
the use of GMO technology in the fields of research and medicine. It has been
reported that the protein base used in medicine is now largely produced in the
laboratory using GMO technology.
Advantages of GMO
GMO has many
advantages. Key among these however is the ability to have plants and animals
that give higher yields, and are resistant to pests and diseases. GMO has also
been used to propagate desirable traits mostly in plants. Such traits include
the colours of flowers and fruits, and the shape of fruits. It is in the light
of this that I propose to scientists to come up with a genetic way of changing
the composition of rhino horns and elephant tusks. If this is done, poachers
will not be interested in the animals because those trophies will only be worth
their weight in plastic.
Disadvantages of GMO
Most of what
has been propagated as disadvantages of GMO has not been entirely true. It has reeked
more of politics than fact. Claiming, for instance, that GMO causes cancer is
an assertion that, while it might have some truth in it, does not have the scientific
backing required. Be that as it may, GMOs have certain disadvantages such as
the fact that they lead to the extinction of indigenous strains of crops. The
cost of GMO seed is also relatively high owing to the fact that a lot of
investment is put into research and development of the same.
GMO seed is
usually patented and if it pollinates a neighbour’s crops, that neighbour might
be considered liable for theft of intellectual property. This can lead to
tension where lawsuits may end up causing bankruptcy on farmers who have not
embraced the GMO technology.
Beggars Becoming Choosers
Our country
is still developing and this means that we do not always have what we need. We
are often unable to feed ourselves thus requiring us to seek the assistance of
our rich friends. It is however comical when these same Friends decide to bless
us with GMO food so as to save us from starvation and we say no. We say we need
food but it must not be GMO. Is this a case of Beggars becoming Choosers?
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