While the existence of GMOs has resulted in positive impacts, such as an increase in food production, there are several negative aspects associated with bio-engineered organisms. Primarily, there is an increased risk in the transfer of antibiotic resistance to humans through crops. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United States, antibiotic resistant genes can be transferred to a bio-engineered organism to ensure successful modification of that organism (“Weighing the GMO arguments”). This can negatively impact humans because the antibiotic resistant genes can enter the human body and make the body resistant to antibiotics that are necessary to decrease the growth of microorganisms in the body.
In addition, some crops have been modified to be tolerant to herbicides. Tolerance to herbicides leads to the transmission of herbicide resistant genes when the crops cross-breed (“Herbicide Resistant Crops”). The herbicide tolerant crops are then considered “superweeds” because they multiply like normal weeds that take over nutrients and water. Weeds are detrimental to the growth of other crops nearby because these other crops also require nutrients and water to survive. Subsequently, plants nearby cannot live without the water and nutrients that are necessary for their growth, leading to demise of these plants. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, modified plants or animals may result in the extinction of the original organisms since these modified organisms may out-compete the original organisms (Heit). This can only be positive if the genetically modified organisms are deemed to be more beneficial than the original organisms. It is evident that bio-engineered organisms not only environmental hazards, but also human hazards.
Works Cited:
Heit, Jeffrey. "Genetically Engineered Foods - Overview." University of Maryland Medical
Center. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), 12 May 2010. Web. 05 Nov. 2012.
"Herbicide Resistant Crops." GMO Compass. European Union, 11 Dec. 2006. Web. 05 Nov.
2012.
"Weighing the GMO Arguments." Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation.
FAO, 2003. Web. 05 Nov. 2012.
In addition, some crops have been modified to be tolerant to herbicides. Tolerance to herbicides leads to the transmission of herbicide resistant genes when the crops cross-breed (“Herbicide Resistant Crops”). The herbicide tolerant crops are then considered “superweeds” because they multiply like normal weeds that take over nutrients and water. Weeds are detrimental to the growth of other crops nearby because these other crops also require nutrients and water to survive. Subsequently, plants nearby cannot live without the water and nutrients that are necessary for their growth, leading to demise of these plants. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, modified plants or animals may result in the extinction of the original organisms since these modified organisms may out-compete the original organisms (Heit). This can only be positive if the genetically modified organisms are deemed to be more beneficial than the original organisms. It is evident that bio-engineered organisms not only environmental hazards, but also human hazards.
Works Cited:
Heit, Jeffrey. "Genetically Engineered Foods - Overview." University of Maryland Medical
Center. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), 12 May 2010. Web. 05 Nov. 2012.
"Herbicide Resistant Crops." GMO Compass. European Union, 11 Dec. 2006. Web. 05 Nov.
2012.
"Weighing the GMO Arguments." Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation.
FAO, 2003. Web. 05 Nov. 2012.
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