Why Are GMOs Used?
Insulin as an example of GMOs in Medicine
Adaptation is one of the greatest abilities of living organisms. Living organisms, especially humans will adapt to their environments according to their needs. This is the case with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): An easy way out. In the past, the process of artificial selection was the primary means of attaining specifically desired traits. In the height of today’s technological advances, however, the field of genetic engineering, also referred to as biotechnology has manifested into a vital tool that allows scientists to “incorporate new genes from one species into a completely unrelated species [thereby] optimizing agricultural performance or facilitating the production of valuable pharmaceutical substances,” (Nature.com).
This technique has been used for agriculture, medicine and bioremediation. In medicine, genetic engineering has enabled the production of a bacterial strain that in turn produces human insulin (Livestrong). “Bioremediation describes any process by which living organisms are used to clean up contaminated soil or water (Livestrong.com). The common use, however, for GMOs today is demonstrated by their role in achieving agricultural success. The benefits of GMOs in agriculture include:
This technique has been used for agriculture, medicine and bioremediation. In medicine, genetic engineering has enabled the production of a bacterial strain that in turn produces human insulin (Livestrong). “Bioremediation describes any process by which living organisms are used to clean up contaminated soil or water (Livestrong.com). The common use, however, for GMOs today is demonstrated by their role in achieving agricultural success. The benefits of GMOs in agriculture include:
- Increased crop yields: Trials carried out by Onfarm fields show that increased yields can be seen through the use of pest- resistance genetically modified crops, (Qaim and Zilberman).
- Reduced pesticide need: In 2003, it was estimated that the use of genetically modified soybean, oil seed rape, cotton and maize varieties reduced pesticide use by a total of 22.3 million kg of formulated product (Phipps and Park).
- Reduced costs for production: Because more money is spent on such things as pesticides, it follows that the general production cost will also be lowered.
Works Cited
"20 Questions on Genetically Modified Foods." WHO. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Nov. 2012. <http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/>.
Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, n.d. Web. 7 Nov. 2012. <http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732>.
Phipps, R. H., and J. R. Park. "Environmental Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops: Global and European Perspectives on Their Ability to Reduce Pesticide Use." Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences 11 (2002): 1-18. Google Scholar. Web. <http://http://www.ask-force.org/web/Benefits/Phipps-Park-Benefits-2002.pdf>.
Qaim, Matin, and David Zilberman. "Yield Effects of Genetically Modified Crops in Developing Countries." Yield Effects of Genetically Modified Crops in Developing Countries. N.p., 7 Feb. 2003. Web. 7 Nov. 2012. <http://www.sciencemag.org/content/299/5608/900.short>.
"What Are the Uses of GMOs?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Nov. 2012. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/243509-what-are-the-uses-of-gmos/>.