Before watching the video "Harvest of Fear," I had never heard of genetically modified organisms.
Most people do not know they have consumed genetically modified crops because there is no law saying that they must be labeled as such.
Genetically modified crops, also known as genetically modified organisms or GMOs, are crops that have been injected with a specific plant or animal gene that enhances the crop's ability to fight a particular virus, infection or disease, making it immune so the crop can flourish.
The simplest way to do this is to use a gene gun. Scientists literally shoot genes into the crop with compressed air.
GMOs are used in agriculture to create healthier and more abundant crops.
For example, in Hawaii papayas were being destroyed by a virus. Once genetically modified, the papaya were not only immune to the virus, but they grew larger.
Scientists can also modify the genes of crops so they do not need pesticides because the crop can produce its own defenses against pests.
This helps farmers save an abundant amount of money because all they have to do is plant the GMO without having to worry about spraying it with chemicals.
One argument for the use of GMOs is that they produce a lot more food, which could curb world hunger. This problem will not go away without help from science. With GMOs, there will be more food, which will help everyone out.
GMOs have not been found to be harmful to humans. It has taken three decades of research and not one problem has arisen due to GMOs.
An argument against them is that we do not know the long-term effects of these organisms.
Only time will tell what will happen, if anything, because of the GMOs we consume.
The second argument against the use of GMOs is a moral one. Is it right to be shooting genes from an animal into a plant, or vice versa?
Also, GMOs are not labeled for the consumer.
I am in favor of GMOs.
A major problem in the world today is starvation. With GMOs, more food will be produced, but the hardest part will still be distributing it.
A second reason I am for GMOs is that not only will we have more food, but it will be stronger. The crops produced will be immune to disease, infection and viruses.
With proper research, the food will be healthier than ever.
This is a giant step; who knows where it will take us to finding cures or exploring any other possibilities?
I know that the future may be unknown and frightening, but isn't that how science works - strategically groping around the unknown hoping to find answers?
Austin Giovanetti is a pre-professional biology senior.
