Genetically Modified Organisms ( Gmos ) - 1291 Words

Genetically Engineered Organisms Genetically Modified Organisms or (GMOs) have become a very large part of today’s economy and food distribution. Globalization 101 presents a good definition, â€Å"A GMO is an organism (either a virus, a bacterium, or a more complex life-form) whose genetic makeup has been altered by humans for a specific purpose. (â€Å"Genetically Modified Organisms,† n.d.).† Billion dollar crop corporations, farmers, and food distributors all use GMOs to maximize their production efforts. Whether it be on a small scale, such as a family farm or on a national setting with a company the size of General Mills; this scientific advancement has proved to be extremely useful. This technology has allowed for crops to produce higher†¦show more content†¦However, research has been done questioning whether or not â€Å"playing God† and manipulating the genetics of food is worth the risks it may present to the human population. Today, with use of GMOs, the DNA from se veral organisms may be combined to create desirable effects or changes in crops. Through the use of gene transfer, the genetic makeup of these modified organisms may contain genes from: plant, bacteria, animal, and viruses. Early forms of the GMO concept could be traced back to the process of â€Å"selective breeding†. Through selective breeding it was possible to breed for desirable traits. â€Å"Through selective breeding, farmers and ranchers have introduced valued traits into crops and livestock for centuries. It was selective breeding, for example, that produced two main species in the grass family, wheat and rye. Some farmers focused on breeding a grass that was rugged (resulting in rye), and other farmers focused on breeding grass with a high yield (wheat). By identifying and â€Å"crossing† grasses that exhibited the desired traits, farmers were able to breed these two distinct species.† (â€Å"Genetically Modified Organisms,† n.d.). However, modern alterations are much more technologically advanced and possess stronger effects. An article from the University of Utah Health Sciences Department gives a good example using a tomato plant that is constantly attacked by insects. They give this situation, stating that a farmer wants