Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) refers to plants or crops that have been modified using molecular biology techniques. These plants are modified in labs or research centers with the intention of enhancing its desired traits such as pest resistance, enhancing nutrition, etc. There are natural methods of doing this however; genetic modification ensures that it can be done precisely and quickly. In addition to plants, now animals are also being genetically engineered. Although there are several concerns regarding the moral issues related to such modifications, science supports this technology because of the several benefits that it offers to mankind.
Every year a staggering amount of crops are lost to pests, resulting in financial losses for farmers and starvation among people. To prevent such losses, farmers use huge quantities of pesticides, which only add to the health problems of consumers. By genetically modifying crops and increasing their pest resistance abilities naturally we can solve all these issues.
2.Tolerance to herbicides:
Cultivation of many crops requires the removal of weeds that grow along with it. Weeding is a time-consuming and costly process, therefore farmers resort to the use of herbicides. Often they use multiple herbicides, increasing costs, causing harm to crops and environment, and having harmful after-effects for consumers. Genetic engineering ensures that a crop is made tolerant to one particular herbicide. By using this herbicide, crops can be protected from the need to use several herbicides resulting in reduced costs and reduced health risks.
3.Resistance to diseases and cold:
There are several fungal and bacterial infections that affect crops. Further unexpected frost and cold can result in destruction of seedlings or crops. By making plants genetically resistant to diseases and cold, these crops can be protected from such unexpected but fatal risks.
4.Tolerance to drought and salinity:
Drought and salty ground water have lain to waste several areas of land. These uncultivable lands now need to be used due to the growing population and lack of agricultural lands. By creating drought-resistant crops and plants that can grow in grounds with high salinity, we can overcome the problem of waste lands and convert them into cultivable lands.
5.Enhancing nutritional content:
This is considered one of the greatest advantages of genetically modifying crops. By enhancing the nutritional value or content of a crop, we can ensure that even in countries where lesser crops are available for consumption, the people would still obtain the required nutrition preventing malnourishment.
Vaccines and certain medicines are still costly in several nations. By modifying certain commonly available vegetables and fruits into edible vaccines, scientists are seeking a solution to this problem.
7.Remedy for environmental pollution:
Researchers have created plants and trees that are genetically re-engineered with the intention of drawing out pollutants in the air and soil and thereby reducing the pollution in our environment.
In addition to genetically modifying plants, researchers are also modifying animals. These animals are commonly referred to as transgenic animals and provide the following benefits.
1.By genetically modifying animals, researchers are able to breed livestock that is disease-resistant, provides better produce, such as better quality meat or milk, and is bred with the best traits of the animal, reducing or removing the weaker traits.
2.Many people die due to lack of transplant organs, such as liver and kidney. Organs from transgenic animals can be used to save the lives of several humans. Further, the enhanced quality of produce from such animals can be used to make nutritional supplements.
3.Polymer strands produced from genetically modified goats have been used to develop flexible material for military uniforms, tennis rackets, and even medical micro sutures.
Therefore, despite the ethical concerns, researchers around the world continue to genetically modify various plants and animals with the intention of bringing more goodness and benefits to humanity. As in all human creations, it is the intentions that justify an act. As long as the intentions are good, GMOs will continue to benefit mankind.