January 29th, 2020 
GMOs or genetically modified organisms have become a topic of discussion in recent years because of the break-through in the food industry. Still, looking back at human history, we have been genetically modifying for thousands of years. Not till 1973, scientist Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen conducted the first successful genetically engineered organism where they specifically cut one gene from one organism to placed it in another. This process brought along different methods that were tested on animals such as mice and plants, introducing DNA that helps create resistance or correcting a deficiency.
Even though there are always two sides to everything, GMOs have several benefits that contribute to the way we live in many ways. From vegetables that have Bt Toxin gene such as in corn, which is a pesticide producing crop to Golden Rice having an increased nutritional value with vitamin A. Even with these positive advancements, there are always drawbacks. At the same time, not all proven, but they have been linked to GMOs as Antibiotic resistance in germs claiming 23,000 deaths per year. Also, strains linked to food allergies and cancer, but further research is needed to back up these claims; it is a concern for the population.
The Common perception of GMOs is that it is unnatural, or it brings an unbalance to nature, but I am on the side of progression and the benefits they bring. In vegetables, as I stated earlier, the GMOs have herbicide-resistant, pesticide producing, and nutritionally enhanced crops. The advancements in medicine were made safer and cheaper in large part to the benefits with GMOs.
Some genetically modified crops are achieved by the conventional means with crop breeding and still have the same effect, which to some people, would be the preferred way. I can understand the view on that because it is not something made in a petri dish, but if they yield that same results, I can see no difference if it makes one bad or good.
Overall the divide between people and GMOs will be around for a good while until more research is available for the short term and long term effects of GMOs on the human body and the environment. Once we get more information to back up, all the added benefits GMOs have it will bring down the walls people placed because of how unknown they have been.
“Genetically modified organism – GMOs in medicine and research.” .
“From Corgis to Corn: A Brief Look at the Long History of ….” 09 Aug. 2015, .
“GMOs – Top 3 Pros and Cons – ProCon.org.” .
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