GMO & Existing GMO Regulations

Organisms bound to genetic modification mainly refer to the various plants as well as organisms which have their DNA undergo the scientifically proven recombinant procedure. The technology subject to the recombinant process concerns how genetic materials move from one plant/organism to another.

            Scientists usually consider genetic engineering in growing crops or even in practicing animal husbandry because of the enormous benefit of having great products at a lower price. Hence, the resultant genetically modified products assure the producer something better than the initial. It is way easier to culture products which are bound to high yielding and also have higher resistance to various infectious diseases (Nguyen & Siegel, 2015). Besides, breeding animals using the principals associated to genetic engineering promotes hybrid vigor whose influence ensures the rearing of domesticated animals which have improved genetic characteristics.

            Humans sometimes consider growing various plants through the exploitation of genetic engineering. Mainly, crops become modified genetically to combat pests and resist diseases which may result from mites, bacteria, virus or even fungi. Genetically modified tree species exist to counter infectious diseases and pests hence leading to the improved characteristics of products produced. As a result, there exists a guarantee for increased energy, improved pulp quality, modified fruits from trees with cultured flavors and customized colors. Grasses and flowers when subjected to genetic engineering help resist pests, herbicide penetration, and diseases. Stress tolerance from cold, drought and heat is enhanced. Besides, grasses and flowers develop better characteristics.

GMO Creation

            The processes which consider genetic engineering usually utilize the existing bacteria and virus to implant the desired genetic strain into an organism. The desired gene gets engulfed by an activator responsible for making the gene unleash the desired characteristics at an appropriate time. Therefore, genetic engineering principles concern the effectuation of traits as well as deactivation of such genetic features where possible. Three primary components considered essential in the production of the desired GMO; the desired gene, a vector which carries the gene and an appropriate organism (the target species) are significant.

            To make GMO, essential steps which are particularly straightforward require procedural concentration since such procedures possibly lead to the acquisition of the possible genetic traits which are typically challenging to induce using the technology utilized. The transgene, (the gene subject to a possible transfer) has to face the process of dissection until it finally becomes distinguished from the specific organism in question. Such a method becomes possible under the influence of restriction enzymes. Restriction enzymes operate on the basis bound to the procedures followed by molecular scissors whose role mainly concerns identifying particular DNA sequence hence cutting them in the required region. An enzyme known as restriction endonucleases cuts the DNA’s strands in the stable area. Besides, it also subjects the DNA to a considerable scan while aiming at a possible sequence; it then leads to the cleaving of the DNA upon the discovery of the needed sequential course.

            The sequence targeted is usually short. For example, example EcoR1, one of the standard restriction enzymes is a compound of six base pairs of the target sequence. Meanwhile, restriction endonucleases being in their thousands get isolated from bacteria since bacteria consider these proteins while offering a possible defense. Restriction endonucleases usually influence DNA existing in its double-stranded form hence it may then cut the DNA possibly at similar regions thus causing ends that are blunt. Meanwhile, it may again cut the DNA strands disproportionately, therefore, resulting in overhangs.

            Foods considered as GMO and are readily available in the market include canola, corn, cotton, soy, alfalfa, sugar beet, papaya, dairy products among other familiar foodstuffs. Currently, most foods bound to the GMO traces do pose potential health related hazards. However, the danger level unleashed by GMO depends on the purpose of a particular organism and its associated application. GMO’s concerns typically consider some of the possible negative results within the environment as well human health (Ahmed, 2002). Usually, GMO products which may directly find their way into the human body affects human health wise. The human body may intercept GMO traces through ingestion of food. However, in the US there exists a differentiated type of products whose approval by the American government implies that they are substantially fit for general consumption. There possibly existing medical websites in America typically provide advisory services on matters pertaining GMO consumables. The FDA website gives possible details about the genetically modified foodstuffs and plants which humans should consider as health hazards.

            Most of the consumables under the federal government consideration receive the acknowledgment of being safe as they minimally or are somewhat devoid of GMO samples (Ahmed, 2002). The government considers that its traditional agencies bound to minimizing GMO food consumption are secure hence leading to no regulations against them. Therefore, GMO typically poses harmful effects when consumed by humans. For example, several toxic substances can sometimes become intercepted from the human body among individuals consuming GMO’s. Various chemicals from GMO, the likes of Glyphosate provoke cancerous growth in the human body. Other chemicals are again harmful.

Existing GMO Regulations

            Suitable approaches which primarily measure how humans get exposed to the harmful effects emanating from the genetically modified consumables posts extreme challenges. Still, the US population consumes GMO products heavily. About seventy percent of American foods are junks meaning that they are bound to GMO content. Meanwhile, the approval of particular GMO does not unleash stringent approaches in controlling the extensive distribution of consumables from illicit sources (Taylor & TICK, 2003). Hence, the pre-market testing conducted on some foodstuffs usually ensures food safety. Meanwhile, traditional as well as post-marketing regulatory is particularly necessary. Overall, the absence of traceability programs, as well as labeling programs, which makes it impossible to determine precisely whether an individual faces risks from consuming GMO foodstuffs. Various scientific agencies usually help control the GMO consumables from flooding the markets.

            Another challenging factor is the consideration of unreliable physiological test to directly detect whether the human body is predisposed to the influences from GMO. However, profound approaches which determine get to reveal possible adverse reactions to genetically modified foods exist. Efforts from the FDA have led to the devising of an appropriate test, the serological test which performs the function of detecting the Cry9c protein subject to an organism’s antibody. Cry9c protein helps provide the evidence of a possible allergic reaction which leads to Starlink com.

            The partnership by FDA and another agency, the CDC engaged in investigations extracted from various reports dealing with human illnesses which could result in consuming Starlink Corn. The serological test produced a negative form of result from the tests done on the extracted serum form the concerned individuals hence implying that such individuals were devoid of the Cry9c protein. Meanwhile, EPA, that is, ‘the Environmental Protection Agency, regulates activities executed by the Food and Drug Administrative agency as well as the department of agriculture in America (USDA).

References

Ahmed, F. E. (2002). Detection of genetically modified organisms in foods. TRENDS in             Biotechnology, 20(5), 215-223.

Nguyen, P. D., & Siegel, M. A. (2015). Community Action Projects: Applying Biotechnology in        the Real World. The American biology teacher, 77(4), 241-247.

Taylor, M. R., & TICK, J. S. (2003). Post-market oversight of biotech foods. Pew Initiative on     Food and Biotechnology. Washington, DC. Available online at http://pewagbiotech. org.