Genetic Engineering Cons And Why You Should Know

Genetic engineering is a recent innovation in science. It deals with the modification or altering of an organism's genes, to make it more resistant to infections, as well as to improve its overall quality. And while the proponents of genetic engineering say that modification may be the answer to global hunger and dropping agricultural production, its critics though are not too happy with the idea.

The Dangers Of Genetic Engineering, And How It Can Affect Your Family

What exactly are the dangers of genetic engineering? The GMO industry's fiercest critics angrily point out that bio-tech companies are using imprecise technology. Since a genetic engineer moves or transfers genes from one organism to another, the gene may be precisely cut or dissected from the DNA of the donor organism, but the insertion process could be done in random fashion. As a consequence, genetic engineering can disrupt or alter the functions of other genes, which are essential to the survival of the recipient organism.

Genetic engineering also has its share of mysterious, if not deadly, side effects. Critics point that genetic modification could be compared to a person performing heart surgery using a shovel. Genetic scientists also may not yet have a full understanding of an organism's living system; hence they could be performing genetic modifications which may create unexpected harmful mutations, and could pose dangers to both man and the environment.

Farmers Are Concerned Over Increasing Examples Of GMO Health Risks

Farmers too are concerned with the increasing use genetic engineering. Since the bio-tech companies and genetic engineers are only motivated by profits, through the patenting of genetically engineered seeds, many organic farmers fear that pretty soon, all seeds will have an identical genetic structure. Some also fear that genetic engineering may cause widespread crop failure, especially if a virus, fungus or pest develops and attacks a GMO crop.

And apart from the common GMO health risks, genetic engineering of crops and animals can also threaten the entire food supply. As insects, birds, and even the wind can carry or sweep away GE seeds into neighboring farms and fields, the GE seeds can contaminate organic variants through cross-pollination.

GMO foods may also offer consumers with items that have decreased nutritional values. Critics fear that GMO foods could also mislead consumers with fake freshness, and unproven health claims. For example, a fresh, succulent-looking genetically modified red tomato may already be several weeks old, and may have little or no nutritional worth at all.

What's worse is that no long-term safety tests have yet been performed on GMO foods. Without any long-term testing, there will be no concrete answers regarding GMO safety concerns. The only thing that's certain is that genetic modification will lead to unexpected mutations in organisms, which may lead to the development of enhanced levels of toxins in foods.