Genetically modified organisms or transgenes are usually called organisms that are given new traits and qualities by introducing genes from other organisms.
In the modern world, the pace of development of the production of genetically modified products throughout the world is impressive. As a rule, products containing transgenes have the same taste, color and smell as normal. In most cases, GMOs are used in the production of canned meat, sausages, chips, beer, ice cream, sweets, instant semi-finished products, all sorts of sauces, seasonings, syrups, chocolate, and even in the production of baby food. Genetically modified starch will burn in a huge number of foods, in particular in yoghurt. In addition, transgenes are found in coffee and tea.
In other words, such organisms are present in all products that contain modified soybeans.
In addition to food, genetically modified organisms are widely used in applied and fundamental scientific research and experiments. With the help of such organisms, studies are carried out on the patterns of development of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease, as well as aging processes and the functioning of the nervous system.
GMOs have been used in applied medicine since 1982. Then insulin was registered. Currently, work is underway to create genetically modified plants that contain components of vaccines against deadly infections. At the stage of clinical trials is about insulin, which is obtained from a genetically modified safflower plant. Currently, an anti-thrombosis drug based on the milk protein of transgenic goats has been approved for use.
Genetically modified organisms are also used in agriculture to create new varieties of plants that are resistant to pests and adverse environmental conditions, as well as improved taste and growth qualities. Some forest species with fast growth and high cellulose content are also under testing.
In animal husbandry, specialists have managed to develop a new species of pigs that are resistant to African plague.
But genetically modified organisms, in addition to benefits, carry tangible risks to the life and health of living organisms. Scientific studies conducted on animals have shown that after the consumption of genetically modified potatoes in experimental rats, immunity decreased, and after eating the same tomatoes, they had a decrease in brain volume, impaired stomach tissue, functions of the spleen, liver, gonads, etc. intestines.
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If you recall a little the history of research on genetically modified organisms, then the first trans genome was E. coli, which was cultivated in the early 1970s. And two decades later, scientists began intensive research aimed at improving the beneficial qualities and productivity of plants. Such plants include soybeans, corn, cotton and canola. Transgenic plants had and still have a fairly large number of advantages: they are resistant to droughts, diseases, pests, herbicides and viruses, give a high yield, and are resistant to frost. Some of these plants are immune to chemicals that are deadly to ordinary plants. Thus, the field is cleared of weeds, and the GMO herbicide-resistant plants survive. Ultimately,from an economic point of view, cultivation of genetically modified plants has incomparable advantages.
But at the same time, scientists say, eating genetically modified products can cause cancer, infertility, and allergic reactions. So, in particular, after the introduction of the Brazil nut gene into the DNA of soybeans in order to increase the protein content, soybeans turned into an extremely dangerous product for those people who are allergic to nuts. In addition, some genetically modified plants that are resistant to herbicides can accumulate it. Proof of this is the experiment with laboratory rats, which were fed with transgenic soybeans, as a result of which the experimental animals reproduced inferior offspring, in which more than half of the individuals turned out to be unviable.
In Russia for the period 2008-2010, scientific studies were carried out, the results of which indicate a significant negative effect of feed containing transgenes on the health and reproductive functions of experimental mammals. In such animals, a lag in growth and development was found, the sex ratio in broods shifted towards females, the number of pups in the litter decreased, and in the second generation there were no offspring at all. In addition, the reproductive function of males has decreased significantly.
The so-called new proteins that are present in genetically modified plants can also have a negative impact on human health. It should be noted that in the process of creating transgenes, it is impossible to determine exactly in which part of the genome a new gene will be inserted. And due to the violation of the stability of the plant genome, the final product may also have toxic properties. It is because of the great danger to health and even life that scientists insist on the complete exclusion of genetically modified organisms from baby food. The child's body reacts extremely sharply to the appearance of a foreign protein, to which he has not adapted, which leads to high allergic sensitivity.
It should be noted that genetically modified organisms are widely used in food products. These are not only confectionery and meat products, but also canned vegetables and fruits. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine the presence of transgenic organisms in food by taste or smell - their presence can only be determined using modern methods of laboratory diagnostics. Currently, there is no exact data on the safety of food products containing genetically modified organisms, as well as data on the harm of their use, in the world. This is due to the fact that scientific research on the effects of eating GMOs in food began relatively recently - only a few decades. At the same time, more and more experts are talking about the risk of consuming such products. But the responsibility for making decisions regarding the production and sale of genetically modified products rests entirely with governments. I must say that the world approaches this issue in different ways. But one pattern can be traced here: the fewer GMO producers in the country, the better protected the rights of consumers. In many countries around the world, a movement has begun to create transgenic-free zones. At the beginning of 2000, the so-called Cartagena Protocol on Security was adopted, which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.concerning the production and sale of genetically modified products is entirely the responsibility of governments. I must say that the world approaches this issue in different ways. But one pattern can be traced here: the fewer GMO producers in the country, the better protected the rights of consumers. In many countries around the world, a movement has begun to create transgenic-free zones. At the beginning of 2000, the so-called Cartagena Protocol on Security was adopted, which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.concerning the production and sale of genetically modified products is entirely the responsibility of governments. I must say that the world approaches this issue in different ways. But one pattern can be traced here: the fewer GMO producers in the country, the better protected the rights of consumers. In many countries around the world, a movement has begun to create transgenic-free zones. At the beginning of 2000, the so-called Cartagena Protocol on Security was adopted, which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.lies entirely with governments. I must say that the world approaches this issue in different ways. But one pattern can be traced here: the fewer GMO producers in the country, the better protected the rights of consumers. In many countries around the world, a movement has begun to create transgenic-free zones. At the beginning of 2000, the so-called Cartagena Protocol on Security was adopted, which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.lies entirely with governments. I must say that the world approaches this issue in different ways. But one pattern can be traced here: the fewer GMO producers in the country, the better protected the rights of consumers. In many countries around the world, a movement has begun to create transgenic-free zones. At the beginning of 2000, the so-called Cartagena Protocol on Security was adopted, which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.the fewer GMO producers in a country, the better protected consumer rights. In many countries around the world, a movement has begun to create transgenic-free zones. At the beginning of 2000, the so-called Cartagena Protocol on Security was adopted, which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.the fewer GMO producers in a country, the better protected consumer rights. In many countries around the world, a movement has begun to create transgenic-free zones. At the beginning of 2000, the so-called Cartagena Protocol on Security was adopted, which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.which entered into force three years after its ratification by 50 countries of the world. The protocol declares the rules for the use and processing of genetically modified organisms that can have a negative impact on human health and life. However, despite this, transgenic products dominate the global market.
About two-thirds of all genetically modified crops are grown in the United States of America, which is why transgenic laws are the most liberal. GMOs in America are recognized as safe, they are equated to conventional products. In addition, labeling of products containing GMOs is completely optional. Something similar is observed in Canada.
In China, such products are produced illegally and sold to other countries. But in Japan, all products containing GMOs are subject to mandatory labeling. In African countries, in the past few years, a ban has been introduced on the import of products with genetically modified components.
On the territory of the European Union, the production and import of products containing antibiotic-resistant genes, as well as baby food, is prohibited.
In Russia, the cultivation of genetically modified plants on an industrial scale is prohibited, but some imported transgenes are still officially allowed - these are some types of corn, soybeans, rice, potatoes and sugar beets.
In Ukraine, the use of genetically modified organisms is prohibited at the legislative level, however, some unscrupulous manufacturers persistently use it in their products, forgetting to make the appropriate labeling.
Thus, it is impossible to say unequivocally whether GMO brings harm or benefit. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a healthy ratio of conventional products and those that contain genetically modified organisms, so that a person has the right to choose, so that he can choose for himself exactly those products that he wants and is ready to eat.
