Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, refer to crop plants or animals that have been altered through artificial selection. This is done through planting the specific desirable traits of one organism into the DNA of another organism with; otherwise, undesirable traits. The gene inserted into the new organism grants that very organism the ability to possess the same traits as the “parent” organism. Characteristics usually sought after restrain to better nutritional value, gained through the addition of vitamins and minerals, and herbicide resistance. On the other hand, what is sought after and what actually occurs is far from the same. Genetic modification brings forth unexpected consequences and should not be produced. The downside includes
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Herbicides are used to eliminate weeds and prevent germination, but can unexpectedly harm crops. Herbicide tolerance seeks to prevent this from occurring. However, horizontal gene transfer serves as a con to the process of tolerance. Horizontal gene transfer refers to the transfer of genes from two organisms that are not related. This is the case with the “superweed”. The “superweed” is a weed that is not affected by herbicides. The leading cause of this was the attempt to create herbicide tolerance of glyphosate, better known as Roundup, a type of herbicide developed by Monsanto. The Monsanto Company began to create herbicide resistant crops, which would eventually lead to horizontal gene transfer. Although herbicides are intended to destroy weeds, weeds become resistant towards herbicides because of horizontal gene …show more content…
Monsanto Company Inc. leads the genetically engineered crop industry. In 1998, Monsanto began testing genetically modified wheat with the ambition of developing Roundup resistant wheat. Testing ended in 2005, but in May of 2013, a field that had not been used for testing in Oregon was discovered to contain a small amount GM wheat. Immediately following, Japan deferred the importation of wheat from America. South Korea and Taiwan followed and suspended imports. By August of 2013, exportation of crops to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan resumed. Even though there was no significant economic loss, the case served as an example to what will happen if GM crops are found among non-GM crops. There was only a small percentage of GM wheat on just one farm, yet importations by other countries were suspended. Just recently in September of 2014, GM wheat was also found in Montana and, as of now, there is still no explanation for the cause of its spread. Since there is no proved idea on its spread, there is no way to prevent it, which could prove disastrous to American exports in the future. With over fifty nations placing restrictions on GMOs, it is safer to prevent the use of
Herbicides are used to eliminate weeds and prevent germination, but can unexpectedly harm crops. Herbicide tolerance seeks to prevent this from occurring. However, horizontal gene transfer serves as a con to the process of tolerance. Horizontal gene transfer refers to the transfer of genes from two organisms that are not related. This is the case with the “superweed”. The “superweed” is a weed that is not affected by herbicides. The leading cause of this was the attempt to create herbicide tolerance of glyphosate, better known as Roundup, a type of herbicide developed by Monsanto. The Monsanto Company began to create herbicide resistant crops, which would eventually lead to horizontal gene transfer. Although herbicides are intended to destroy weeds, weeds become resistant towards herbicides because of horizontal gene …show more content…
Monsanto Company Inc. leads the genetically engineered crop industry. In 1998, Monsanto began testing genetically modified wheat with the ambition of developing Roundup resistant wheat. Testing ended in 2005, but in May of 2013, a field that had not been used for testing in Oregon was discovered to contain a small amount GM wheat. Immediately following, Japan deferred the importation of wheat from America. South Korea and Taiwan followed and suspended imports. By August of 2013, exportation of crops to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan resumed. Even though there was no significant economic loss, the case served as an example to what will happen if GM crops are found among non-GM crops. There was only a small percentage of GM wheat on just one farm, yet importations by other countries were suspended. Just recently in September of 2014, GM wheat was also found in Montana and, as of now, there is still no explanation for the cause of its spread. Since there is no proved idea on its spread, there is no way to prevent it, which could prove disastrous to American exports in the future. With over fifty nations placing restrictions on GMOs, it is safer to prevent the use of