Genetically modified food
Genetically modified food, also known as GM food, are food items that were created by changing the genes of plants or animals in a laboratory. Think of a gene as a recipe card that tells a plant (or animal) how to grow, how to look, and how to function. Scientists can change the recipe card by adding, removing or altering the gene, basically shaping the food's characteristics according to human needs.
Now, why would anyone want to change the recipe card of their food, you might ask. The idea behind genetically modifying food is to make it more beneficial for us humans in many ways. For example, scientists can create new crops that are resistant to certain pests, storms, or droughts, making them last longer and require less harmful pesticides or fertilizers. This can lead to safer, more abundant, and more affordable food for people all over the world.
Moreover, GM food can also be enriched with important vitamins and minerals to improve our nutrition levels. For instance, genetically modified rice variety Golden Rice has been developed to contain high levels of vitamin A and increase the nutrient level in the lives of malnourished children. Through modifying the genes, scientists can make food more nutritious hence, preventing health problems that would arise due to its absence.
However, critics of GM food argue that altering the natural genes of plants and animals could have long term effects on the environment and human health. Since GM crops are designed to be resistant to certain things, like pests or herbicides, they could affect the ecosystem and wildlife which are dependent on them. Scientists have not yet been able unequivocally to prove whether consuming GM food is harmful or not, although some studies have raised concerns that GM food might have side effects on human health.
In conclusion, genetically modified (GM) food is something that scientists create by changing the recipe card of food plants and animals so that they suit people’s needs. It can result in crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, plus have better nutrition levels. However, critics argue that GM food could have long-term impacts on the environment or human health, although there is no clear proof.
Now, why would anyone want to change the recipe card of their food, you might ask. The idea behind genetically modifying food is to make it more beneficial for us humans in many ways. For example, scientists can create new crops that are resistant to certain pests, storms, or droughts, making them last longer and require less harmful pesticides or fertilizers. This can lead to safer, more abundant, and more affordable food for people all over the world.
Moreover, GM food can also be enriched with important vitamins and minerals to improve our nutrition levels. For instance, genetically modified rice variety Golden Rice has been developed to contain high levels of vitamin A and increase the nutrient level in the lives of malnourished children. Through modifying the genes, scientists can make food more nutritious hence, preventing health problems that would arise due to its absence.
However, critics of GM food argue that altering the natural genes of plants and animals could have long term effects on the environment and human health. Since GM crops are designed to be resistant to certain things, like pests or herbicides, they could affect the ecosystem and wildlife which are dependent on them. Scientists have not yet been able unequivocally to prove whether consuming GM food is harmful or not, although some studies have raised concerns that GM food might have side effects on human health.
In conclusion, genetically modified (GM) food is something that scientists create by changing the recipe card of food plants and animals so that they suit people’s needs. It can result in crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, plus have better nutrition levels. However, critics argue that GM food could have long-term impacts on the environment or human health, although there is no clear proof.