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Societal Aspects of Genetic Modification

Introduction

Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, is the process of using biotechnology to alter the genome of an organism. In addition to changing the genetic composition of cells, genetic modification is also used to transfer genes from one species to another or within a given species in an effort to obtain improved organisms. To obtain new DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the desired genetic material is separated and copied using artificial synthesis or molecular cloning. The DNA is then inserted into or removed from the host organism through a process called construct. Insertion of the gene can be done on a random basis or into targeted parts of the host organism. The technology of genetic modification has various impacts on the social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental aspect. These are discussed in the following sections.

Social Impact of Genetic Modification

The discovery of genetic engineering has led to new ways of solving problems related to animal and plant production, as well as disease prevention and control. One of the reasons why genetic modification was received positively is due to is ability to reduce or prevent the spread of diseases. Scientists can reconstruct the genomes to curb diseases which result from the mutation of genes. Genetic engineering is used to breed new and improved animals, plants and microorganisms. However, genetically modified organisms have also been received with mixed reactions due to their benefits and risks.

Despite the overwhelming reception of the transgenic technology, several quarters have come out to speak against it. For instance, food items which are genetically modified have been said to have potential risks to human health. Some of the risks include toxin formations, aller-genicity, resistance to antibiotics and changes in nutrition (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011). Genetically modified organisms are also feared because of other risks resulting from the unknown consequences of altering the natural genes (Clark, 2006). For instance, the modified organism’s growth or metabolism rate may change. Genetically modified foods may expose humans to allergy causing substances. Nevertheless, developers of genetically modified organisms have put a lot of effort to convince the society to consume their products. This is mainly done by trying to convince consumers through misleading ads that the products are not harmful.

Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, genetic modification meet physiological and safety needs. Food is one of the needs under the psychological need in Maslow’s theory. Genetic engineering meets this need through genetically modified foods. In addition, genetically engineered foods safety and security needs in the sense that humans are able to satisfy their food security needs.

Several companies have prospered through the business of genetic engineering. An example is Monsanto which deals with agricultural biotechnology and agrochemicals. The organization is a pioneer in the production of an herbicide commonly known as round-up and genetically engineered seeds. These products form a bulk of the company’s products and over the past more than four decades, Monsanto has made a lot of revenue from these products. However, the firm has been involved in high profile lawsuits concerning the effect of its products on the environment and health. In addition, Monsanto has filed a number of litigations to defend its agricultural biotechnology patents.

Impact of Genetic Modification on Culture

Genetic engineering has affected many cultures across the world. It has led to the introduction of plants and animals in areas where they did not exist before. As a result, the technology has made people to change their traditional diets. For instance, the Hawaiians have known taro plant as their traditional and respected diet for decades. However, the traditional varieties are going to extinct as new genetically modified ones are being introduced.

The United States is one of the top countries practicing genetic engineering. The country also pioneered and has been able to perpetuate the technology of genetic modification probably because of suitable business policies and an environment conducive for innovation, scientific research, and development. It is widely believed that the US nationals readily accepted the introduction of genetically modified foods. On the other hand, their European counterparts were more wary and rejected this. Genetically modified organisms have gone through a series of controversies beginning in the 1980s.

Presently, most celebrities, especially Hollywood actors have come out to speak against the consumption of genetically modified foods. They have actually termed it a modern day monster. For instance, in 2013, David Laurie, a moviemaker, was a key consultant for a movie called ‘GMO OMG.’ This film is about a man in the quest of finding answers concerning genetically modified organisms. The message is to discourage people from the consumption of genetically modified foods.

Genetic Modification and Politics

In the United States, genetically modified organisms are regulated under the Coordination Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. Various genetically engineered products are regulated under separate Acts. The type of regulation depends on the form of genetically modifies organism. There is no precise federal law for the genetically modified organisms. Instead, such organisms are regulated according to the safety, health and environmental laws. These laws relatively favor the development of genetically modified organisms due to their role in the country’s economy. Various humanitarian organizations and activists have lobbied against the use of genetically modified organisms due to their effects.

The Economic Aspect of Genetic Modification

In some countries, farmers have been able to use genetic modification for increased crop production. For example, farmers in Argentina are able to grow soybeans and wheat within the same year. This has been made possible by the use of improved weed control and crop varieties which mature faster. This improvement in crop yield has been recorded in many other crops such as cotton lint, canola, and corn, among other crops (Brookes & Barfoot, 2014). Crop biotechnology, which is a result of genetic modification, has enabled many farmers grow more

crops using less land.

Table 1: Overall increase in production of five crops after introduction of genetic modification.

Source: (Brookes & Barfoot, 2014)

The data above is illustrated in the graph below.

Graph 1: Overall increase in production of five crops after introducing genetic modification.

Environmental Impact of Genetic Modification

Using crop biotechnology for crop production has helped reduce the amount of green gas emitted from agricultural activities. This is as a result of reduced oil usage and extra carbon storage in the soil facilitated by reduced land tillage. Genetically modified organisms can also be risky to the environment (Clark, 2006). For example, a modified genome may engineered crop can potentially become invasive or poisonous to wildlife.

Conclusion

Genetically modified organisms have both merits and demerits in equal measure. This makes the mixed reactions in the reception of the technology. Those advocating for genetic modification are mainly those who use the technology to benefit. The United States forms one of the largest hub for production of genetically engineered products. GMOs have negative and positive impact on the culture, environment, the economy, and politics.

References Brookes, G., & Barfoot, P. (2014). Economic impact of GM crops. GM Crops & Food Biotechnology in Agriculture and the Food Chain Volume 5, Issue 1, 65-75. Clark, E. A. (2006). Environmental risks of genetic engineering. Euphytica Volume 148, Issue 1–2, 47–60. Maghari, B. M., & Ardekani, A. M. (2011). Genetically Modified Foods and Social Concerns. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol. Jul-Sep; 3(3)., 109–117.