Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Study Notes

A GMO is an organism created through genetic engineering, aimed to benefit humans in industries like agriculture and medicine.

Ecosystem Risks: GMOs may disrupt natural communities if introduced into the environment.
Genetic Contamination or Interbreeding: GMOs may interbreed with wild types, causing trait loss and inefficiency in later generations.
Adverse Effects on Health: GMOs may cause toxicity, allergic reactions, and unintended effects on human health.
Social Acceptance: Lack of consumer acceptance can render GMOs useless, regardless of their potential benefits.
Economic Issues and Access: Huge investments are needed to develop GMOs, and they may not be accessible to many.
Animal Welfare: Animal welfare issues arise in the production of GMO animals.
Pest and Antibiotic Resistance: The use of pest-killing GMOs may lead to pests developing resistance against them.

Golden rice is a genetically modified rice that produces beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
It may be a cost-effective solution to malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency.

Some fear that golden rice could be harmful to people, and it may also be more expensive for farmers to cultivate.

Xenotransplantation involves the transplantation of live cells, tissues, or organs from a nonhuman into a human recipient.
It raises ethical questions about the boundary between human and animal identity.

Biosafety refers to the condition where potential harm or threats from biotechnology are under manageable or acceptable levels.
In the Philippines, a system of biosafety regulations was established in 1990, and the National Committee on Biosafety is in charge of implementing regulations for GMO research, commercialization, and labelling.