GMOs: Examining the Benefits and Drawbacks of Genetic Modification

This assignment delves into the topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), examining their advantages and disadvantages. It begins by defining GMOs and explaining the process of genetic modification. The assignment then presents arguments for and against GMOs, referencing viewpoints from experts like Robert Fraley, Alison Eenennaamin support of GMOs, and Charles Benbrook and Margrett Mellon who are against it. The benefits discussed include reduced pesticide use, increased crop yields, and improved taste. The drawbacks include potential for herbicide-resistant weeds, disruption of the food chain, and negative impacts on small farmers. The assignment concludes by highlighting that non-GMO crops have performed better. The paper cites relevant research to support the arguments presented.

Running head: GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
The genes from the organisms are sometimes removed on purpose, so that they can modify
another organism. The outcome of this procedure is known as genetically modified organisms. It
is also called transgenic which means transfer of genes. The transfer of the genes can be done for
obtaining desirable traits for both plants and the animals in many ways. For instance if a plant is
to be genetically modified to get a desirable trait then another plant with the desirable trait would
be selected and bred so that one can get the desirable trait in that plant (Chrispeels, 2014).
Robert Fraley and Alison Eenennaam are in support Genetically modified crops they talk about
the benefits of genetically modified crops.
The points discussed by Robert Fraley are
 Reduction in the use of pesticides
 Increase in yield
 Reduction of Soil erosion
Alison Eenennam points
 It enhances tastes of food
 Crops become stronger
 GM crops are good for health (Chrispeels, 2014).

2GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
Charles Benbrook and Margrett Mellon are against the motion in this debate.
Margrett Mellon argues that
 Cross-pollination creates herbicide resistant super weeds that are harmful to other crops.
 Tampering with the genetic makeup of crops affects the food chain.
 Increase resistance to antibiotics, which makes the medicines less effective.
Charles Benbrook puts his views in against the GM crops and says this technology is beneficial
for the big business.
 The big business harms the small farmers because they cannot use this technology. This
encourages industrial scale trend towards monoculture.
 Nothing tastes better than the naturally grown crops.
 It has been found that non-GMO crops have also performed better (Benbrook, 2012).

3GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
References
Benbrook, C. M. (2012). Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the US—the
first sixteen years. Environmental Sciences Europe, 24(1), 24.
Chrispeels, M. J. (2014). Yes indeed, most Americans do eat GMOs every day!. Journal of
integrative plant biology, 56(1), 4-6.