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The GMO Debate

In Module 3 - Lab Exercise you have learned about methods used in gene cloning, and in Module 3 - Process of Science about how scientists evaluate risk. Some people wonder whether cloning new genes into food crops is a risk to the environmental or to our health. Here you will read about some of the different questions people have about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

1. The values debate - is it right for human beings to genetically alter other organisms?

For some, the idea of cloning genes from one organism into another reminds them of old movies where scientists try to create or change living things and instead unleash new destructive forces. In fact, many anti-GMO activists in Europe call genetically-modified food crops, "Frankenfood", because they liken it to the creation of Frankenstein.

People's worries about genetic engineering sometimes reflect their suspician of science in general, especially if they blame scientists for the existence of nuclear weapons, chemical carcinogens and other destructive forces in the modern world

Finding common ground between people with radically different views of the role of scientific discovery is difficult, but it should be recognized that many of us live longer, healthier lives than people living even 50 or 100 years ago, and that much of this we owe to scientific innovation.
Regarding genetic modification, is is also important to remember that human beings have been modifying other organisms since the dawn of civilization in the form of plant and animal breeding. And that even prior to gene cloning, plant breeders have been crossing plants that do not normally interbreed.

What do you think?

1. Is moving genes from one organism to an unrelated organism OK?

2. Are there examples of genetic engineering that you are comfortable with and others not?

• How would you feel about being given insulin that was made in the bacterium E. coli?
• How do you feel about eating corn that makes a protein toxic to insects, thus requiring fewer pesticide treatments?

2. The social consequences debate - Does the creation and use of genetically engineered food crops favor corporations and western nations over farmers and developing nations?

Many people support scientific discovery and technological innovation, but worry about how governments and corporations use the new technology. Companies generally patent their genetically engineered crops and charge more money for its seed. But many farmers can't afford the higher prices. Furthermore, by patenting the seed, farmers are not allowed to keep some of their harvest to use as seed for the next year's crop (a common practice in developing countries).

The companies respond that genetic engineering reduces the need for herbicide, pesticide, and insecticide applications, which benefits everyone's health. And that they have to charge more to recoup the investment they made in developing the new products.

What do you think?

How might the needs of the companies and the farmers be balanced?

Would you be willing to pay more for food that was genetically engineered is you knew it had less chemical residue?

Would you be willing to pay more for food that was neither GMO nor chemically treated?

3. The environmental risk debate - What are the risks to human and environmental health from genetically modified food crops and how can they be predicted, tested, and avoided?

Some people worry that genetically modified food crops are being grown and consumed without adequate testing of the potential negative consequences. For example, some crops have been engineered to be resistant to herbicides so that farmers can kill weeds in their fields without killing the engineered crop plant. What is the risk that the weeds and the GMO crop plant will interbreed and the weeds become resistant to herbicide? How can this risk be measured and minimized? Some people also worry that the novel proteins made by GMO crops may be toxic to humans.

Companies counter that products are rigorously tested by the developers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) before release. More details on who regulates what

What do you think?

1. What worries you most about GMO crop plants?

2. Are you willing to accept some risk in exchange for the benefits of GMO foods? If so, how much?

To learn more about how scientist deal with uncertainty, see Module 3 - Process of Science