Playing God?

Okay, so we know that GMO are Genetically Modified Organisms and sometimes also known as GM (Genetically Modified/Engineered). In the previous post, I've mentioned that GM foods are foods that had their DNA twig or altered.

Genetics 101 - Part 1

Genetics 101 - Part 2

Genetics 101 - Part 3

Genetics 101 - Part 4

* DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) consist of many genes
* Chromosome is a compact unit of lots of DNA
* In one human cell, we have 46 chromosomes or 23 pairs of chromosomes
* A genome of an organism consist of ALL hereditary information of that particular organism
* Genes are instruction guides that direct the production of proteins which give 'orders' to tell our body how it should function

Like us, foods are controlled by their genes. By 'decoding' their genes, we are able to differentiate the 'good' genes from the 'bad' genes.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v409/n6822/images/409860bw.2.jpg

http://darwin.nmsu.edu/~molbio/diabetes/images/karyo-2.GIF

http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=47664&rendTypeId=4

'Natural' selection was practiced centuries ago; ever since domestication occurred. Farmers chose the best crop (usu. the sweetest or qualities that display 'freshness') and continued using seeds from that crop. In this world, only the fitness/strongest survive. However, 'natural' selection takes time as we need to choose from a large variety. Often, the best of the crop might not be the best. How then in the present world of everything instant to we achieve results fast?

The answer would be GMO foods. By altering the genes of plants, we are able to select desirable traits fast than 'natural' selection.

Some may say: When tampering with the their natural genes, are we trying to play God?

Well, all organisms go through constant change to ensure that the fittest survive. This explains why the modern day wheat differs from its 'Neanderthal' counterparts.

As with all technologies, there are certain risks involves; nothing is 100% safe. Perhaps, we should take the risk for a greater benefit.

References:
http://www.bionewsonline.com/d/what_is_genome.htm
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/biotech/443-002/443-002.html
http://www.scq.ubc.ca/plant-breeding-versus-plant-genetics/
http://history.nih.gov/exhibits/genetics/sect5.htm
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/tour/
http://www.safe-food.org/-issue/dangers.html
http://www.jri.org.uk/brief/gmchr.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOvMNOMRRm8
http://history.nih.gov/exhibits/genetics/sect1a.htm
http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/NIH/gene03.php