Often in the media, you can find mention of GMOs. This abbreviation stands for "genetically modified organisms."To GMOs are any organisms in which the genetic code has been modified with the help of genetic engineering. Sometimes such transformed organisms are called transgenic. This is due to the fact that fragments of hereditary information from other organisms are artificially introduced into their DNA.
How genetically modified products of
appeared The first experiments in this direction were carried out in the 1970s. Initially, these experiments were of a rather theoretical nature. At that time, no one could have thought that, over the years, genetic modifications would be used for practical purposes. In the end, scientists realized that the artificially created organisms really endowed with the necessary properties in this particular case.
So, as a result of "crossing" the genetically modified potatoes and the soil Thuringian bacillus, an amazing potato appeared, after eating the leaves of which the Colorado beetle died immediately. At the same time, the bacillus poses no threat to man.
Another experiment ended with the creation of an unusual tomato. Genes of flounder, responsible for thermoregulation, were introduced into the genetic material of tomato. Scientists hoped that the tomato will become frost-resistant, but the effect was different: the shelf life of tomatoes has significantly increased.
Common in Russia genetically modified products
Nowadays, experiments are conducted, leading to the emergence of various GMOs. In the world at the moment there are more than one hundred plant lines subjected to genetic modification. All plants are allowed to industrial production. The most widespread are corn, soybean and rape.
In Russia, products that have an "alien" genotype appeared in the 90s. The food industry uses 14 types of GMOs, including soy, rice, sugar beet, potatoes. From the point of view of economics, the cultivation of this agricultural product is more than justified, since transgenic plants are resistant to the influence of unfavorable environmental factors, excellent resistance to pests and diseases, high yields, long shelf life and extreme undemanding.
Biotechnology from GMOs produces proteins used for medical and agricultural purposes.
Are genetically modified products harmful?
Discussions on the harmlessness of genetically modified products have been conducted for several years at various levels. Most of the inhabitants are very wary of transgenic food, fearing its harmful effect on the body. There are myths that the use of such food can disrupt the development of embryos and lead to early mortality. Do these myths have any basis?
Let's approach the question from the point of view of biology. All that genetic material that enters the body with food is destroyed almost immediately. During digestion, DNA and RNA are split into nucleotides. Any "sense" at this point they cease to carry, the body uses them to build their own amino acids and protein compounds. If we do not "pick up" other people's genes from ordinary potatoes and corn, then why should we have any special impact of GMOs?
However, there is a certain risk when eating GMOs. However, other products are not deprived of this risk. For example, if a person is allergic to fish, it is undesirable to eat tomatoes with "built-in" cod and flounder genes. An individual allergic reaction can also be caused by foreign proteins contained in the product. In addition, the effects of nutrition on GMO-containing foods have not been adequately studied, since these technologies are young, and accordingly, not completely studied. Meanwhile, scientists talk about the safety of such organisms.
If you are still afraid of eating food containing transgenic ingredients, carefully read what is written on the package. Russia strictly controls food with GMOs. If the GMO content is exceeded by 0.9% of the total mass, the corresponding designation is put on the package. According to official data, transgenic components are contained in every tenth product. According to unofficial information, GMOs are present in 30% of food products.
However, one can not be completely sure that unscrupulous producers simply will not "forget" to indicate on the packaging the presence of transgenic components. GMOs can be a part of products based on rapeseed, soybean, corn. Such products may include sausages, sausages, sausages, cereals, and the like. Suspicion also includes soy products that are meant for vegetarians: vegetable oil, mayonnaise, margarine, spread, chocolate, ice cream, sweets, baby porridge, bakery products. No GMO in natural milk, sour-milk products, many fruits and vegetables, in juices.