What is Genetically Modified Microorganisms Technology?
Gene modification techniques manipulate the genome of genetically modified microorganisms (GMM) by improving on the features of a living organism. By means of genetic engineering, scientists can bring certain genes into organisms whose genomes can be modified, thus leading to certain traits` changes and functions (Hanlon & Sewalt, 2020). Different areas, including biotechnology, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, widely employ GMMs. The technique of transitioning to Genetically Modified Microorganisms evolves through several stages. First, to develop the required method, researchers should choose the trait or function they would like to incorporate into the microorganism. For example, a gene could be a network for the making of a particular protein, which grants resistance to climatic stress or increases metabolic capabilities. Then they distinguish this gene of interest, and further on, it is transplanted into the genome of the target microorganism employing appropriate methods of recombinant gene transformation, corresponding viral vectors, or the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing method (Hanlon & Sewalt, 2020).
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Next is to check if the foreign gene gets successfully put into the microorganism’s genome and works properly. Here, the regulatory elements are responsible for recognizing elements like promoters and enhancers that control the timing and location of the gene’s activation. A selection marker is also one of the most important additions because it helps find cells that have the transgene when there are cell lines that don’t have the target gene (Rozas et al., 2022). During the operation of genetic modification, genetic stability and safety should also be tackled with great care. Each inserted gene is subjected to a risk assessment of the introduced genetic material in the host organisms, keeping in mind the stability of the genetic material over successive generations. Safety assessments are done to ensure that no risks will emerge due to any changes made to the microorganism, which include effects on human health and the environment.
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Social and Ethical Concerns of Genetically Modified Organisms
Genetically modified microbes technology creates a number of ethical issues. The fact that one can suffer from environmental damage as a consequence of genetically modified organisms implementation is a major concern. The proliferation of genetically engineered microorganisms in the environment could be a risk; they might affect the ecosystem or harm the natural species living in it. Also concerning is the possibility of unintended health consequences. The public is concerned that the consumption of GMOs might lead to long-term bad health effects (Rozas et al., 2022). Scientific studies, however, have usually concluded that GMOs can be safely consumed. The matter of patents and seeds access also raises an ethical issue in the context of GMOs. Some of the companies have patents for genetically modified organisms, and so smallholders and the third world are restricted from using the technologies.
The consequences caused by genetic engineering of microbe cells can be great. Genetically engineered microorganisms, even biologically identical organisms with similar genes, could display varied morphotypes, some of which may have undesired negative effects (Rozas et al., 2022). Ethical issues also appear about openness regarding this matter and the choice of consumers. Among the proponents of GMO labeling is the view that people have the right to know what is being used in the production of products they consume, and that labeling should be made mandatory.
Genetically Modified Microorganisms Benefits
New genetically modified microorganisms open doors to resolving acute global issues such as food security, environmental sustainability, and medicine. Genetic technology has multiple potential long-term benefits in several fields, including agriculture, medicine, industry, and environmental sustainability. GMO crops can be made to be more resilient to pests, diseases, and stress, which will in turn lead to very high yields and food security, especially in regions with lots of damage to crops (Liu et al., 2022). Genetic modification is able to make a significant improvement to the nutritional quality of plants when compared to their conventional counterparts by introducing high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, addressing dietary deficiencies, and ultimately ensuring positive health effects. GMO varieties are bred to be resistant to pests or specific herbicides with a lower use of chemical inputs; therefore, the crops gain more acceptance as a sustainable agricultural method.
Manufacturers use genetically modified organisms to produce pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and various medical goods. It involves time and cost savings in industrial production, enhances drug efficiency, and also lays the basis for new treatments for diseases. GMOs can be created as biological substances that possess the ability to carry out” cleanup of the environment by breaking down toxins or absorbing heavy metals from contaminated soil; this in turn helps in the processes of remediation of polluted sites and restoration of natural ecosystems (Liu et al., 2022). Genetic engineering of microorganisms is also used in different industrial processes such as biofuel production, enzyme synthesis, and biodegradable plastic manufacturing, giving an alternative to non-genetically engineered methods and creating less pollution.
Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms
Besides, there are concerns that not all results of GMOs are positive and that there can be the growth of unintended pests or unforeseen environmental effects. Genetically modified technology, which is promising in terms of benefits, also has several hazards that should be carefully taken into account and accurately addressed. Some genetic modifications made for agriculture or the environment may extinguish many species and ecosystems if the GMOs are beyond their designed area. Such a result, in turn, can be the launching of any species extinction, ecological imbalance, or impact on soil health and water quality (Liu et al., 2022). GMOs can produce hybridization that results in the transfer of genetically modified qualities to wild or non-GMO variants, which are then spread into the ecosystem. Thus, these side effects can put the state of ecosystems in danger and make the conservation of biodiversity, organic farming, and the purity of seeds more complicated.
Genetic modifications, even if they are aimed at the specific traits of the target organism, could affect a non-target organism, for example, beneficial insects, soil microbes, or pollinators, making ecosystem dynamics and functioning impossible (Ijaz et al., 2023). The continuous development of GMO crops for pest resistance or herbicide tolerance may be challenged by adverse effects like the evolution of resistance to pests or herbicides, which make the traits less effective. This may result in the increased use of more powerful chemicals and alternative pest control methods.
The safety of GM crops for human consumption may be approved; however, health risks, allergens, and unintended genetic modifications are on the rise (Hanlon & Sewalt, 2020). This therefore calls for continuous monitoring and research. The proliferation of the same narrow range of GMO varieties could thereby lead to a loss in the genetic diversity of crops, in the long run risking poor adaptability to pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions and undermining the robustness of crops in the face of changing circumstances.
Personal Viewpoint on Genetically Modified Microorganisms Technology
In my view, genetically modified microorganisms represent a double-edged sword; while they are on the one hand extremely beneficial, they are also ethically challenging. The technology has great potential for solving serious problems such as food insecurity and environmental durability; however, it is important to exercise caution and responsibility while implementing the technology. We should aim first to promote rigorous safety checkups and transparent regulation to be certain of minimal risks for human health and environmental pollution. Furthermore, having an open dialog and listening to other viewpoints is the key to dealing with many social and ethical issues that arise as a result of modified microorganisms that are genetically enhanced. After all, a well-balanced plan that takes the best from the research and uses it for society’s benefit while taking the negative into consideration and resolving it is needed to avoid technology-related ethical issues and ensure the sake of science and society.
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