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I am probably in the minority here, but I think GMOs are an amazing advancement. We’ve been “genetically modifying” crops for years with selective breeding, we
by samtho 3y ago
I am probably in the minority here, but I think GMOs are an amazing advancement. We’ve been “genetically modifying” crops for years with selective breeding, we have now just been able to speed up the process.
Genetic engineering has enabled us to grow potatoes, corn, and cotton that contain some DNA from bacteria that encodes (I.e contains the recipe for) a protein, referred to as Bt Crystal Toxin, that disrupts the metabolism of some major pests. They are regarded as safe for humans because it requires both a higher pH (alkaline) and specific receptors that humans lack in order to do damage to an organism.
- pard68 3y agoThe real issue that I see with GMO is the reason for it, namely creating crops immune to poison. I am all for GMOs that produce a better plant but the practical result of GMO is a plant that can tolerate poison.
- SenAnder 3y agoGMOs as technology, and the effects of GMOs on food sovereignty, are two very different things. I don't want multinational biotech companies to be the only ones able to compete. Though the technology isn't harmless either. Let's assume sufficient care is and perpetually will be taken to avoid major disasters. What remains is amoral for-profit companies that now have far more ability to engineer food for market fit. Why is this bad? Because carrots and apples will slowly turn into the equivalents of Snickers and Cheetos - those are the products we get when not constrained by nature.