Genetic Mofication: What Determines How Living Organisms Look Or Work?

that determines how living organisms look or work. They also control the manufacture of proteins in a cell. There are about 35 000 genes found in almost every healthy cell. Scientists are constantly conducting experiments on genes. Genetic modification is one of such experiments. Genetic modification refers to the deliberate alteration of the genetic structure or DNA of an organism in order to give it new abilities and produce a desired effect. Organisms that are modified with DNA from another organism are called transgenic. Scientists have used this process to create crops that are stronger, stay fresh for longer and are healthier.
At the turn of the Millennium, the human population stood at just over 6 billion. Experts predict that by 2030
Many are strongly opposed to genetic modification and believe that this process is unnatural and that biotechnologists are ‘’playing god.’’ Scientists believe these organisms are poisonous to one’s health and the environment. Genetic modification triggers disgust, as people view this as contamination, as the DNA used comes from species which are deemed disgusting, e.g. cockroaches and rats. GMO’s can also cause food allergies(Allen B. Cobb, 2000) and many believe it can have indirect and non-traceable effect on cancer and the malfunctioning of the immune system. According to research conducted by Dr Arpad Pusztai(2010), rats that consumed GM potatoes led to the malfunctioning of immune systems in rats. Transgenic crops have destroyed our environment and organic farming industry by contaminating organic foods. A study conducted by a UK-based National Pollen Research Council showed that airborne genetically modified pollen was carried 4.5 kilometres from a field of genetically modified crops. There has also been a lack of critical public information on the science and technology of genetic modification. Also, biotechnology multi nationals, such as Monsanto interestingly have developed genetically modified soy seeds and produce Round-up, creating a monopoly in the
To safeguard and regulate this industry, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries introduced the Genetically Modified Organisms Act 1997(Act No 15 1997), the GMO Act. Its subsequent amendments in the Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment (Act No 23 of 2006). The overall scope of this act monitors and regulates all activities involving genetically engineered organisms. It monitors imports, exports, production, development, use, transit and storage of GM foods. South Africa embraces strict application and approval processes for the release of GM crops into the environment. There are trial releases and general releases of these crops into the environment. If the crop poses a threat, no permits are issued for the release of the crop for cultivation. The law also imposes a public notification of such cultivation to be advertised in the national newspapers. The notice must include information about the applicant, the objective of the application and a general description of the GMO’s and the exact place of release of the GMO for