Introduction
According to the WHO, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are animals, plants, and even microorganisms whose genetic make has been changed to become different from that of their natural forms in the environment. Done through gene technology, selected genes are transferred from one organism to another, which could be of the same or different species ( Bawa & Anilakumar, 2013) . The purposes of genetic modification of plants vary from promoting specific characteristics to eliminating others in an organism. Various techniques, including the most recent CRISPR, are used in changing the genetic make-up of bodies.
Current and Potential Uses
Organisms are genetically modified for a variety of reasons and uses. The most common application of gene technology is in the production of food to give some given benefit such as increased nutrients or pest resistance during production. Food plants are genetically modified to improve their keeping quality or to increase the yield per unit crop ( Bawa & Anilakumar, 2013) . Other benefits that food plants gent from genetic engineering include resistance to herbicides and decreased growth period. In animals, genetic engineering is mainly done to increase resistance against diseases that affect them ( Grubbs, 2014) . Also, genetic engineering in animals may be done for research for human drugs and methods of curing diseases.
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Pros and Cons
The main benefit of genetic engineering in food is the ability to improve desired characteristics from genetically modified foods. Genetically engineered food has such qualities as a faster growth rate, increased shelf life, increased nutrient content, and high yields ( EFSA, 2011) . Therefore, genetic technology improves the quality of foods and food crops. The primary disadvantage of genetic engineering is the potential loss of original plants and animals. Genetic engineering may result in loss of animal and plant breeds that naturally occurred before if there is excessive favor on their side ( Grubbs, 2014) . This may cause a loss of balance in the ecosystem and more challenges.
Genetically modified yellow rice has more vitamin A
Governmental Regulations
Given the necessity to ensure the safety of foods and the environment from possible consequences of excessive genetic modification of organisms, governments often make law on the technology. While most governments are open to plant breeding that may result in novel foods, care is taken to prevent extreme adverse effects of the technology ( Grubbs, 2014) . Existing laws on GM foods and organisms is often unclear in most countries. Both EU and US regulations, for example, not well spelled to allow the incorporation of new discoveries genetic engineering into the existing legal structure ( EFSA, 2011) . This makes it hard for a scientist to handle the area effectively.
Socioeconomic impact
There are both positive and negative socio-economic impacts of genetically modified foods and organisms. On the positive side, genetically modified food has increased the capacity of society to produce food to feed additional people in society ( Bawa & Anilakumar, 2013) . Through genetic engineering, food can be produced faster and in more significant quantities to feed the world. On the other hand, the increased number of chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, and other rare diseases have also been linked to genetic modification of foods consumed by members of the public ( Grubbs, 2014) . This means that socioeconomic effects vary.
Science and Health
Genetic engineering has been used in health for several benefits. Through gene therapy, certain genetic diseases have been cured. Also, genetic engineering allows for the production of vaccines and hormones such as insulin used in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes ( Grubbs, 2014) . In science, genetic engineering and GMOs are used in research that allows for the development of new ideas and theories. Genetically modified rats have been used to test drugs used in human medicine. However, regulation is also necessary for the application of GMOs in science and medicine ( Bawa & Anilakumar, 2013) . Ethical consideration is a vital part of GMO use.
Global Impact
On a worldwide scale, GM foods have led to increased collaboration among nations. Knowledge sharing and the exchange of genetic technology have resulted in an increased flow of people and goods among countries ( Grubbs, 2014) . GM organisms and crops have also grown trade and had a vital impact on the global economy. With some countries able to produce surplus foods, trade among nations has been increased due to GMO ( Bawa & Anilakumar, 2013) . GM technology has generally improved the world.
Cultural/Religious Views
The views on genetically modified foods and organisms by religious groups are mixed. There is not a consensus in any major religious group including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and others that points out that GM foods and animals are acceptable or not acceptable ( Grubbs, 2014) . For example, while some people in Judaism agree that humans are co-creators with God hence allow genetic engineering, others hold that it is a violation of the distinction that God made on earth for a natural world ( EFSA, 2011) . Islam forbids food that has been genetically engineered with a pig as pork but has no opposition to genetic engineering ( Grubbs, 2014) . Therefore, religion and culture allow for genetic modification of plants and foods.
Future Uses
With several significant strides being taken in the field of biotechnology, the future of the world is pegged on GMOs. The scientist is working on disease-resistant crops, highly producing dairy cows, fast-growing chicken, and other organisms that will make life on earth easy in the next few years ( Bawa & Anilakumar, 2013) . However, with the growth of GM technology, there comes a need for regulation to reduce potential adverse effects.
References
Bawa, A. S., & Anilakumar, K. R. (2013). Genetically modified foods: safety, risks, and public concerns—a review. Journal of food science and technology , 50 (6), 1035-1046.
EFSA, G. (2011). Panel (EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms), 2013. Scientific Opinion on the annual Post-Market Environmental Monitoring (PMEM) report from Monsanto Europe SA on the cultivation of genetically modified maize MON , 810 .
Grubbs, M. E. (2014). Genetically modified organisms. Technology and Engineering Teacher , 73 (7), 24.
