When genetically modified foods first appeared on store shelves, they scared the public in earnest. What harmful properties were not attributed to them, up to the change in the genetic code of the person himself. To finally debunk myths or confirm truths, these facts about GMOs are for those who still doubt.
GMOs are everywhere
In fact, the products that mainly surround us can be called genetically modified, since any variety of vegetables, cereals, fruits is the result of crossing several species, so that the result is an ideally tasty and healthy product. Plus, nature itself often interferes with the process, for example, cultivated wheat is crossed with a wild variety.
GMO doesn’t exist
The exact opposite version, but if you understand at the level of exact sciences, then, as written above, the crossing and breeding of new species is not fiction. Even our ancestors did it unconsciously, planting plants and developing new varieties. Moreover, even fantastic combinations cross. For example, so that pests would not touch the potato, it was crossed with a snowdrop. And to make the strawberry more frost-resistant, a polar fish gene was added to it.
Without GMO
Some products are indicated that they are non-GMO and buyers take the goods off the shelves with a clear conscience. In fact, often these groups of goods cannot contain GMOs, and the fact that they are not in the composition is the honest truth. It is only emphasized by cunning marketers who play on the fear of consumers.
GMOs alter human genes
Among the opponents of GMOs, there is an opinion that transgenes are incorporated into human chromosomes. In fact, it is impossible to do this in the digestive tract, we do not inject food directly into our bloodstream. So you are not in danger of becoming covered in hair or changing the color of your skin.
GMOs affect bacteria
If GMO cannot integrate into our genes, then it will penetrate the genes of intestinal bacteria, and they will become resistant to antibiotics, the opponents of GMO shout. And again, outside of a sterile environment and laboratory conditions, these are impossible. If we theoretically assume that this is possible, then the harm from GMOs would be negligible in comparison with a drunken course of an antibiotic, to which bacteria will develop resistance.
GMOs provoke disease
This is an allergy, and oncology, and a violation of immune and metabolic processes. Theoretically, something new in a product can certainly provoke a reaction of a single organism, and it is very difficult to predict such a reaction. Before being released, GMO products are tested many times and are subject to thorough research to minimize such risks. If the product is in doubt, then it is discarded and prohibited from re-development.
GMOs harm ecosystems
If cultivated plants are exposed to the intervention of wild crops, then the opposite process occurs: genetically modified plants are crossed with wild ones and an interference with nature occurs. Of course, this problem is partially solved by limiting the areas on which new plants grow, or GMO products and environmentally friendly sowing at different times, so that pollen is not transferred from one field to another.
As for wildlife, in order for a gene to take root, it needs certain conditions, and some plant species mixed with GMOs simply do not take root. Scientists do not deny concern about this issue and try to control the processes of introducing GMOs into our ecosystem as much as possible.