Question

How can GMOs be helpful to humans?

Answer 1

GMOs stands for “Genetically modified organisms”. These are the organisms whose genes are altered or modified using recombinant DNA techniques. The GMO are much more useful as compared to their wild forms in terms of productivity, stability and resistance.

Complete answer:
The GMO are also called the hybrid animals. They are made either by manipulating the desired gene or introducing a new gene in an organism through genetic engineering. In 1973, Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen developed the first GMO. These organisms are used in the field of farming or animal husbandry.
The techniques used in making GMO are in-vitro fertilisation, cloning, insemination, cloning of gene manipulation.

Some examples of GMOs are-
1)Genetic modified bacteria are the first and most continently modified organisms. They are modified for producing desired products like several enzymes and antibiotics.
2)Viruses are genetically modified so that they can be used for inserting desired genes to other organisms.
3)Plants are genetically modified to get high yield, desired colour and variety of fruits and flowers, disease resistance and are also environmentally stable.
4)Animals are genetically modified for therapeutic purposes, agricultural use, for improving their health, increasing milk and meat production.

The Benefits of GMO to humans are-
1)In Agriculture- The genetically modified crops are high yield crops. They are cheaper in terms of food or drug production. They require less pesticides compared to the wild variety. The nutrient composition and the food quality is relatively higher. These plants are resistant to pests and diseases.
2)In medicine- Genetically modified organisms are potent in producing several hormones and drugs like Insulin, enzymes like amylase which are very useful in the medicine and food industry.
3)In Animal breeding- The GMO are very useful for yielding greater quantities of milk and meat. These organisms are disease resistant and are helpful in catering to a large world population.

Note: The bacteria are easy to modify. The fungi are also modified for environmental purposes. The virus serves as vectors. Animals are difficult to transform and many are still in the research stage. They serve as the best model organisms for humans. They are used for designing therapy and developing possible treatment and medicines for serious diseases.