Mutant products pose a serious threat to human health. Doctors suggest that their regular use can cause allergies and poisoning, cancer and infertility.
Products that contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) or organisms (GMOs) are called transgenic. Their natural composition has been artificially altered. For example, scientists have inserted the gene of the Arctic flounder, which is responsible for thermoregulation, into the DNA of a tomato. Flounder helped create a new variety that is frost-resistant.
Highlighted genes and DNA fragments with certain properties. Genetic engineers use the bacterial rolC gene to turn plants into dwarfs. Change the natural color of flowers with the snapdragon genome.
Guided genetic transformation is carried out in various living organisms (from viruses to mammals). In the pharmaceutical industry, drugs such as insulin and interferon are produced using genetically modified microorganisms. In Russia, a breed of sheep has been bred, which not only give milk, but also produce an enzyme necessary for the production of cheese.
Genetic engineering technologies are actively used in agriculture. Thanks to the movement of genes, GMOs acquire new qualities and characteristics: higher yields, resistance to drought or frost, to certain diseases and pests. The use of transgenic plants and animals significantly reduces the cost of food.
In Russia, the use of 14 types of plant GMOs is allowed (6 varieties of corn, 3 varieties of soybeans and 3 potatoes, one each of rice and sugar beet). On the domestic market, about 40% of food products contain genetically modified ingredients.
Sugar made from transgenic beets is used in the confectionery industry. Delicious sweets, cookies, gingerbread can also become a "time bomb" for a sweet tooth.
Russian experts on genetic safety have carried out studies on the basis of which one can speak of the negative impact of feed from transgenic soybeans on animals. Lagging in growth and development was noted. A decrease in the number of pups was found.
In the second generation of laboratory hamsters, there was a “prohibition on reproduction”. They had no offspring.
Genetically modified soybeans are used in the production of baked goods, sausages, mayonnaise, sauces, ice cream and baby food.
Genetic scientists suggest that regular consumption of foods containing GMOs is harmful to humans.
Due to the presence of transgenic proteins with which the body is not familiar, allergic reactions and suppression of immunity are possible. In the United States, where supermarket shelves are literally filled with transgenes, about 71% of the population suffers from allergies.
An unplanned change in the chemical composition of GMOs, the accidental appearance of dangerous toxins can become a serious threat to health. Genetically modified plants emit ten times more toxic substances than ordinary ones. Doctors register cases of food poisoning in young children (chocolate, chips, puffed rice, corn, carbonated drinks).
It cannot be said with certainty that the nutritional value of artificial foods and their natural counterparts is completely the same. Only 14% of adolescents in Russia are considered healthy by the age of 17. Doctors sound the alarm: schoolchildren are sorely lacking complete proteins and vitamins.
Transgenic plants do not die with the massive use of agricultural chemicals. They are even able to accumulate herbicides that enter the human body with food.
Antibiotic resistance genes are used to create GMOs. Scientists fear that they may shift from genetically modified plants to bacteria that cause various diseases. Then medicine will be powerless: antibiotics will lose their effectiveness.
Transgenes have the ability to integrate into the DNA of beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the human intestine. Such a mutation can lead to negative consequences. For example, to a surge in cancer.
