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Gage Sandlin

Mrs. Stemen

BioTech

4 February, 2015

Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically modified organisms are in 80% of conventional processed foods in the

United States. Research shows that many popular foods such as: corn, rice, wheat, tomatoes,

potatoes, and salmon are all victims of being genetically modified. Potentially this could be a

problem because any side effects caused by genetically modified organisms have not been

revealed. Genetically Modified Organisms are created by the process of protein synthesis

through genetic engineering.

According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln genetic engineering has 3 different

concepts: What is DNA, why are proteins important, and how is DNA important in genetic

engineering. Genetic Engineering is an actually quite simple process in basic terms. Genetic

Engineering is performed by removing one gene from an organism and placing it into another.

According to healthresearchingfund.org genetically modified organisms have both pros and cons.

Some pros are that GMO’s have better quality and taste, they can be more resistant to diseases,

and GMO’s have some nutrition benefits. GMO’s also have cons. Some are: environmental

damage, GMO’s can have no economic value, and studies show that constant consumption of

genetically modified organisms increases the risks of food-based allergies.

Inside genetic engineering is also the process of protein synthesis. Proteinsynthesis.org

says that the process of protein synthesis can be briefly described in three steps. These three

steps, in order, are: Initiation, Elongation, and Termination of Translation. The first step,
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initiation, there are many components involved. A few are: translation of mRNA, two ribosomal

subunits, and guanosine triphosphate. The second step, elongation, is almost comparable to an

assembly line or even a conveyer belt. As amino acids are added the protein grows. The third and

final step of protein synthesis, termination of translation, when a site of the ribosome reaches a

termination codon, one of three that is.

According to nongmoproject.org genetically modified organisms are restricted in more

than 60 countries. Research also shows that these countries are Australia, Japan, and every

country in the European Union. Whereas for the U.S., studies conducted by the government have

shown that GMO’s can be and are safe. For the most part Americans have taken matters into

their own hands. Considering that GMO’s can trigger or even enhance the risk of food-based

allergies, GMO’s could be a risk to some people’s health.

To conclude, GMO’s are created by genetic engineering. Within this genetic engineering

is the process of protein synthesis.

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Works Cited

Allen, Will. "Pros and Cons of GMO's." HRF. Organic Consumers Association, Greenpeace,

Non-GMO Project, 04 Dec. 2013. Web. 03 Feb. 2015.

Gravitz, Alisa. "The Non-GMO Project." The NonGMO Project RSS. Heather Lehman, n.d.

Web. 03 Feb. 2015.

Higley, Leon G. "UNL's AgBiosafety for Educators." UNL's AgBiosafety for Educators.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2015.

"About Protein Synthesis." Protein Synthesis. N.p., 4 Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.

<http://www.proteinsynthesis.org/>.