GMOs: building the future on the basis of past experience

Abstract

Biosafety of genetically modifi ed organisms (GMOs) and their derivatives is still a major topic in the agenda of government and societies worldwide. The aim of this review is to bring into light that data that supported the decision taken back in 1998 as an exercise to stimulate criticism from the scientifi c community for upcoming discussions and to avoid emotional and senseless arguments that could jeopardize future development in the fi eld. It must be emphasized that Roundup Ready® soybean is just one example of how biotechnology can bring in signifi cant advances for society, not only through increased productivity, but also with benefi cial environmental impact, thereby allowing more rational use of agricultural pesticides for improvement of the soil conditions. The adoption of agricultural practices with higher yield will also allow better distribution of income among small farmers. New species of genetically modifi ed plants will soon be available and society should be capable of making decisions in an objective and well-informed manner, through collegiate bodies that are qualifi ed in all aspects of biosafety and environmental impact.

Effects of Roundup® and Glyphosate on Three Food Microorganisms: Geotrichum candidum, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus

“…EPSPS, which exists in two classes-glyphosate-sensitive and glyphosate-tolerant-is essential in plants for protein production via the shikimic acid pathway [39][40][41]. There could be an enzyme highly tolerant to glyphosate, which would have some genetical homologies with the first and/or the second classes of this enzyme [42,43]. This enzyme is absent in mammals.…”

Beyond risk

“…Like any technology, agricultural biotechnologies that use genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have their opponents and supporters. For their proponents, the significant benefits of GMOs for humans, animals and the environment clearly outweigh any risks that are inherent with new technologies (Jauhar, 2006; Reis et al , 2006). For example, crops could be genetically engineered to grow more quickly and more densely to use less land, feed the increasing world population and slow environmental degradation.…”

Rethinking Reprogenetics by Inmaculada de Melo-Martin

“…L ike any technology, agricultural biotechnologies that use genetically modified organisms (gMOs) have their opponents and supporters. For their proponents, the significant benefits of gMOs for humans, animals and the environment clearly outweigh any risks that are inherent with new technologies ( Jauhar, 2006;reis et al, 2006). For example, crops could be genetically engineered to grow more quickly and more densely to use less land, feed the increasing world population and slow environmental degradation.…”