The same is true for the prevention and control of pests and diseases, in order to meet the human needs for food, chemical pesticides and genetically modified crops have met the diametrically opposite attitude of the public. After the advent of chemical pesticides, people cheered on human beings for their victory in the fight against pests and diseases. After the introduction of genetically modified crops, the controversy has always been heard. The public has always been full of doubts.
What people are most concerned about is the safety of genetically modified foods. The focus is on two aspects: Is GM foods toxic to humans and mammals? Does it cause allergies? The fact is that the relevant international agencies and governments of all countries attach great importance and are strictly regulated. In the 13 years since the global commercialization of genetically modified crops, no safety accidents have occurred.
Although genetically modified food is a new word, the term "gene" has been 100 years old and was proposed by Danish geneticist Johnson in 1909. Genes can control the traits of organisms. Transgenics is the transfer of an organism's genes to another organism, allowing organisms that are transferred into genes to produce new traits that humans need.
In fact, before the birth of humans, transgenes existed for a long time. There is such a metaphor: If the history of the Earth were compressed into 24 hours, then the gymnosperm was born at 9:45 pm. After 1 hour, there were flowering plants, and humans appeared in the last 20 seconds. Natural hybrids and natural selections among species in nature have recombined genes and are all genetically modified. For example, pollen or seeds of plants are carried far away by the wind, insects, animals, etc., and they will be crossed with other plants. The substance is the transgene.
The selection and breeding of crop varieties made by human beings in the process of civilization is essentially genetically modified. The purpose is to obtain crops with higher yields and better quality so that they can better meet the needs of human beings.
Some people worry that the exogenous genes of genetically modified foods will run into the human body and change human genes. Scientific common sense tells us that all genes of all living things are composed of nucleic acids. After entering the gastrointestinal tract, they must be digested and degraded into small molecules. They are no longer complete genes and do not enter human tissues in the form of genes. The rice, taro, vegetables, and meat that we eat every day contain hundreds of millions of genes. Does anyone worry that these genes are harmful to themselves without eating?
Transgenes advance in the debate. Since the large-scale planting of genetically modified crops in the world in 1996, it has brought tremendous economic benefits and remarkable social and ecological benefits, and its promotion speed is rare in the history of modern agricultural science and technology. At present, 70% of foods in the U.S. market contain genetically modified ingredients. It is estimated that more than half of the world’s population has consumed genetically modified foods.
Controversy is necessary, but in view of the long history of human development, genetically modified foods are determined by the law of scientific and technological development. Just like the birth of chemical pesticides. Perhaps a few more years later, genetically modified foods will have to be replaced by newer technologies. This is also determined by the law of technological development.
Admittedly, as with any new thing, genetic modification cannot be perfect. Although there is no problem in more than a decade, it cannot be said that there will be no risk in the future. This makes it inevitable that GM will advance in the debate. The public’s understanding of genetically modified foods needs a process. The controversy reminds scientists and governments at all times that the safety of genetically modified organisms has always been placed in an important position and that they seek advantages and avoid risks, prevent risks, and ensure that genetically modified technologies benefit people.