Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) - 3
Why are GMOs produced at all?
For many thousands of years, the human race has tried to improve crop plants and domesticated animals through selective breeding. Nowadays, however, the characteristics of an organism may also be modified in a laboratory, producing GMOs. These have widespread applications. They are used in biological and medical research, for the production of medicines, and in agriculture, among others.
Bacteria were the first organisms to be modified in a laboratory, due to their simple composition. These modified bacteria are now used for several purposes, such as to produce insulin. This protein is crucial for the regulation of energy and sugar levels in our bodies. The insulin which is produced through genetic engineering is identical to naturally occurring insulin and is medically useful to control some types of diabetes.
The broadest application of GMOs is for the cultivation of crops for food production or processing.
The most common types of genetically modified crops include maize, soybean, oilseed rape and cotton varieties. Most commonly, these varieties have been developed to be resistant to a particular herbicide (weed killer) or a certain crop pest, mostly insects.
Across the EU, and hence also in Malta, there are strict regulations controlling the contained use of GMOs and the release of GMOs into the environment. All applications are reviewed by the relevant authorities, following strict criteria. This is crucial so that GMOs are safe for humans and the environment.
Should you require more information, please contact nature.
requests@mepa.org.mt.
The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Malta together with many other countries around the globe is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives. We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: biodiversity.