Limitations of Genetically Modified Corn

Original Paragraph:

Allergic ResponsesOne of the major disadvantages of GMO corn is its potential to trigger allergies. First, genetic material from a potentially allergenic food may be transferred to corn, also transferring the allergenic properties. Secondly, genetic modification alters the actual DNA of the corn. This process introduces new proteins into the food supply that are not naturally present, opening the door for a new allergy to be developed. 

Toxicity
Proponents of GMO corn claim that the Bt toxin is destroyed in the intestinal tract and is harmless to humans. However, a study published in "Life Sciences" in 1999 found that when Bt was given to mice, it caused a significant immune response. Additionally, when scientists insert genetic material into the DNA of an organism, it is done at random. Each random insertion creates the possibility for a new toxin to be formed, turning a safe food into something hazardous. Unfortunately, there are no long-term studies to either prove or disprove the safety of GMOs. 

Environmental Impact
GMO sweet corn also has a potentially negative impact on the environment. GM plants can cross-pollinate with nearby crops, making organic farming difficult. Cross-pollination has eliminated a large portion of heirloom varieties of corn and could contaminate wild plants as well. Crops with built-in pesticides can also affect aquatic plants and wildlife through contamination of nearby streams.

Key Ideas: 

• GMO corn potential trigger allergies
• Genetic material from allergenic food transferred to corn, transferring allergenic properties
• Genetic modification alters DNA of corn, introducing proteins that not naturally present, opening door for new allergy to be developed.
• A study in 1999 found Bt caused significant immune response when given to mice
• Random insertion of DNA creates possibility for new toxin to be formed, turning safe food into something hazardous
• GMO corn also has potentially negative impact on environment
• GM plants can cross-pollinate with nearby crops, making organic farming difficult
• Cross-pollination eliminated large portion of heirloom corn and could contaminate wild plants as well.
• Crops with built-in pesticides can effect aquatic plants and wildlife through contamination of nearby streams

Source: "The Disadvantages of GMO Sweet Corn." Healthy Eating. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. <http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/disadvantages-gmo-sweet-corn-9024.html>.

Genetically Modified corn has it's limitations. Firstly, it can trigger allergy responses. This is because genetically modified corn contains genes from another organism, which could be an organism with allergenic properties. These allergenic properties can be transferred and cause the same effect to the person with allergies. In addition, the DNA in corn is altered when it is modified, so proteins that usually aren't present might appear, making a new allergy. Furthermore, GMO corn can raise some safety concerns. A gene called Bt is transferred to corn to make it resistant to pests. However, this gene is what we consume, and a study in 1999 showed that Bt caused a serious effect on mice's immune system. This means that GMO corn can cause a potentially negative effect on human's health too. Lastly, GMO corn can have a negative impact to the environment. Genetically modified plants can cross-pollinate to nearby plants, which causes the surrounding environment to be mutated. Genetically modified plants can also effect marine creatures, because it's mutated genes can be carried through neighboring water torrents.