Public Misunderstanding of Genetically Modified Organisms: How Science and Society are Interconnected

Abstract

Artificial selection, a method by which evolution occurs, is a process in which an organism is modified to fulfill a specific purpose. For instance, the evolution of corn dates back about 10,000 years ago. Farmers in Mexico recognized that not all plants were identical and that some were locally more adapted. Through unconscious selection and open pollination, the first landraces developed. Further progresses allowed for conscious selection. However, farmers and companies quickly realized that crossing parent plants to create hybrids was too time-consuming to be economically viable. Backcrossing reduced the time required to obtain an organism with the desired trait. Further technological developments made organic food possible through the utilization of atomic gardening. Recent progress in genetics has enabled creation of so-called GMOs, or genetically modified organisms. All of the developed methods (open pollination, mutation breeding, atomic farming, CRISPR/Cas) have a common goal: to adjust the organism to express a specific trait. Nevertheless, some of the methods are seen as potentially dangerous. Furthermore, the scientists' and public opinion on GMOs are different which raise concerns about scientific and critical literacy regarding GMOs. The present article investigates the misconception that distinguish genetically modified organisms based on the method by which they have been created and relates this misconception to literacy (scientific/critical) and critical thinking. A new term, “Adjusted Organism,” is proposed to enable a fresh, unbiased view for future discussions. Key-wordsGenetically Modified Organisms, Critical literacy, Scientific literacy, Bioethics, Gene editing, GM food, Governance of science and technology -------------------------------------------------IJLSSR----------------------------------------------INTRODUCTION Unconscious and conscious selections have both been important in genetically modifying the ancestors of our present-day vegetables. For example, Brassica oleracea varieties have been selected for bigger stems, leading to kohlrabi. Mutations in the leaves led to kale, selection of stem and flowers brought broccoli, selecting terminal buds allowed cabbage to be grown, and selection of flower clusters led to cauliflower . Access this article online Quick Response Code: