DNA can reveal a person’s ethnic heritage or ancestry, risks for developing or acquiring diseases, and evidence for criminal investigations.

Here are the positive outcomes of genetically modified (GM) crops:
1. They have improved traits that allow them to produce higher yields or to become resistant to pests and diseases.
2. They are safer to eat because they contain no chemical residues.
3. They require less amount of land and energy.
4. They reduce the damage to the environment.
5. They are sold at lower costs.

The concerns or arguments against genetically modified foods include:
1. The trait of GM plants that allow them to resist crop pests and insects would endanger the population of beneficial insects that ensure the balance within the ecosystem.
2. GM seeds have costly patents. This results in an increase in the cost of the seeds, which is an event that puts out small farms out of business.
3. GMOs increase the use of herbicides.
4. Mixing the genes of organisms may produce new toxins, allergens or other unpredictable, harmful side effects.

The answer is yes. It is important for people to have a truthful marketplace wherein they know what they are eating. The awareness of knowing whether a food is classified as GM or not would help the public to make informed decisions. There were studies that say GMOs are safe but they have health risks that are still unknown to mankind. The conflict of interest between the companies that sell GMO products and the government questions the validity of the studies that say GM foods are 100% safe. It poses risks simply because scientists do not have all the knowledge and tools to identify the risks yet.

Here are the arguments for genetically modified (GM) plants and animals:
1. They have improved traits that allow them to produce higher yields or to become resistant to pests and diseases.
2. They are safer to eat because they contain no chemical residues from pesticides.
3. They require less amount of land and energy.
4. They reduce the damage to the environment.
5. They are sold at lower costs.

Here are the arguments against genetically modified (GM) plants and animals:
1. The trait of GM plants that allow them to resist crop pests and insects would endanger the population of beneficial insects that ensure the balance within the ecosystem.
2. GM seeds have a costly patent. This results in an increase in the cost of the seeds, which is an event that puts out small farms out of business.
3. GMOs increase the use of herbicides.
4. Mixing the genes of organisms may produce new toxins, allergens or other unpredictable, harmful side effects.

Regarding this matter, it is very important to remember that having the knowledge to use biotechnology tools and techniques does not give us the power to abuse it. We are given the gift of knowledge and we must use it wisely. I wholeheartedly support the use of genetic engineering for scientific and medical purposes if the only intention is to save lives, particularly in treating and preventing some of the incurable and fatal diseases, as well as the emerging diseases.

However, I disagree with the use of genetic engineering on the human genome for the sole purpose of gaining an advantage over other people. Examples include manipulating the eye color, hair texture, sex, height, and appearance. This action robs us of the gift of humanity, and it would only elicit the feeling of being not contented with what they have.