GMOs safe for consumption

JoAnn attacks GMOs because of the profound “unnatural” protein(s) which result from a vector implanting Bacillus thuringiensis DNA into a cash crop’s genome. When the host translates the DNA, this gene codes for a specific protein and then the gene is synthesized. JoAnn argues that this protein was not normally found in the food which we consumed throughout our evolutionary history and therefore is foreign. This could ultimately result in metabolic disturbances. The logical response to such a valid claim would most likely include data from which scientists have tested the effects of consuming these proteins. Unfortunately, it would be foolish to state that this protein is safe. The bottom line is that GMOs are fairly new, and long term effects like bioaccumulation and carcinogenic tissue development may require a longer time or higher concentrations to develop. On the contrary, bioaccumulation and carcinogenic materials are usually derived from long term exposure to poisons. Poisons are usually chemicals which block/hinder the active site of a protein or whose actions work to mutate a specific protein. Bioaccumulation results from an over-abundance of fat-soluble vitamins or lipophilic toxins; again, proteins are not included. Say I was willing to concede that the protein was toxic, it is still illogical to think that this protein will lead to potentially hazardous effects. Poisons and toxins have what is called a dosage effect. Usually higher level organisms, in this case humans, have a high tolerance for toxins, and if this protein is proved to be toxic given a high enough concentration, it is unlikely that we would be capable of obtaining this amount from eating an ear of corn. Silver, a molecular biologist, has stated that Bt corn contains this protein in concentrations measured at 0.3 parts per million, which would be too insufficient to trigger a toxilogical response. Undoubtedly, my competition may bring about snake venom as a very destructive form of protein. Upon a bite, a snake secretes digestive protein “enzymes” which are potent enough and in high enough concentration to kill up to 90 humans (data used from Taipan venom). Given a normal dose of 2 oz, the Taipan’s venom needs to be concentrated in the range of 10 ppm of digestive enzymes to kill a human. This is a magnitude of 3 greater than what is exhibited by Bt proteins. Also we shouldn’t forget that the proteins from Bt are consumed, not injected like snake venom is, which means that they must survive far worse climates before they are absorbed by the human body. Hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is found in the stomach, regularly breaks down proteins into polypeptides and amino acids. Since B. thuringiensis doesn’t live in acidic environments, it has no need to generate acid resistant proteins. So we expect Bt proteins to be degraded in much the same manner. Given these examples, I conclude that it is highly improbable that Bt corn will impact normal body functioning.