crops

 What Is Genetic Modification of Crops?

Genetic modification of crops is the process of artificially inserting foreign genes into a host plant through genetic engineering to achieve a desired effect. This differs from conventional, selective plant breeding, a method used since the beginning of agriculture, which crosses plants capable of natural pollination. Transgenic plants can use genes from different species. For example, Bt corn uses a gene from a bacterium to produce its own insecticide. Common genetically modified foods include corn, soybeans, canola and cottonseed oil.

Method

1. An engineer identifies and isolates a gene that expresses a desired trait, and then inserts it into a recipient plant with a gene gun. The host plant regulates the new gene as it own and passes the trait to its descendants.

Purpose

2. The potential benefits of genetic modification include controlled speed of ripening; resistance to pests and herbicides; enhanced taste or appearance; vitamin enrichment; increased crop yields; and drought, cold or disease resistance.

Political Controversy

3. Intellectual property rights of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, allow a few companies to dominate agricultural production. In this way, developing countries become increasingly dependent on industrialized nations, and "biopiracy," the foreign control of crop production, can occur.

Ecological Concerns

4. Transgenic plants can cross-pollinate with non-GM crops or wild plants, thus creating genetic pollution, which cannot be controlled once released. This can cause a loss of biodiversity of both flora and fauna, and the generation of herbicide-resistant "superweeds." Long-term environmental effects are largely unknown because of the newness of biotechnology.

Health Risks

5. The extent of effects on human health are also unknown, but risks could include increased allergens and resistance to antibiotics.