3. INTRODUCTION
Genetically modified crops (GMOs) are plants with
altered DNA to exhibit desired traits. They aim to
increase yields, resist pests, and improve nutrition.
While they offer potential benefits, GMOs also raise
concerns about health, environment, and ethical
issues. Regulations and acceptance vary globally.
4. EXAMPLES
โข Bt Corn: Corn genetically modified with genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt), which produces a protein toxic to certain insects, providing natural pest resistance.
โข Roundup Ready Soybeans: Soybeans engineered to be resistant to the herbicide
glyphosate. This allows farmers to control weeds more effectively without harming the
soybean crop.
โข Golden Rice: A rice variety modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A. It
aims to combat Vitamin A deficiency, which is a significant health issue in certain regions.
โข Rainbow Papaya: Papaya genetically modified to resist the ringspot virus, which once
posed a significant threat to the papaya industry in Hawaii.
5. PROCEDURE
โข Identify desired traits
โข Select source genes from other organisms
โข Insert genes into the crop's DNA
โข Conduct extensive testing
โข Obtain regulatory approval
โข Commercialize the modified crop through seed distribution to
farmers
6. BENEFITS
โข Increased crop yields, potentially helping to meet the growing global demand
for food.
โข Reduced use of chemical pesticides, benefiting both the environment and
farmers' health.
โข Improved crop resilience to environmental stresses, such as drought or
extreme temperatures.
โข Enhanced nutritional content in certain crops, addressing specific dietary
deficiencies.
7. DISADVANTAGES
โข Potential health risks
โข Environmental impact (e.g., herbicide-resistant weeds)
โข Gene flow and contamination
โข Corporate control of the food supply
โข Ethical concerns
โข Possible allergenicity
โข Lack of long-term studies
โข Labeling issues
โข Reduced genetic diversity
โข Trade complications due to varying regulations
8. CONCLUSION
Genetically modified crops (GMOs) offer potential
benefits in agriculture, including increased yields and
pest resistance. However, they also face concerns
regarding health risks and environmental impacts.
Striking a balance through further research and
transparent regulation is crucial for responsible use in the
food system.