Genetically modified crops are plants that have been altered through biotechnology to exhibit desirable traits. Some examples include Bt corn, which is modified to be pest resistant, Roundup Ready soybeans, which are resistant to glyphosate herbicide, and Golden Rice, which aims to increase vitamin A levels. The process of genetic modification involves identifying target traits, selecting genes from other organisms, inserting those genes into the plant's DNA, and conducting testing before commercial release. Potential benefits include increased yields, reduced pesticide use, and enhanced nutrition, though risks also exist regarding health, environmental impacts, and corporate control of the food system. Careful research and regulation are needed to ensure the responsible use of GMOs.

1. GENETICALLY MODIFIED
CROPS
PRESENTED BY AKANSHA BIJALWAN
B.SC (HONS) MICROBIOLOGY
3RD SEMESTER

2. CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Examples
• Procedure
• Benefits
• Disadvantages
• Conclusion

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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Rainbow Papaya: Papaya genetically modified to resist the ringspot virus, which once
posed a significant threat to the papaya industry in Hawaii.

5. PROCEDURE
• Identify desired traits
• Select source genes from other organisms
• Insert genes into the crop's DNA
• Conduct extensive testing
• Obtain regulatory approval
• Commercialize the modified crop through seed distribution to
farmers

6. BENEFITS
• Increased crop yields, potentially helping to meet the growing global demand
for food.
• Reduced use of chemical pesticides, benefiting both the environment and
farmers' health.
• Improved crop resilience to environmental stresses, such as drought or
extreme temperatures.
• Enhanced nutritional content in certain crops, addressing specific dietary
deficiencies.

7. DISADVANTAGES
• Potential health risks
• Environmental impact (e.g., herbicide-resistant weeds)
• Gene flow and contamination
• Corporate control of the food supply
• Ethical concerns
• Possible allergenicity
• Lack of long-term studies
• Labeling issues
• Reduced genetic diversity
• 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.

9. THANK YOU