Search results
Jan 10, 2022 · Genetically modified (GM) crops have been proven safe through testing and use, and can even increase the safety of common foods. As astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson explained, “Practically every food you buy in a store for consumption by humans is genetically modified food.
People also ask
What are the benefits of GMO crops?
Can genetically modified plants be modified?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of GMO foods?
Are genetically modified crops safe?
- Overview
- PRO
- CON
To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should be grown, go to ProCon.org.
Selective breeding techniques have been used to alter the genetic makeup of plants for thousands of years. The earliest form of selective breeding were simple and have persisted: farmers save and plant only the seeds of plants that produced the most tasty or largest (or otherwise preferable) results. In 1866, Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, discovered and developed the basics of DNA by crossbreeding peas. More recently, genetic engineering has allowed DNA from one species to be inserted into a different species to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
To create a GMO plant, scientists follow these basic steps over several years:
1. Identify the desired trait and find an animal or plant with that trait. For example, scientists were looking to make corn more insect-resistant. They identified a gene in a soil bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt), that naturally produces an insecticide commonly used in organic agriculture.
2. Copy the specific gene for the desired trait.
3. Insert the specific gene into the DNA of the plant scientists want to change. In the above example, the insecticide gene from Bacillus thuringiensis was inserted into corn.
•Genetically modified (GM) crops have been proven safe through testing and use, and can even increase the safety of common foods.
•GMO crops lower the price of food and increase nutritional content, helping to alleviate world hunger.
•Genetically modified (GM) crops have not been proven safe for human consumption through human clinical trials.
•Tinkering with the genetic makeup of plants may result in changes to the food supply that introduce toxins or trigger allergic reactions.
•Certain GM crops harm the environment through the increased use of toxic herbicides and pesticides.
This article was published on January 10, 2022, at Britannica’s ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source.
Oct 24, 2022 · GMO crops are bred to grow efficiently – this means that farmers can produce the same amount of food using less land, less water, and fewer pesticides than conventional crops.
Potential GMO Applications. Many industries stand to benefit from additional GMO research. For instance, a number of microorganisms are being considered as future clean fuel producers and...
“GMO” (genetically modified organism) is the common term consumers and popular media use to describe a plant, animal, or microorganism that has had its genetic material (DNA) changed using...
Jun 1, 2024 · Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) provide certain advantages to producers and consumers. Modified plants, for example, can at least initially help protect crops by providing resistance to a specific disease or insect, ensuring greater food production. GMOs are also important sources of medicine.
Jan 9, 2024 · GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, can help farmers increase yields, but may also have potential negative effects. Learn the pros and cons and how to identify GMO foods.
