Irradiation and Genetically Modified Plants What are genetically modified plants? _________ ___________ plants are plants that contain the genes of other plants or organisms. They are created by the process of genetic engineering, that allows scientists to move ______ ________ between organisms with the goal of changing their characteristics. All organisms are composed of cells that contain DNA molecules. Molecules of DNA form units of genetic information known as _______. Each organism has a genetic blueprint that is made ... up of DNA, which helps ... ...

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... sequence. Genetically modified crops are a hot topic in the scientific world today, both for their potential benefits and their potential drawbacks. Genetic modification changes the genes and thereby the characteristics of the subject. You can, for example, genetically modify strawberries so that they stay fresh for longer, and rice can be genetically modified so that it has a higher vitamin ... The result is that the plant receives the characteristics held within the genetic code. Consequently, the genetically modified plant also becomes able to withstand pesticides. The consequences of ...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... engineered crops. Genetic modification takes selective breeding a step further, Scientist are learning how to identify genes and recognize which genes control the development of which characteristics. They are now able to breed offspring by transporting the desirable genes from one plant to another. There are concerns that genetic modified crops ... vigorously then other crops and wild plants. It has been suggested that genetic modified plants could breed with other plants producing uncontrollable weed species with herbicide resistance. Concerns have been expressed that eating genetic m...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... characteristic directly into a plant. Traditional breeding methods involve crossbreeding plants in order to produce desired changes in that particular crop. These changes might be increased hardiness, more productivity or enhanced color. "The traditional method is quite imprecise because the farmer is shuffling thousands of genes in the offspring, causing them to have some of the characteristics of each parent plant. They then look for the ... plants with the most desirable new trait," states Dr. Jane Henney, US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner (FDA Consumer, January-February 2...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate