When crops are "given" recombinant DNA, they acquire traits and genes that they did not possess naturally. This process is of great concern to anti-biotech groups. .
The first era of genetically engineered crops" goal was to make the crops herbicide resistant, in order to make weed management an easier process. (McCullum 2) The first request to deliberately release a genetically engineered crop came from the University of California at Berkley in 1982. The genetically modified crop had a gene that reduced the amount of frost damage. (Uchtmann 4-6) The first generation of these plants failed to achieve pre-market approval and were not sold to the general public. .
The second generation of genetically engineered crops began in 1995 when they became commercially used. By 1999 over 70 million acres of genetically engineered crops were being planted annually. Examples of improvements made by genetic engineering are insect resistant corn and potatoes and virus resistant squash. (McCullum, 4).
Critics of genetically engineered crops have made numerous attempts to regulate or even boycott the biotech industry. They have numerous concerns with the industry. The main issues are ecological and environmental. They point out possible food shortage problems such as insects becoming resistant to genetically engineered toxins. It would be problematic if insects that feed on crops become resistant to the toxin in the crops and generate a mass destruction of these plants creating a food shortage in that region. (Hayden, 2).
Another issue that raises attention is that insect and pesticide resistant plants could naturally transfer their genes to nearby native plants. This would create less plant diversity and not allow natural evolution of these plants to occur. Plant breeders are concerned that cross-pollination could flood out genetic diversity, making it impossible to breed new strains of plants.
Genetic Engineering can take the medical world to a new level. ... Genetic Engineering could make the crops bigger, faster without harming it. Crops on farms have a high chance of disease. With Genetic Engineering, the crops could be engineered to become resistant to certain diseases. ... Genetic Engineering is the outbreak science has been looking for. ...
Skyler Moak WRIT 102 Professor Kellye Makamson March 28, 2015 Effects of Genetic Engineering on the Environment Genetic engineering is a processes that is used in multiple ways across the globe. ... Genetic engineering was first brought to the United States around 1995. ... Although genetic engineering has positive effects on crops, the negative outcomes presented by genetic engineering on the environment outweigh the benefits because of the long-term, harmful consequences of this process. ... As previously stated, there are two prominent types of genetic engineering. ... The other p...
There are many people and organizations that are completely against genetic engineering. ... In other words, genetic engineering is the technique of artificially modifying the genetic make-up of living organisms. ... Among these are the promises that genetic engineering will 'feed the world' [source 2], produce better crops, and be altogether good for the economy. ... Today, even human genes are being used in genetic engineering [source 2]. ... Better crop yields may be achieved using genetically modified plants, meaning that land use will become more efficient. ...
Genetic engineering is rapidly expanding and is currently used to make a wide range of substances. ... In theory genetic engineering could lead to many benefits in the world. ... Another use of genetic engineering been used in the medical area is eugenics. ... It is argued that genetic engineering could increase the crop yield so there is more food available. ... If however pests became resistant to genetically engineered crops, we would face the problem of having to use more and stronger pesticides. ...
Crop varieties developed by genetic engineering were first introduced for a commercial production in 1996. ... U.S. farmers are by far the largest producers of genetically modified crops. ... The United States has consistently planted more Genetically modified crops then any other country, with 96.3 million acres supporting Genetic modified crops in 2002. ... Genetic engineering techniques now allow scientific to insert specific genes into a plant or animal without having to go through the trial and error process of selective breeding. ... We have potentially more to lose by the intro...
Genetic engineering has grown and become more common. ... Genetic engineering and reproduction are a grim scene in society. ... Medically, genetic engineering has been researched for decades. ... Overall, society has accepted genetic engineering. ... "Whenever a bee carries pollen from plant to plant or a plant breeder crosses on crop of plant with another, genetic information is exchanged. ...
The advantages of genetic engineering to mankind are countless. ... Furthermore, man is benefited by genetic engineering in the field of Agriculture. ... Later that year, a virus-resistant squash became the second genetically engineered crop to gain approval in the United States (USDA). ... Similarly, animals can benefit from genetic engineering. ... Likewise, there are many disadvantages of genetic engineering to man. ...
That's the world that genetic engineering can bring into existence. Genetic engineering is the process by which the DNA of an organism is changed. ... Genetic engineering is usually associated with genetically modified or GM foods. ... Even though genetically modified crops are the most famous form of genetic engineering in this sector, there are many other forms that are not only more productive, but also less controversial. ... For example, in the agricultural sector, researchers are trying to genetically modify insects so they would attack the predators of the crops, and therefore, def...
I don't think that genetically altering DNA or genetically engineering something is a good idea. ... Also, genetic engineering creates great risks. ... Genetic engineering also has its benefits. ... Genetic engineering could also produce stronger and nutritious crops. ... Even with advantages genetic engineering could give the world today, it's not worth it in the long run. ...
