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ASG#2 Biology TB

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Genetically modified crop plants Tashia Bussey Assignment # 2 Strayer University SCI 115.077GA063-1132-001 Introduction to Biology Professor Larry Smith 03/04/2013

ASG#2 Biology TB Genetically Modified Crops

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Biological Basis Genetically modified crops are defined as crops whose genome has been modified by genetic engineering (Starr, Evers & Starr, 2013). Modern biotechnology has focused on genetic manipulation for agriculture, horticulture, environmental remediation, medicine and forensic science (Mannion, 2012). Though each of these strides is significant, agriculture is the most significant because in 1996, genetically modified crops, notably soybean, maize, canola, and cotton, were first grown commercially. In 2010 they occupied 148 million ha in 29 countries, mostly in the Americas and Asia (Mannion, 2012). Though genetically modifying the genome is the basic process of creating genetically modified crops, the environment and the ability to channel nutrients, water, and light into the crop plants is extremely viable to the success of the genetically modified crops. It is stated that, Traditional plant breeding involving cross breeding between individuals of a species or its close relatives to produce hybrids, soil preparation, weed, insect and disease control and water management are all employed to maximize crop production (Mannion, 2012). Because the process has so much science involved, there are advantages and disadvantages to the process. Scientists have put them into three categories known as, increased/decreased productivity per unit area, indirect environmental advantages/disadvantages and socio-economic advantages/disadvantages (Mannion, 2012), though there is some blurring between these groups. For example, the production of crops resistant to pests is potentially an advantage

ASG#2 Biology TB

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economically through enhanced production per unit area and because fewer conventional chemical pesticides are necessary there are environmental and further economic advantages (Mannion, 2012). While increased yields are a primary objective of genetically modified technology in agriculture there are other potential advantages and disadvantages in relation to the environment. Scientists have concluded that , issues include changes to the carbon footprint of agricultural systems using GM rather than non-genetically modified crops, the real and potential development of resistance by weeds and insects to herbicide and insecticide traits in crop plants (as might occur re chemical herbicides and insecticides), the spread of modified genes into wild species, harm to beneficial organisms, especially insects, and the potential of crops engineered with tolerance to environmental stresses to expand agriculture into marginal areas at the expense of natural ecosystems (Kowalski, 2008). Social And Ethical Implications With respect to genetic technology, one of the difficulties in understanding and weighing its consequences, and implications is that they are not easy to understand to begin with. There are two distinctly opposing views regarding genetically modified food: some see it as a way to alleviate and perhaps even end world hunger, while the opposite side of the spectrum fears it has the potential to destroy human civilization. One of the more difficult questions that scientists have posed is what, if any, harm can genetically modifying foods do to the worlds ecosystem (Mandel, 2009). One possibility is the effect of genetic pollen. Every plant releases pollen and genetically modified plants will release modified pollen. Mandel writes , The pollen produced by these plants, carrying

ASG#2 Biology TB

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new genes, cannot be contained. As a result, genetic pollution of natural crop varieties and of wild plant relatives may occur (Mendel, 2009). Some of the other inherent problems with genetically modified foods include regulation of the technology used to develop them, ownership and control over the food chain and corporate responsibility (Kearnes et al., 2006). Some researchers believe that agricultural biotechnology has the potential to resolve some very difficult problems. Kowalski stated that , The future is likely to include the use of transgenic plants to aid the reclamation of contaminated soils, to provide the basis for the factory production of vaccines, and target the specific treatments for plant diseasesa plant equivalent of pharmacogenomics. It may well be that a significant proportion of the worlds needs for fuel, fiber, food and some medicines will develop from agricultural biotechnology (Kowalski, 2008). Because the scientific process behind genetically modified crops is so complex, more research and testes need to be done in order to perfect the process. Some researchers have suggested that the implications of genetic technology are not being researched enough in comparison to the number of technologies constantly emerging. There is often too much of a rush to get a patent on a new technology and make money while it can without completely considering the full range of consequences of unleashing these technologies into the world. Scientists have claimed that studies are needed to show that the genes that have been inserted into our food wont continue to migrate into us or into other parts of the environment...There should be a moratorium on this technology until that kind of safety can and has been demonstrated (Mendel, 2009). Personal Viewpoint

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My personal viewpoint on genetically modified crops is mixed. I do believe that genetically modified crops have the potential to eliminate famine and world hunger across the world; I think there are too many potentially harmful side effects of it. Because the process is not exactly perfect, anything can go wrong and become potentially harmful. Though the majority of the United States does ingest genetically modified crops, which may have a role in overly developed children and early death in the elderly. There are too many questions and concerns behind the process and though some say that genetically modified crops are more nutritious, there are too many mysteries behind it.

ASG#2 Biology TB

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References Kearnes, M., Grove-White,R., Macnaghten, P., Wilsdon, J.,& Wynne, B. (2006). From bio to nano: Learning lessons from the UK agricultural biotechnology controversy. Science as Culture, 15(4), 291-307. Retrieved from http://www.ebscohost.com Kowalski, S. (2008). Rational risk/benefit analysis of genetically modified crops. 12(1), 92-103. Retrieved from http://www.ebscohost.com Mannion, A. M. (2012). Biotechnology in agriculture: Agronomic and environmental considerations and reflections based on 15 years of gm crops. . 36(6), 747-763. Retrieved from http://www.ebscohost.com Starr. , Evers, , & Starr, (2013). Biology today and tomorrow without physiology. (4th ed.). Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning.

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