Genetically Modified Plants Summary Makes changes to the hereditary material of a living organism Biotechnologies are used to develop plants resistant to pests, diseases, drought, heat, or cold, and improve the nutritional content of plant food

In 2006, a total of 252 million acres of transgenic crops were planted in 22 countries by 10.3 million farmers Herbicide- and insect- resistant soybeans, corn, and cotton Sweet potato resistant to a virus that could decimate most of the African harvest Rice with increased iron and vitamins that may alleviate chronic malnutrition in Asian countries Variety of plants able to survive weather extremes

Examples of GM Plants Roundup, made by Monsanto (agriculture company)- a herbicide that kills any plant that it touches Created “Roundup Ready” crops Crop ignores Roundup, but weeds are killed Roundup Ready seeds reduce production costs and increase yield, so food becomes less expensive Scientists have inserted genes that produce a natural insecticide into corn plants

Genetically Modified Flower Blue Roses –A Japanese company, Suntory –Delphinidin (produces blue pigment) –Growing the rose experimentally in Australia and the United States to get approval for sales

Technology Restriction enzymes Ligase enzymes Gene vector Donor gene

Benefits Crops –Preventing malnutrition/disease –Eliminating Pesticides Environment –"Friendly" herbicides and insecticides –Conservation of soil, water, and energy –Better natural waste management Society –Increased food security for growing populations

Risks and Controversies Safety –Human health impact: allergens, transfer of antibiotic resistance markers, unknown effects Ethics –Violation of nature’s organisms –Tampering with nature by mixing genes among species –Objections to consuming animal genes in plants

Sources ood.shtml crops/1-agricultural-biotechnology.htm#0 Whitman, Deborah. Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful. April