GM Crops
- Created by: catnip3
- Created on: 28-03-18 09:09
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- GM CROPS
- What are they?
- GM stands for genetic modification
- GM -the use of recombinant DNA methods to transfer a gene into an organisms genome
- Another term is 'transgenic', transferring one gene into a different organism
- Over half of ciurrent GM crops carry a gene that makes them resistant to weed killer
- These work by making an enzyme that is not inhibited by herbicide - so the plant will
- Another modification is resistance to insecticides
- This encodes an anti-insecticidal protein
- Are they safe?
- There is a worry that pollen or seeds may spread through the environment
- They might be difficult to contain or eradicate
- GM crops could also interbreed with non GM crops
- This needs to be avoided so usually they are kept in separate fields
- An example is Bt GM crops, which were resistant to insecticides. Their pollen was toxic to monarch butterfly larvae
- There is worry GM crops will become resistant - arising by mutation
- This spreads by a selective advantage
- There is not much direct consumption of GM crops in the UK, however we consume it as GM crops are eaten by animals for food
- Non GM crops can be consumed by animals, and this meat will be more expensive
- In the USA, many processed foods contain GM crops and are not labelled
- There is a worry that pollen or seeds may spread through the environment
- Benefits
- GM technology can develop more nutritious food
- Eg Golden rice which contains vitamin A and helps children who develop permanent blindness
- Food production can be increased by resisting pathogens
- Plants can also be grown in harsh climates
- GM technology can develop more nutritious food
- What are they?
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