Genetic Engineering

We can also transfer genes into plants to produce genetically modified (GM) crops.

Generally, GM crops produce a greater yield than normal crops.

Can make GM crops resistant to disease or insect attack or produce bigger and better fruits.

Some GM crops are resistant to hebicides. This means that farmers can spray their fields to kill weeds without harming the GM crop.

Bacteria have been genetically modified to produce human insulin that can be used to treat diabetes.

Sheep have been genetically engineered to produce substances, like drugs, in their milk that can be used to treat human diseases.

1) A useful gene is isolated (cut) from one organism's genome using enzymes and is inserted into a vector.

2) The vector either a virus or a bacterial plasmid (circular DNA) depending on the type of organism the gene is being transferred to.

3) When the vector is introduced to the target organism, the useful gene is inserted into its cell(s)

Pros:

-> Characteristics chosen for GM crops can increase the yield, making more food.

-> People living in developing nations often lack nutrients. GM crops could be engineered to contain the nutrient that is missing.

-> GM crops are already being grown, often without any problems.

Cons:

-> Some people believe that GM crops will affect the number of wild flowers ( and so the population of insects) that live around the crops - reducing farmland biodiversity.

-> Not everyone is convinced that GM crops are safe and some people are concerned that we might not fully understand the effects of eating them on human health.

-> Transplanted genes may get into the natural environment and create resistances to the gene.