(4) Examples of genetically modified crops/animals

BT corn – genetically modified maize. A gene from BT has been incorporated into maize DNA. This means the plants produce a toxin that makes them resistant to insects. BT corn crops are grown in the US. It is particularly toxic to the European corn borer (ECB). The ECN damages vascular bundles and disrupts transport of water and nutrients through stems and leaves.

Rice plants store vitamin A in their leaves but not in their rice grains. Adding genes from daffodils and from a bacterium genetically modifies golden rice. This allows the plant to store beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the grains, which causes the golden colour. This provides…