If you read about genetically modified crops you may think about science fiction movies and radishes the size of a car. This is the not the case today, but many of the foods you eat are coming from special plants. There are advantages to genetically modifying these plants, and there may be disadvantages. Here is a closer look at "what is genetic engineering".
The main reason that plants are modified is to increase efficiency. One can get more crops from an acre of land. An abundant harvest means food prices will drop. When scientists alter plants genetically they change the DNA to create a plant that is not affected by common disease or blight. History is full of plant disease that causes great famine, and this may be avoided.
Many kinds of genetically modified crops or GMO plants can survive in difficult conditions. Some years may enjoy an abundance of rainfall while others may have long drought periods. GMO crops can be modified to produce plants that do not need a lot of water.
When something has been altered from a DNA level side effects are not uncommon. For instance, a superior plant may also contain toxins. Many people may be allergic to these new kinds of altered foods.
Today, genetic modification is producing super crops that are not affected by poisons from pesticides. This makes it easier for the farmer to spray for insects or weeds. Yet, super plants are giving way to super weeds and insects. In time, they develop immunity to pesticides and can be almost impossible to deal with.
There are good and bad things to think about when examining the question, "what is genetic engineering". Many people have no idea that the foods they consume are GMO. This is why GMO labeling is very important, so consumers can have a choice of what they put into their bodies.
The main reason that plants are modified is to increase efficiency. One can get more crops from an acre of land. An abundant harvest means food prices will drop. When scientists alter plants genetically they change the DNA to create a plant that is not affected by common disease or blight. History is full of plant disease that causes great famine, and this may be avoided.
Many kinds of genetically modified crops or GMO plants can survive in difficult conditions. Some years may enjoy an abundance of rainfall while others may have long drought periods. GMO crops can be modified to produce plants that do not need a lot of water.
When something has been altered from a DNA level side effects are not uncommon. For instance, a superior plant may also contain toxins. Many people may be allergic to these new kinds of altered foods.
Today, genetic modification is producing super crops that are not affected by poisons from pesticides. This makes it easier for the farmer to spray for insects or weeds. Yet, super plants are giving way to super weeds and insects. In time, they develop immunity to pesticides and can be almost impossible to deal with.
There are good and bad things to think about when examining the question, "what is genetic engineering". Many people have no idea that the foods they consume are GMO. This is why GMO labeling is very important, so consumers can have a choice of what they put into their bodies.
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When you would like to learn more on the value of genetically modified or GMO labeling go to the What is Genetic Engineering website. You also can read about issues with genetically modified crops when you visit the homepage now.
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