L6 - Genetic Modification

• Genetic modification


  Transferring a gene from one organism into another organism's DNA.
• An example of using genetically modified crops:

  Herbicide resistant plant - soya bean

  1. Insert a gene into soya bean plants' DNA so they are resistant to herbicide
  2. Grow GM soya bean plants in a field
  3. Use herbicide to kill the weeds (GM soya bean plants unaffected)
  4. This means the GM soya plants have less competition for light, nutrients, water and space
  5. This means there is an increased yield of GM soya plants
• Advantages of genetically modified crops:

  • Increased yield
  • Grow in harsh conditions
  • Resistance to disease
  • Fewer insecticide sprays needed (make GM plants resistant to pests)
• Disadvantages of genetically modified crops:

  • Could cause allergies from new proteins
  • Could reduce biodiversity
  • Accidental transfer of genes to non GM plants
  • Unknown long term effects