Genetic
engineering
Genetically modified
plants are created by the process of genetic engineering, which allows
scientists to move genetic material between organisms with the aim of changing
their characteristics. All organisms are composed of cells that contain the DNA
molecule. Molecules of DNA form units of genetic information, known as genes.
Each organism has a genetic blueprint made up of DNA that determines the
regulatory functions of its cells and thus the characteristics that make it
unique.
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Prior to genetic
engineering, the exchange of DNA material was possible only between individual
organisms of the same species. With the advent of genetic engineering in 1972,
scientists have been able to identify specific genes associated with desirable
traits in one organism and transfer those genes across species boundaries into
another organism. For example, a gene from bacteria, virus, or animal may be
transferred into plants to produce genetically modified plants having changed
characteristics. Thus, this method allows mixing of the genetic material among
species that cannot otherwise breed naturally. The success of a genetically
improved plant depends on the ability to grow single modified cells into whole
plants. Some plants like potato and tomato grow easily from single cell or plant
tissue. Others such as corn, soy bean, and wheat are more difficult to grow.
After years of
research, plant specialists have been able to apply their knowledge of genetics
to improve various crops such as corn, potato, and cotton. They have to be
careful to ensure that the basic characteristics of these new plants are the
same as the traditional ones, except for the addition of the improved traits.
The world of
biotechnology has always moved fast, and now it is moving even faster. More
traits are emerging; more land than ever before is being planted with
genetically modified varieties of an ever-expanding number of crops. Research
efforts are being made to genetically modify most plants with a high economic
value such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, and floriculture and horticulture
species.
Public
concern
The potential of
biotechnology as a method to enhance agricultural productivity in the future has
been accepted globally.
However, because of
its revolutionary nature, there is a great degree of risk and uncertainty
attached to the process of genetic engineering and the resultant genetically
modified products.
Risks are also
associated with genetically modified plants that are released into the
environment. The nature of interactions with other organisms of the natural
ecosystems cannot be anticipated without proper scientific testing. For example,
modified plants with enhanced resistance to pests or disease threaten to
transfer resistance to the wild relatives. This may have implications for
biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. These and other numerous doubts plague the
minds of common people and the decision-makers.
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