The Effects of Genetically Modified Crops

Abstract

The topic and focus of the following paper will include the effects of genetically modified crops or GM for short, how they are produced, what they are used for, regulations for GM, pros and cons, the environmental effects of such crops, and the history behind the crops.  A genetically modified (GM) crop is a plant with variations in its genes that are modified to have certain traits that the consumer or producer wants it to have. The main reason why breeders prefer genetically modified crops over other approaches is because it allows them to do things that other techniques are not able to do.  The advantages of genetically designing crops in farming include: a greater yield in harvests, the decrease expenses for food or medicinal production, decreased need for pesticides, greater quality for supplements and nourishments, an added protection from pests or diseases, and health advantages to the ever-growing population of the world. Although selective breeding has many great advantages, there are some noteworthy disadvantages that are important to consider. An extensive knowledge of the gene, its encoded protein, and the interactions with other genes or protein are required for a successful GM program. This requires a lot of time and money which very few people would have unless funded with additional assistance. Throughout this paper, there will be various topics that will be discussed. This includes the gains and detriments of GM crops, the techniques being used, the various uses of GM crops, the environmental impact of GM crops, and the regulations that are in place for GM crops.