Genetic modification allows scientists to create characteristics and traits in organisms that could not naturally occur. All genetically engineered foods created so far are derived from genetically engineered plants. ... " Essentially, genetically modified food is the test tube baby of the plant world. Scientists are able to splice genes and manipulate DNA to create a plant with the desired attributes. ... Fortunately, the plant was not put into production (119). ...

• Word Count: 1697
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

These experimental combinations of genes from different species that cannot occur in nature are modified in the laboratory to enhance characteristics such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content which has been a hot topic ever since their introduction in 1980. ... Similarly, bacteria-resistant plants often lead to a bacterium that evolves and becomes more difficult to fight. The very toxins that GMO plants produce to fight insects and diseases also take a toll on some on the organisms that are not destroying plants such as butterflies, bees and caterpillars (Dill)...

• Word Count: 1303
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Virtually half soybeans in the United States are GM to produce a chemical that makes plants invulnerable to weeding-killing sprays. ... Due to the advancements in genetics scientists gained the ability to alter plants and animals by using recombinant DNA techniques, or by combining two different molecules of DNA. ... With rising technology GM animals and plants could be used to make vaccines, drugs, hormones, and other useful substances needed today to help the sick. ... Farmers have used selection and hybridization techniques to harvest plants and animals with preferred traits, but they ...

• Word Count: 1500
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The introduction of the Plant Patent Act of 1930 changed all of this and agricultural patenting of seeds became permissible. ... GM seeds are seeds that have been modified to contain certain characteristics such as resistance to herbicides or pests, drought resistance, increased crop yields, and nutrient enhanced foods. ... Plants capable of growing under harsh temperatures, drought, or other natural conditions would be of instrumental importance in the event that climate change leaves key areas of the world less amenable to agriculture. ... Since their agricultural division was established in...

• Word Count: 2684
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate