Genes are directly associated with specific features and/or functions of an organism. ... Also, scientists have been using vectors, strands of DNA-like viruses, which can infect any cell and insert themselves into its DNA. ... The most widely used genetically engineered plants are herbicide resistant. ... Growing these pest resistant plants have also caused much concern. ... When the wind blows it will carry the pollen from the engineered plants and pollute the gene pool of natural plants in the vicinity (Long 3). ...

• Word Count: 1374
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

For centuries humans have been using hybridization to create better plants. ... Often the marker genes render plant cells resistant to antibiotics that would normally kill them. ... One solution that has been put into effect to protect the nontargot organisms and to prevent the pesticide immunity of weeds is to plant a border of traditional plants. ... USDA's animal and plant health inspection service oversees the agricultural environmental safety of planting and field testing genetically engineered plants. ... The documents describe the genes they use: whether they are from a commonly ...

• Word Count: 2153
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This created a specialization in the food system, which is essentially the idea that farms could function more efficiently by focusing on fewer tasks. ... GMO stands for genetically modified organism and the term refers to any plant or ingredient in a product that has had its genes manipulated for a desired effect. ... One highlight from his research includes a rat study, which found significant changes in the rats' blood cells, liver, and kidneys, after consuming Monsanto's genetically-modified corn for 90 days. ...

• Word Count: 1869
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School