By modifying the genes, scientists can alter the characteristics of an organism. ... For example, plant geneticists can isolate the gene responsible for draught tolerance and insert that gene into a different plant. ... Genes can also be transferred from non-plant organisms to plant organisms. ... Need something Plant biologists are currently working on creating plants that would be resistant to many viruses and bacteria. ... The EPA evaluates GM plants for environmental safety, the USDA evaluated whether the plant is safe to grow, and the FDA evaluates whether the plant is safe to eat. ...

• Word Count: 1378
• Approx Pages: 6

Until the 20th century, this had to be done by breeding desirable characteristics into crops. ... Basically, the sodium ions in salt are toxic to plants because they interfere with their metabolism. The modified tomato contains a gene that makes it gather ions inside vacuoles where they can't harm the plant. ... Environmentalists are worried that GM crops could pollinate wild plant species, introducing foreign GM genes into non-GM species. ...

• Word Count: 807
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

No longer does the gradual process of selective breeding confine improvements; we now have the ability to genetically modify a species' specific characteristics within a single generation (Ford 65). ... This new understanding opened up the prospect that the genetic coding of an organism could be altered to give the new characteristics in ways that natural evolution or selective breeding could not produce (History). ... Scientists have developed a number of techniques for getting a desired gene into a plant. ... Scientists have been able to use that ability to deliver genes of their ch...

• Word Count: 3593
• Approx Pages: 14
• 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

" (Key, Ma, and Drake 292) In 2012, the American Association for the Advancement of Science declared that "foods containing ingredients from genetically modified (GM) crops pose no greater risk than the same foods made from crops modified by conventional plant breeding techniques." ... Apart from this, crops with GM characteristics have been tested more than any other agricultural products in the history of agriculture with the results also showing no evidence of harm to human beings or animals. ... Now with GM technology, we can take the most advantage of some deserted or desolate areas ...

• Word Count: 1693
• Approx Pages: 7
• 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

China alone will plant over a million acres of genetically modified cotton. ... That means the plants genes have been altered to make crops easier to grow and more pest resistant. Seed developers are able to target a single plant trait without the unintended characteristics that may occur with traditional breeding methods. ... One fact is clear though, whether farmers ponder the decision of planting transgenic crops or consumers debate over purchasing select food items, bringing GM food to the American table is creating anticipation of positive benefits--better nutritional, pharmacological, an...

• Word Count: 1385
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Abstract This research proposal suggests a multi-faceted approach to the issue of genetically modified organisms and the intimately linked controversy surrounding GM crops. The proposal recommends existing research be posited as a basis from which to explore the activity of major global GMO speciali...

• Word Count: 3198
• Approx Pages: 13
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate