Genetically Modified Crops - Essay
Genetically modified crops; what are they? Crops that have been scientifically altered, to create a better species. Though crops can sometimes breed through cross-breeding, with genetically modified crops this is not the case. These crops have had pieces of DNA inserted into them to create a superior race. The reason we produce these superior species of crops are because they are often stronger, resistant to herbicides, quicker growing, and therefore cheaper to produce. That way, the community as well as the farmers benefit from the genetically modified crops. The way these GM crops are created is through the fusing of a plasmid and a new gene. This is done through extracting cells or bacteria from an already strong plant, placing them in a solution that weakens the cell wall, and removing the gene from the cell. Then, the plasmid and the new gene are warmed up, causing them to fuse. Though GM crops are a way of ‘fixing’ previous issues that were in the crops, there is a lot of opposition to them. In the EU, they are currently illegal, but there have been discussions towards allowing them in the EU, but many people see the crops as hazards to our health. So what are the pros and cons of genetically modified crops?
The use of genetically modified crops can cut down the costs of producing immensely. The crops can be modified to be resistant towards certain pests, leading to the use of pesticides being cut down. The pests and weeds may be able to adapt themselves, however, and make themselves completely immune to pesticides and herbicides. This can lead to the pests and weeds being so strong, that they can cause extreme issues in the food production (ex. crops being destroyed by these powerful pests/weeds). This is a long-term effect, and would not happen over a short time, as the genes of the pests and weeds would need time to evolve into these more powerful kinds. This consequence of genetically modified crops is extremely hazardous, as if we do end up with a
The use of genetically modified crops can cut down the costs of producing immensely. The crops can be modified to be resistant towards certain pests, leading to the use of pesticides being cut down. The pests and weeds may be able to adapt themselves, however, and make themselves completely immune to pesticides and herbicides. This can lead to the pests and weeds being so strong, that they can cause extreme issues in the food production (ex. crops being destroyed by these powerful pests/weeds). This is a long-term effect, and would not happen over a short time, as the genes of the pests and weeds would need time to evolve into these more powerful kinds. This consequence of genetically modified crops is extremely hazardous, as if we do end up with a
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