The Important Things To Know Regarding Transgenic Crops Transgene

By Jason Long


A transgenic plant basically contains genes that have been inserted artificially rather than the plant acquiring them normally through pollination. These inserted genes are normally referred to as transgene. These artificially inserted genes can be obtained from another plant which is not related to the plant receiving the genes. The genes may also come from a totally different species. Transgenic crops transgene are sometimes known as genetically modified plants.

Originally, no crop was domesticated, they were all wild and scientist later domesticated them through genetic modification. The plants are made with some engineered material with a sole goal of enhancing or improving the original organism. GMO seeds are today being used to generate better corn, soybeans as well as cotton.

A plant breeder will try to assemble combination of genes basically in a crop which makes the plant more useful and also more productive than before. Depending on the purpose and where the plant is to be grown, these desirable genes may actually provide several desirable features such as improved quality and higher yields among other features.

Some of improved qualities that can be inserted in a plant include drought resistance, higher yields, pest resistance, and disease resistance. Reduced maturity period, prolonged ripening period for tomatoes, resistance to cold, tolerance to heat are among other features that can be introduced in a plant. Combining several good genes in one crop may sometimes prove to be a difficult task that may take years to achieve the intended results.

Using traditional techniques, it is very difficult to transfer protein genes from soybean to a different crop like corn. Transgenic technology will make it possible for plant breeder to basically bring together several essential genes from many sources and insert them in one crop. The genes may not necessary be from a plant that is closely related to the recipient plant.

These crops will also require less machine hours hence reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that would have been emitted to the environment. There is less emission of gas from greenhouse which is also a benefit. Since farmers will not require any insecticides they can then save their money instead of buying these chemicals. Some people even think that GMO foods actually taste better and are of good quality.

There are pros related with the production of such crops and there are also some cons associated with the plant. Seeds are genetically modified for various reasons which may include improved resistance to diseases, generating healthier plants and producing insect resistance plants. The above traits have the ability to lower the chances of plant failure and enhance plants resistance to extreme weather.

GMO foods may sometimes have minerals and vitamins added to them via genetic modification simply to offer greater nutritive benefits. These GMOs also have some cons. There might be some environmental damage sustained as a result growing plants in some environmental conditions that generally would not support such plants.

Less land is required for these GMO plants hence resulting to reduced environmental pollution, less soil erosion, and less greenhouse gas emissions. Enhanced productivity that is as a resultant of GMos may convince more farmers to dedicate their lands for farming rather than for real estate. The negative impact of GMO is the food allergies associated with it. The crops when consumed in large proportions have the potential to lower resistance of a person to antibiotics.




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