Pros
- Can be Engineered to be Resistant
GM crops can be modified to be resistant to things such as harsh temperatures, lack of water, insects, and pathogens. Because of this, genetically modifying plants can be used as a possible solution to the increasing demand of food due to the rate of our world's population growth. By modifying crops to be more resistant, crop yields will increase (Key et al., 2008).
- Can be
Engineered to Improve Nutritional Content
GM crops can be modified to express nutrients that would not normally present. This is helpful because most individuals in developing countries have to rely on a limited selection of foods to fulfill their nutritional needs. An example of a crop that has been modified in this way is Golden Rice. Golden Rice was engineered to contain higher levels of β-carotene, which is a precursor for vitamin A synthesis. Vitamin A deficiency is a big deal in developing countries and has led to a significant amount of deaths. Golden Rice was engineered to combat that problem (Key et al., 2008).
Cons
- Might Lead to Allergies
It is possible that GM crops might contain allergens from other crops; however, measures are taken to closely regulate this problem, such as testing the product on animals before distributing the crop to the public. It is also possible that new allergens might be created by modifying crops, but again, measures are taken to monitor this problem. It's even possible that by genetically modifying a plant, a specific allergen may be removed, but research on this idea is relatively new (Key et al., 2008).
- Effects on the Environment
Because a great number of GMOs are engineered to be resistant to herbicides, use of toxic herbicides has increased 15 times since the emergence of GMOs. These herbicide resistant GMOs have also lead more resistant weeds and bugs. This increase in resistance has led to the use of even more toxic poisons to kill these weeds and bugs. Most of the long term effects of GM crops on the environment are unknown and this has caused a lot of controversy in the public (GMO Facts, 2014).
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