Genetics

Biological basis This concept in biology refers to the production of crops and plants for animal and also human consumption where the recent molecular biology is used. The main objective is to enhance certain desired characteristics or traits. There is also an increase in the nutritional content. The entire process of modification is taken under artificial laboratory conditions in order to increase herbicides resistance. A good example is the Bacillus thuringiensis that produce crystal proteins which engulf insect larvae. The application is in the corn plant. The following are the biological ground that start and favor the genetically modified crops and plants. First, the technique increases the crop and plant resistance to pests and diseases. This is because losses that result from insect pests can destroy crops and plants which can result to big financial losses the case of farmers. In addition, they cause starvation in countries that are developing. Second, these crops can act as herbicide. This helps to prevent environmental pollution since farmers stop using more herbicides. For example, there is a strain created by Monsanto of soybeans which is genetically modified so that it cannot be adversely affected by product Roundup as herbicide. Third, genetically modified crops and plants are able to tolerate conditions of coldness which can destroy the seedlings. For example, there is an introduction of an antifreeze gene that come from cold water fish in has tobacco and also potato. These genes ensure that plants are able to endure in the cold temperatures that normally kill unmodified seedlings. Forth, there is tolerance of modified crops and plants in conditions of drought and salinity. In the modern world, where land as a resource has become scarce, farmers are forced to grow crops in such areas that were previously unsuited in terms of cultivation. So the technology of creating plants and crops which endure high salt or acidic content in soil and also long periods of drought, helps the farmers to boost output. Finally, genetically modified crops improve diet and nutrition which prevents diseases that come as a result of malnutrition especially in developing countries. This is because these crops contains enough and necessary nutrients that help in prevention of malnutrition Social and ethical implications Although, crops and plants that are genetically modified are important in many economical and social aspects, they are always accompanied by negative effects upon the environment and also the health of the people through the following ways: First, there are health complications that are associated with the genetically modified crops. For instance, there are allergic complications that are caused by certain genes when they are introduced to the plants. Upon their consumption, they lead to serious health problems that will terminate one’s life if not treated promptly. Second, is unintended harm to other organisms' For instance, Bacillus thuringiensis in corn would result high mortality numbers in the case of monarch butterfly caterpillars Finally, the whole process of producing the genetically modified crops and plants causes is associated with economic costs. For instance, the costs of buying performing laboratory experiments and also bringing the modified crop produce into the market. Another cost is that of patent enforcement that is difficult. Personal viewpoint My personal opinion is that these foods that are genetically-modified are good since they solve many problems of the world like hunger and malnutrition complications. They also help to preserve and also protect the environment through yield increase and by reducing the heavy reliance on chemical herbicides or pesticides as opposed to the many challenges that lie ahead to the fiscal governments when considering areas where there are regulation, food labeling , testing in relation to safety and also international policy. References Gatehouse, R.M.A. & Ferry, N. (Environmental impact of genetically modified crops).Wallingford, UK; Cambridge, Ma: CABI. Kempken, F. (2010).Genetic Modification of plants: agriculture, horticulture and forestry: Berlin; Heidelberg.Springer. Sheldon, M.I., Moschini, G. & Carter, A.C. (2011).Genetically modified food and global welfare.Binngley, UK: Emerald.