Genetic Engineering in Agriculture

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Genetic Engineering in Agriculture

Introduction

Genetic Engineering is the technical manipulation of an object from

the natural world in a way in which it would provide a benefit to

humans.

Genetic engineering is also known as recombinant DNA technology which

means changing the genes in a living organism to produce a Genetically

Modified Organism (GMO) with a new genotype.

Various kinds of genetic modification are possible such as inserting a

foreign gene from one species into another, forming a transgenic

organism; altering an existing gene so that its product is changed; or

changing gene expression so that it is translated more often or not at

all [1].

Genetic engineering is also sometimes called bioengineering, genetic

manipulation, gene technology and biotechnology i.e. the industrial

use of biological processes.

Why is genetic engineering used in agriculture?

Genetic modification is used to grow crops in some parts of the world.

Genetic modification (GM) involves copying the genes which govern a

particular characteristic from one organism and transferring them to

another organism. An example of a GM crop is Soya. The Soya is

genetically modified so that it is tolerant to the herbicide

glyphosate [4]. This would reduce the usage of insecticides and

herbicides therefore less money is spent by the farmers and the

condition of the crops would be better.

How is it done?

Genetic engineering works by physically removing a gene from one

organism and inserting it into another organism giving it the ability

to express the trait encoded by that gene. Below is a simple summary

of how genetic engineering i...

... middle of paper ...

...netics

3. Website Address: http://www.anth.org/ifgene/beginner.htm

Article Name: A beginner’s guide to genetic engineering

Author: Dr David Heaf

4. Book Title: GM Crops & the environment

Publisher: the food and drink federation

Edition: October 2000

5. Website Address: http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/835.php

Article name: GM Food

6. Book Title: Holsons: Genetic Engineering

Section title: Application of genetic engineering

Pages: 10-14

7. Website address:

http://www.roanoke.edu/Chemistry/JSteehler/HNRS301/Genetic/Agriculture.htm

Article name: Agriculture and genetic engineering

8. Software Title: Encarta Encyclopaedia 2001

Published: Microsoft

Edition: 2001

9. Website Address: http://www.foodfuture.org.uk/ethical_intro.aspx

Article name: Ethical Issues

Author: Food Future

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