Genetically Modified Plants

Genetically modified plants, or GM plants, are plants that have had their DNA artificially engineered, generally through the synthesis of the plant’s original DNA with that of another organism’s. To do this, contemporary scientists search for the desired gene in an already established and immense database that contains the full genome of a wide spectrum of the known organisms. Once it is found, the gene is usually replicated at an exponential rate due to the utilization of the PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The process includes heating the DNA, which forces it to split. As it cools, primers bind to the strands, thus allowing DNA polymerase to create two complementary strands for each existing strand, thusly creating two identical macromolecules. Then, restriction enzymes are used to cut the DNA of both organisms (the DNA from the PCR and the DNA from the plant in which the gene is to be implanted), which, consequently, permits the aforementioned DNA synthesis. This recombinant DNA is then copied and replicated by the plant, and through artificial selection techniques, passed down from generation to generation, thus preserving the desired attributes. That being said, despite much controversy and speculation regarding how ethical, safe, and healthy genetically modified plants are, their many benefits seem to outweigh these speculations and support the opposing argument, thus imparting that the genetic modification of plants should be continued for the net betterment of contemporary society.

The primary benefits that the genetic modification of plants incurs are, essentially, economical. Because of it, agriculture is made much more efficient. It allows farmers to produce higher yields and more of a surplus in a smaller amount of s...

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...hod of defining what this ambiguous abuse is to establish unbiased informative programs, so that every citizen has the opportunity to develop a unique and individual ethical consensus on the issue. Then, there should be a democratic vote on the issues pertaining to GM crops, the results of which would dictate where the line should be drawn. As for health risks of the possibly toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, it would be ideal to make them no longer necessitated. This may be able to be done by genetic alteration that leads to the crops’ resistance to weeds. If it was done for insects, why can’t it be done for weeds, as well? That being said, because GM crops are propitious in many ways, and there are plausible and pragmatic solutions and compromises concerning the valid and controversial suspicions regarding them, their production should be endorsed and advocated.