HUMAN BIOLOGY: CONCEPTS - 9780134312729
HUMAN BIOLOGY: CONCEPTS - 9780134312729
8th Edition
ISBN: 2819260095972
Author: Johnson
Publisher: PERUSALL
bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 20, Problem 1QC
Summary Introduction

To review:

The consideration of the widespread planting of GM (genetically modified) food crops and the comfort level of a person in consuming them.

Introduction:

GM or genetically modified crops are in use for many years, still, there are many opponents of GM crops. There are various benefits and problems associated with the widespread use of such crops. Although there are no reports of problems with the GM crops yet, there might be in the near future.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

GM crops are being planted nationwide now. There are some pros and cons of this practice. They described as follows:

Pros:

1. These plants are genetically created to have characteristics like insect resistance and greater yield.

2. These plants are good for environments as lack of insecticides, toxic chemicals and fertilizers and farming equipment produce less harm to the environment.

3. The weeds are checked by these plants.

4. Reduced cost of production makes the food cheaper.

Cons:

1. There are some improvements needed for regulation criteria of GM foods by FDA (Food and Drug Administration), like random checks.

2. Organic crops are being cross-pollinated by GM crops. Some of the insects and weeds are evolved and started to overcome the GM crops.

3. GM seeds company policies are causing the farmers to spend money on seeds and raising the cost of farming.

4. Crops, if subjected to harsh conditions they are not accustomed to, entire crops may fail as they are all genetically similar and no other genetic variations will be available.

Based on these points, the widespread planting of GM crops will not be advisable as if the crops fail, there will be serious consequences for the world at large. The government should make some regions GM-free so the organic crops can flourish and be available for the contingency if the GM crops fail at all.

Even though GM crops can be a problem in the future, right now there is no problem in consuming them. The GM crops are safe for consumption as there are no reported deaths, allergic reactions and medical conditions caused by them. FDA keeps monitoring the GM crops and till now have not found any discrepancy that might be lethal for humans. So far, one must not feel hesitant in consuming the products derived from these crops.

Conclusion

Therefore, there are certain factors that make widespread GM planting useful, but there might be problems with the GM crops in the future and these problems will be catastrophic in nature. So their wide use should be controlled. However, one can eat GM crops comfortably as they have not shown any medical hazard.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
You aim to test the hypothesis that the Tbx4 and Tbx5 genes inhibit each other's expression during limb development. With access to chicken embryos and viruses capable of overexpressing Tbx4 and Tbx5, describe an experiment to investigate whether these genes suppress each other's expression in the limb buds. What results would you expect if they do repress each other? What results would you expect if they do not repress each other?
You decide to delete Fgf4 and Fgf8 specifically in the limb bud. Explain why you would not knock out these genes in the entire embryo instead.
You implant an FGF10-coated bead into the anterior flank of a chicken embryo, directly below the level of the wing bud. What is the phenotype of the resulting ectopic limb?  Briefly describe the expected expression domains of 1) Shh, 2) Tbx4, and 3) Tbx5 in the resulting ectopic limb bud.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Science Of Agriculture Biological Approach
Biology
ISBN:9780357229323
Author:Herren
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Nutrition Now
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337415408
Author:Brown
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Intro To Health Care
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337338295
Author:Mitchell
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies - Standalo...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781305627994
Author:Frances Sizer, Ellie Whitney
Publisher:Brooks Cole
Text book image
Nutrition
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337906371
Author:Sizer, Frances Sienkiewicz., WHITNEY, Ellie
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
What is food insecurity?; Author: RWJBarnabas Health;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXXiuLgiL18;License: Standard youtube license