Camden Bole

Mercy Arulanandu

BIO-181L / T-3:15

25 November 2016

Applications of Biotechnology Regarding Genetic Modification of Plants

The genetic modification of plants has been a major influence in many areas of science

and industry. The idea first began with Gregor Mendels study of the pea plant. He ran

experiments using cross-breeding and created the inheritance theory. This led to the theorization

and discovery of genes, which set the foundation for genetics (Stewart 21). Since then, plant

genetics has progressed rapidly. Dr. Norman Borlaug used cross-breeding and different growth

techniques to create a quickly-produced and disease-resistant wheat crops in Mexico (14). Dr.

Mary-Dell Chilton worked with Agrobacterium plasmids to insert desired genes into the target

plants genome (16). Currently, the most high-profile genetic engineering is being used by food

corporations to create mass-production of desired plants. This application is especially important

because of how it relates to the hunger crises in other countries, as well as the American food

industry and farming ethics. This topic is quite intriguing due to ethical discrepancies largely

founded on misconceptions, and a fuller understanding of the subject puts many of these ideas to

rest. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present information on the operation of genetic

modification, current usage, the pros and cons, and ultimately evidence to encourage the

furtherance of research and development in this area as well as how this research can be

conducted.

There is a multiplicity of ways that genetic modification occurs. One of the most

common is the aforementioned method provided by Dr. Chilton. Agrobacterium plasmids are
loaded with the desired DNA, which then take DNA out of the bacterium and into target cells.

The DNA then inserts itself into the plant DNA, which then codes for mRNA and the production

of proteins just like the plants own DNA (Stewart 16). Another method of engineering is the

gene-gun method. Plant tissue is placed on shelves, in Petri dishes, at variable lengths from a

syringe filter unit. Particles of metals are sterilized and coated in the desired DNA. The particles

are loaded into the syringe filter, which is attached to a compression unit. Compressed gas bursts

through the filter, sending the particles into the desired material. The DNA then disperses

throughout the tissue (Finer 324-5).

This technology is used in a wide variety of ways. For instance, in poorer countries, these

techniques are used to provide larger yields of cheaper and hardier food that does not need

pesticides. Pesticides lower product yields, although those yields are higher than those ridden by

bugs. The genetic modification makes the plants insect-resistant, eliminating the need for

pesticides and therefore greatly increasing yields (Chow). In the United States, it is used to

increase the quality and quantity of products as well. Genetically modified crops generally have

longer shelf lives, and they are fortified with vitamins and minerals, making it easier for lower-

income families to get the necessary nutrients from base-quality foods (Johnson 34).

The advantages of genetically modifying foods are numerous. Genetically modified

organisms are making leaps in bounds regarding the issues of world hunger. Lower costs make

the crops available to more producers, who can then lower the price of the product. Greater

yields mean that the product is available to more people. Fortifying the crops helps combat

malnutrition and disease in countries with nutrient-low soil. It can also be adjusted to fit

geography-specific concerns. In India, one-third of all land has high salinity levels because of

overirrigation and intense use of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, a research team has created rice
with a saline resistance, allowing the crops to be grown in areas with three times the normal

salinity levels. However, the disadvantages are present as well. There is worry of the creation of

super weeds. Based on how pollination spreads genetic information, crops may pass the traits

that prevent them from being affected by herbicides and pests to neighboring species of weeds,

which would make those weeds difficult to control. Another concern is that the proteins created

through modification would create new allergens, which would begin to pose health risks.

However, these concerns are currently being combatted. So far, the super weed has yet to show

possibility of production, and researchers would test the newly-created proteins to determine if

they have allergenic effects (Reece 432-3).

While there are legitimate concerns, those should not stop the advancement of the genetic

modification of plants. These concerns, as with other that have risen as this technology has

advanced, are being dealt with and put to rest as they come. However, the advantages are

indispensable. The contributions made to the food supplies in other countries, as well as the

increase in quality of foods for low-income families in first world countries, cannot be

overstated. While there are ambiguities and caution as this technology evolves, they are to be

expected with any technology. As long as these ethical issues are met and resolved, then the

technology should continue to improve the lives of people across the globe.

Plant genetic modification is a necessary scientific practice in todays world. The

techniques used are being constantly improved, which makes the new products cheaper and

easier to obtain. It makes agriculture more viable for all and creates a safer and better food

supply. The exciting advancement of this biotechnology provides a hopeful future for the food

and agriculture across the planet.

 References

Chow, Steve et al. (2016). Insight into the Genetically Modified Foods: from Concerns of Safety
to Food Development (Part I). Science Insights, 2016.

Finer, John J. et al. (1992). Development of the particle inflow gun for DNA delivery to plant
cells. Plant Cell Reports, 11, 324-325.

Johnson, Susan. (2014). Genetically Modified Food: A Golden Opportunity? Sustainable

Development Law and Policy, 14(1), 34

Reece, Jane et al. (2014). Campbell Biology. (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Print.
432-433.

Stewart Jr, C. Neal. (2016). Plant Biotechnology and Genetics: Principles, Techniques, and
Applications. (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Print. 14, 16, 21.