Plant biotechnology genetically modified plants

Biotechnology is likely to have a tremendous impact on s ricultursd science. Agricultural scientists have begim to use biotechnology in an attempt to improve a wide variety of characteristics in various plants and animals. Some genetically modified plants are already commercially available. As genetically modified foods are created, scientists must deal with the social issues and scientific questions that they create. 

Insect Resistance. The use of biotechnology to achieve insect resistance in food plants destined for human or animal consumption is accomplished by incorporating a gene into a particular food plant such as com. In the case of Bt-corn, the gene for toxin production from the bacterium B. thurin ensis was incorporated into the com plant. This toxin is an insecticide commonly used in agriculture and is safe for human consumption. Genetically modified plants that permanently produce this toxin have been shown to require lower quantities of insecticides in specific situations, for example, where pest pressure is high. 

Westview Press, 2002. A research biologist examines genetically modified plants, explaining the science behind them. He is generally supportive of biotechnology. 

The plant-based production of vaccines is a potentially transformative technology, but the use of a similar technology for agricultural biotechnology has stimulated significant public debate, especially focused on genetically modified foods (GM foods). 

It should be pointed out that some of these applications of modem biotechnology are by no means free of controversy the best-known example being the use of genetically modified (GM) cereals. In the United States GM products seem to be entering the marketplace except in specific areas but they are banned in Europe and some other countries. These crops were simply an extension of the traditional processes used since the beginning of civilization to improve plants by selecting desirable features and the modem process involving DNA manipulation is under better control, is more accurate, and is much faster. 

A problem in the biotechnological synthesis of indigo is the disposal of the large amounts of biomass produced. Application as a fertilizer is not yet a ready option, because of the possible liberation of genetically modified microorganisms. Alternative disposal methods, such as an efficient clarification plant or incineration, are associated with additional costs. 

Despite the enormous efforts in the biotechnological production of plant secondary metabolites, only three commercial processes have so far been implemented and no genetically modified plant is currently cultivated for the production of secondary metabolites. On the other hand, continuous and rapid advances in plant genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics could make the production of plant natural products by cell culture, transgenic plants or transfected microbial cells much more relevant in the future. 

The early success of plant biotechnology has recently been threatened by increasing consumer resistance. While the introduction of genetically modified crops has been very successful in the USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Australia and China, consumers in Western Europe and Japan have heavily opposed prod-... 

Plant biotechnology and the agriculture/feed/food market, which implies occupying a strong position in genetically modified crops (seed) for feed and food and in agrochemicals. 

Plant biotechnology and consumer/industrial products. Companies choosing this option will concentrate on genetically modified, plant-derived additives and raw materials, for example, modified natural fibers. 

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