Question

Read the passage. Then Explain the ways humans have influenced the traits in corn plants and the impacts each biotechnology has had.

Passage :
Many of the types of corn found in grocery stores were originally bred for their taste and productivity. But these varieties are often threatened by pests. This makes it harder for farmers to produce enough corn.
Scientists have used genetic engineering to make GMO corn plants that are resistant to pests. In one type of GMO plant, they added genes from bacteria that live in soil. The genes let the GMO plants produce a bacterial protein that kills certain insects.
Read the assignment carefully and make sure you answer each part of the question or questions.
After you've written your response, go back and read it again to make sure your thoughts are clear.

Answer 1

Humans have influenced corn traits through selective breeding and genetic engineering, resulting in pest-resistant GMO corn. These biotechnologies have enhanced productivity and food quality but have also raised human safety and environmental concerns, with varying impacts on growers, marketers, and consumers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Humans have influenced the traits in corn plants mainly through two methods: selective breeding and genetic engineering. Selective breeding is a traditional approach where farmers choose plants with desirable traits to produce offspring with those traits over multiple generations. This method has been employed for thousands of years and has led to the creation of the maize plant from its ancestor, the wild teosinte. On the other hand, genetic engineering is a more recent biotechnological approach. It involves the artificial introduction of DNA into plants to create GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). For instance, scientists have transferred genes from soil bacteria to corn plants, enabling the creation of pest-resistant GMO corn that produces a protein toxic to specific insects.

The impacts of biotechnology in corn include increasing productivity, improving resistance to pests and diseases, and enhancing nutritional values. However, its use has also raised concerns regarding human safety and environmental risks. The safety of GM foods for human consumption and their environmental impact are constantly assessed through scientific studies and risk assessments to ensure that they do not pose significant hazards. Most notably, the development of GMO crops has provided resistance to pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides, which can have environmental and human health benefits.

Pros and cons of GM crops are debated among various stakeholders. The pros include increased efficiency and food production, better food quality, and resilience to environmental stresses. The cons include potential unanticipated health risks, environmental impact concerns, and ethical issues. Growers, marketers, and consumers each experience different aspects of these pros and cons, with growers often benefitting from increased yields and consumers potentially experiencing improved food quality and nutritional content.

Overall, genetic modification through biotechnology has had a profound impact on agriculture, fostering the development of plants better suited to human needs. Yet, it's also imperative to carefully consider and manage potential risks associated with GM crops.