Final answer:
Crops have been genetically engineered to increase yields, develop resistance to insects, and resist herbicides, thereby improving pest and weed control and reducing environmental impact. Enhanced nutritional quality and drought tolerance are also notable achievements of genetic modification in agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crops have been genetically modified to accomplish several important agricultural goals. These include increasing crop yields, developing a resistance to insects, and resisting weed-killers. Biotechnology has facilitated improved pest control by enabling plants to express insecticidal proteins, like those from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), leading to a significant reduction in harmful pesticide usage.
Additionally, genetically engineered crops like herbicide-tolerant soybeans, cotton, and corn have made weed management easier and more environmentally friendly. They allow farmers to use less toxic herbicides that break down more quickly, posing less risk to both wildlife and humans.
Crops have also been engineered to have enhanced nutritional qualities, survive environmental stresses like drought, and even produce substances with potential health benefits, such as cancer-fighting antioxidants found in transgenic purple tomatoes.