Final answer:
A plant that is RoundUp ready has been genetically modified to resist the herbicide glyphosate found in RoundUp, allowing for efficient weed control without crop damage. However, heavy use of glyphosate has sparked health and ecological concerns, including the development of resistant weeds.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a plant to be RoundUp ready means that it has been genetically engineered to resist the effects of the herbicide Roundup, whose active ingredient is glyphosate. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that can kill a wide range of plants by inhibiting the synthesis of essential amino acids. However, RoundUp ready crops, such as soybeans, corn, and cotton, have a gene from bacteria inserted into their genome that allows them to continue synthesizing these amino acids even in the presence of glyphosate, making them immune to the herbicide's effects.
The development of herbicide-resistant crops was a major agricultural advancement, as it allowed for the application of Roundup to control noxious weeds without damaging the actual crop. This innovation has been associated with benefits like reduced soil erosion due to no-till farming practices and more efficient integrated pest management. However, extensive use of glyphosate has led to concerns about human health, ecological implications, and the evolution of herbicide-resistant superweeds.