Pros & Cons of Genetic Modification
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 21.3.4
Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Crops
The pros and cons of genetically modified (GM) crops are listed below:
Pro - increased yields
Pro - provide missing nutrients
- They could help to provide the nutrients that are often missing from the diets of those living in developing nations.
- E.g. golden rice can help reduce vitamin A deficiency, which can cause blindness.
Pro - so far, so good
- GM crops are popular in some parts of the world and no complications have been experienced so far.
Con - reduced biodiversity
- Some people expect GM crops to negatively impact wild flower and insect populations, thus reducing biodiversity.
Con - effects on human health
- Some people think that there will be long-term effects of consumption on human health.
Con - creation of 'superweeds'
- If transplanted genes managed to escape into the natural environment, we could accidentally create a ‘superweed’ that is resistant to herbicides.
Test yourself on Pros & Cons of Genetic Modification
Which of the following is not an advantage of GM crops?
What does GM stand for?