Impacts of Genetically Modified Crops on the Environment |

ABSTRACT:

MolecularBiotechnology is an exciting, revolutionary scientific discipline that is basedon the ability of researchers to transfer specific units of genetic informationfrom one organism to another. This conveyance of gene (s) relies on thetechniques of genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology). The objectiveof recombinant DNA technology is often to produce a useful product or acommercial process. This technology offers a large variety of benefits. It hasincreased crop yield by making plants less vulnerable to drought, frost,insects, and viruses. It has enabled plants to compete more effectively againstweeds for soil nutrients. In many cases, it has also enhanced the quality andnutrition of foods. Genetic modification involves altering an organism's DNA.This can be done by altering an existing section of DNA, or by adding a new genealtogether. A number of commercialized, genetically engineered varieties ofcanola, cotton, maize and soybean, were created using this technology. Thistechnology has also introduced herbicide and pest tolerance in crops. The Genetechnology has also decreased the costs of growing and farming, due to thereduced use of pesticides. It has also enhanced the resistance to pests,viruses etc. The present article focuses on the impacts of genetically modifiedcrops on the environment.