Chapter 23, Problem 44A

Summary Introduction

To write:

About the genetic engineering to agriculture

Introduction:

By around 1970, researchers had discovered the DNA structure and determined the basic dogma that information flowed from DNA to RNA and from RNA to proteins. Scientists started using genetic engineering which is a technique involving modifying one organism's DNA to insert exogenous DNA, i.e., another organism's DNA.

Explanation of Solution

By the process of genetic engineering, transgenic plants are developed which are the plants that are formed by genetically engineered to be more resistant to insect or viral pests. In 2003, transgenic crops were planted on around 67.7 million hectares cultivated by 7 million farmers in 18 countries. These crops included herbicide- and insecticide-resistant soybeans, corn, canola, and cotton. Other crops are grown commercially and being field-tested. Such crops include sweet potato plants that are resistant to a virus that could destroy most of the African harvest, rice plants with increased iron and vitamins that could reduce malnutrition in Asian countries, and a number of plants that can withstand severe conditions.

Conclusion

Therefore, genetic engineering has made many benefits in the agricultural fields by modifying the crops and makes them resistant to insects and diseases and also helps them to survive in extreme conditions.