Impacts of Genetically Modified Crops on Human Health

Exploring the Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops for Human Health

Abstract

Biotechnologyoffers a large variety of benefits. It has increased crop yield by makingplants less vulnerable to drought, frost, insects, and viruses. It has enabledplants to compete more effectively against weeds for soil nutrients. In somecases, it has also enhanced the quality and nutrition of foods. Geneticmodification involves altering an organism's DNA. This can be done by alteringan existing section of DNA, or by adding a new gene altogether. A gene is acode that governs the appearance and characteristics of an organism. A numberof commercialized, genetically engineered varieties of canola, cotton, maizeand soybean, were created using this technology. This technology has alsointroduced herbicide and pest tolerance in crops. The Gene technology has alsodecreased the costs of growing and farming, due to the reduced use of pesticides.It has also enhanced the resistance to pests, viruses etc. Gene transfer isused to modify the physical and chemical composition and nutritional value offood. Gene transfer in animals will play a part in boundless possibilities ofimproving qualitative and quantitative traits. The present article focuses onthe positive impacts of genetically modified food on human health.