GM Plants Flashcards
Insect Resistance (Pros)
Soya beans can be genetically modified to produce the B1 protein, which is toxic to pest insects.
The beans can be resistant to weed killer which means farmers can spray to get rid of weeds so that all of the resources are available to the beans.
Farmers can grow a much higher yield crop with less labour and expense.
Pest Resistance (Pros)
Pest Resistant GM crop varieties reduce the amount of pesticide spraying, protecting the environment and helping poor farmers.
Increased yield.
Pest Resistance (Cons)
Non-pest insects and insect-eating predators might be damaged by the toxins in the GM plants.
Insect pests may become resistant to pesticides in GM crops.
Disease Resistance (Pros)
Crop varieties resistant to common plant diseases can be produced, reducing crop losses/increasing yield.
Disease Resistance (Cons)
Transferred genes might spread to wild populations and cause problems, e.g., superweeds.
Herbicide Resistance (Pros)
Herbicides can be used to reduce competing weeds and increase yield.
Herbicide Resistance (Cons)
Biodiversity could be reduced if herbicides are overused to destroy weeds.
Fear of superweeds.
Extended Shelf-life (Pros)
The extended shelf-life of some GM crops reduces food waste.
Extended Shelf-life (Cons)
Extended shelf-life may reduce the commercial value and demand for the crop.
Growing Conditions (Pros)
Crops can grow in a wider range of conditions/survive adverse conditions, e.g., flood resistance or drought resistance.
Nutritional Value (Pros)
Nutritional value of crops can be increased, e.g., enhanced levels of vitamins.
Nutritional Value (Cons)
People may be allergic to the different proteins made in GM crops.
Medical Uses (Pros)
Plants could be used to produce human medicines and vaccines.
