Question

What is one genetic modification of a food crop that has not been marketed yet but is in active development? Describe the transgene and its source.

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Answer 1

Ans:Genetically modified foods are those which doesnt occur naturally but are created by genetic modification using biotechnology.This is done for introducing superior traits like high yield,shelf life,disease resistance.

The first genetically produced crop was tomato for increased shelf life 1994 by calgene.It was known as Flavr savr tomato.

Genetically modified food crop BT brinjal was produced successfully in India.It was produced to ensure resistance to pest fruit and shoot borer lepidopterin insect.The genes from Bacteria Bacillus Thuringienisis were transferred to wild variety using biotechnolgy to impart resistence.Because this gene helps it to produce toxin that damages the digestive system of pest and causes death.

Though genetically engineering approval committe gave approval to its field trials in 2009 but due to apprehensions about its safety concerns and protests from farmers,the supreme court of India orderd complete moratoriun on the growing and commercialisation of the crop since 2010.

The apprehensions raised were:

•Lack of proper scientific studies.

i•ssues of water table like depleting water table in areas which were already drought prone.

•Expensive seeds and lack of control on farming by farmers specially in a country where farmers are poor and committing suicides.

•Newzealand epidemologist Lou galleghar says that it shows toxic effects when rats were fed.Simmilarly Gilles Eric a French scientist raised questions over the testing protesting adopted by company in India.

•Morever the crop is produced by Mahyco of India with Monsato which was criticised for introducing gm soya bean in France with carcinogenic effects.

•Another reason is that there is issue of reduction of genetic diversity.

Transgenes are the genes that are transferred from one organism to another to impart desired traits.for example BT gene from bacteria Bacillius Thuringienesis to Bt Brinjal to impart resistance against fruit and shoot borer.It results in the production of toxin which kills the pest by attacking its digestive system.