Tittle

Emerging issues of
genetically modified
plants
Presented by Varsha
Deveedass

Department of molecular biology and

Genetics
What is GMP (genetically
modified plants) ?

 Genetic modification (GM) is the area of biotechnology which concerns itself

with the manipulation of the genetic material in living organisms, enabling them
to perform specific functions.
 Genetic modification of plants involves adding a specific stretch of DNA into the
plant's genome, giving it new or different characteristics. This could include
changing the way the plant grows, or making it resistant to a particular disease
 Genetic modification in plants was first recorded 10,000 years ago in Southwest
Asia where humans first bred plants through artificial selection and selective
breeding. Since then, advancements in agriculture science and technology have
brought about the current GM crop revolution.
Emerging issues of GM plants
• Among the potential risks are pests becoming resistant, crops gaining
weediness and GM foods posing safety issues to both human and animals and
these are studied extensively. This has resulted in science-based risk
assessment and management that safeguard safety to humans, animals and
environment.
• GMO plants might have a different balance of toxins, increasing the risk of
harm to humans. Specific health concerns include an increased risk of cancer
and infertility, although research on the risks of GMO plant toxins is very
limited.
 Environmental issues
• environmental impacts associated with using crop biotechnology
(specifically genetically modified crops) in global agriculture.
• It focuses on the environmental impacts associated with changes in
pesticide use and greenhouse gas emissions arising from the use of
GM crops since their first widespread commercial use 22 years ago.
Development of insect's resistance

• The use of Bt crops is

that it will lead to the
development of
insect's resistance to
Bt toxins.
 Gene flow
• Accidental cross breeding between GM plants
and traditional verities.
Changes in the soil
Biodiversity changes

A major concern of genetically modified organisms is that

they will cause reduced genetic diversity of plants and
animals in the environment. 
GM labeling in plants/ crops
Economical issues
Economically rate
 Ethical issues
• Five sets of ethical concerns have been raised
about GM crops:
1. potential harm to human health;
2. potential damage to the environment;
3. impact on traditional farming practice;
4. excessive corporate dominance;
5. and the 'unnaturalness' of the technology
 Conclusion
• It is known that the main concerns about adverse effects
of GM foods on health are the transfer of antibiotic
resistance, toxicity and allergenicity. There are two issues
from an allergic standpoint.
• Issues of concern include: the capability of the GMO to
escape and potentially introduce the engineered genes
into wild populations; the persistence of the gene after the
GMO has been harvested; the susceptibility of non-target
organisms (e.g., insects which are not pests) to the gene
product
Thank you