question_answer 3)

Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of production of genetically modified crops. 

Answer:

Genetically modified food is prepared from produce of transgenic (genetically modified) crops. The interesting features of genetically modified food are: (i) It bears the protein formed by particular transgene. For example, presence of cry protein in insect resistant varieties. (ii) It contains the enzyme produced by antibiotic resistance gene. It was utilised at the time of gene transfer by process of genetic engineering. (iii) Genetically modified food shows the presence of antibiotic resistant gene. Problems associated with genetically modified food: (i) Toxicity and various types of allergy may be produced by transgene. (ii) Enzyme formed (being a foreign protein) by antibiotic resistance gene may be a source of allergy. (iii) Bacteria found in alimentary canal of humans can turn into antibiotic resistant form because they may take up antibiotic resistance gene found in genetically modified food. Thus, bio-technologists are trying to use other types of genes instead of antibiotic resistance gene.