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Genes are cut from human chromosomes using enzymes and pasted into other organisms including plants and animals. If this is done early in development, the organism will develop new features such as better growth or resistance to disease.
Amongst the examples of genetic engineering are the production of herbicide resistant crops and the production of insulin. You need to know the principles of how each type of genetic engineering is carried out and the arguments for and against them.
Some plants are naturally resistant to herbicides. Scientists can identify the gene responsible and transfer it to agricultural crops. These crops can then be sprayed with herbicide to kill the weeds growing in the field, giving a better yield of the food crop. The main argument against this particular type of genetic engineering is that it will reduce biodiversity which is essential for the health of our planet. Many people are concerned about genetic engineering of crops due to the possible effects on wildflowers, animals (particularly insects) and humans. More time and research is required to make a fully informed decision about the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops.
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