Genetic Engineering in Plants

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Questions and Answers

What was one reason farmers globally chose to plant GMO seeds in 2018?

To exclusively use non-GM seeds

To avoid sustainable farming methods

For improved crop quality (correct)

To increase reliance on tilling practices

What is a key step before a GMO seed reaches the market?

Years of testing and research (correct)

Marketing campaigns to growers

Immediate sale to farmers

Public opinion surveys on GMOs

How many farmers globally planted GMO seeds in 2018?

10 million

5 million

15 million

17 million (correct)

What sustainable farming practice can be associated with planting GMO seeds?

No-till farming Signup and view all the answers

What choice do farmers have regarding seed options?

They can choose between GM and non-GM seeds Signup and view all the answers

How many acres of farmland have been used for GMO crops since 1996?

6.7 billion acres Signup and view all the answers

Which crop had the highest additional harvest measured in million tonnes between 1996 and 2018?

Corn Signup and view all the answers

What is the total economic gain generated globally by biotech crops between 1996 to 2018?

U.S.$225B Signup and view all the answers

In how many countries have GM crops been found safe for growing or import?

71 countries Signup and view all the answers

How many years have GMO crops been researched and developed as of 2011?

35 years Signup and view all the answers

What role does agrobacterium play in the production of GMOs?

It introduces desired genes into plant seeds. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of transferring a gene into a plant seed?

It results in a genetically modified organism (GMO). Signup and view all the answers

What does the regulatory review process ensure in the context of GMOs?

The crop is safe to grow and exhibits expected characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a potential action researchers can take with genes in plants?

They can turn off or move genes within a plant. Signup and view all the answers

What is an outcome of identifying a desired gene in the context of GMOs?

The gene can be transferred into plant seeds for modification. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the increased income for farmers in developing countries is attributed to substantial yield gains?

70% Signup and view all the answers

How much did the use of biotech crops prevent in CO2 emissions in 2018?

23 billion kg Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated reduction in pesticide use from 1996 to 2018?

8.6% Signup and view all the answers

How much extra income did farmers receive for each dollar invested in GM crop seeds in 2018?

$4.41 Signup and view all the answers

How many commercial use approvals for biotech events have been granted since 1992?

4,485 Signup and view all the answers

What is the equivalent impact of the CO2 reduction achieved by biotech crops in 2018?

Removing 15.3 million cars from the road Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the review process for GM crops?

Assessed only by one regulatory body Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant unintended effect observed in N4640-Bt maize on monarch butterflies?

Reduced feeding leading to slower growth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the safety of GM crops is true?

Credible authorities find them safe with no health effects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about GMOs and their ecological effects is accurate?

Establishing a solid ecological understanding is crucial for regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What chronic condition was observed in rats fed NK-603 Roundup Ready Maize?

Liver congestion Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to pest resistance to Bt crops as identified in studies?

Gene overexpression Signup and view all the answers

What was a major criticism of the study on NK-603 maize's effects on rats?

It was retracted due to flawed design and data misrepresentation. Signup and view all the answers

How quickly can pest resistance to Bt crops evolve according to recent analyses?

Over several generations in short time frames Signup and view all the answers

What was the effectiveness of Bt crops in controlling pests compared to the past?

Reduced efficacy due to evolved resistance Signup and view all the answers

What issue has raised public and biotech companies' awareness regarding Bt-maize?

Possible off-target effects on monarch butterfly populations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

GMO Process Overview

Agrobacterium is utilized in gene transfer to plants, producing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Once the desired gene is identified, it is integrated into plant seeds.
Regulatory science monitors GMO safety throughout the lifecycle of the product.

GMO Adoption and Usage

In 2018, 17 million farmers worldwide opted for GMO seeds to enhance harvests and improve crop quality.
Both genetically modified (GM) and non-GM seeds are available for farmers to choose based on their needs.

GMO Research and Development

Over 6.7 billion acres have been utilized for GMO crops since 1996.
The research and development of GMO crops spans over 35 years.
GMOs are deemed safe in 71 countries for growing or import.

Crop Yield Improvements

Between 1996 and 2018, crop biotechnology accounted for significant additional yields:
- 32.6 million tonnes of cotton lint
- 278 million tonnes of soybeans
- 498 million tonnes of corn

Economic Benefits

Global economic gains from biotech crops reached approximately $225 billion from 1996 to 2018.
Reduced production costs contributed to 30% of these gains, while yield increases accounted for 70%.
Farmers in developing nations experienced an additional income of $4.41 per dollar invested in GM crop seeds in 2018.

Environmental Impact

From 1996 to 2018, pesticide use decreased by an estimated 776 million kilograms (an 8.6% reduction).
In 2018, biotech crops prevented about 23 billion kg of CO2 emissions, akin to removing 15.3 million cars from roads for one year.
Without biotech improvements, producing the same food quantity in 2018 would require an additional 60 million acres.

Safety and Regulatory Review

GM crops undergo extensive reviews by hundreds of independent scientists and risk assessors.
Credible food safety authorities globally have confirmed the safety of GM crops, with over 4,485 commercial approvals granted for various biotech events.

Ecological Effects and Concerns

Research highlights unintended ecological effects, such as the impact of Bt-maize on monarch butterfly populations linked to reduced larval survival.
Controversial studies, like the NK-603 Roundup Ready Maize, raised concerns due to flawed methodologies, though they reported significant health effects in test subjects.

Pest Resistance Evolution

Emerging pest resistance is observed as a result of natural selection on genetically engineered crops.
Resistance incidents have increased, with major pest resistance documented for 5 out of 13 pest species examined between 2005 and 2013.
Instances of maize pests developing resistance were noted within just a few years, indicating a rapid evolutionary response.

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Description

Explore the role of Agrobacterium in genetic engineering and how it facilitates gene transfer in plants. This quiz delves into the methods used in plant biotechnology and the significance of this natural bacterium in enhancing plant traits.