Agricultural Genetic Engineering
In addition to being used in the medical field, genetic engineering can also be used in the field of agriculture. The use of genetically modified foods (GM), also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is another form of genetic engineering that, similar to the process of gene therapy, involves altering the DNA structure of crops.
In 1994, the first commercially grown genetically modified crop was created. The Flavr Savr was a tomato that was genetically engineered to have a longer shelf life. Since then, the use and growth of GM foods has grown immensely. The billionth acre of GM crops was planted in 2005, and scientists are now able to use genetic engineering in many different ways, such as genetically engineering foods to prevent disease of produce a better crop yield. The use of genetic engineering in the agricultural spans a wide range of foods, and provides benefits to the crops, our health, and the environment.
In 1994, the first commercially grown genetically modified crop was created. The Flavr Savr was a tomato that was genetically engineered to have a longer shelf life. Since then, the use and growth of GM foods has grown immensely. The billionth acre of GM crops was planted in 2005, and scientists are now able to use genetic engineering in many different ways, such as genetically engineering foods to prevent disease of produce a better crop yield. The use of genetic engineering in the agricultural spans a wide range of foods, and provides benefits to the crops, our health, and the environment.