Question

Describe any three potential applications of genetically modified plants.

Answer 1

Hint: The genetically modified plants or GM plants have transferred genes of a specific trait between species. They are artificially grown in laboratories. Most genetically modified plants are targeted for commercial agriculture and are not meant for home production.

Complete answer:
 The potential applications of genetically modified plants are:
> Improved food and nutrient quality: Most of the genetically modified plants contain more nutrients than their parent plant. The food security is more and also that the medicinal benefits are greater in genetically modified plants. An example of this is the golden rice, which has more beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, than the normal parent rice. It is estimated that the consumption of golden rice will prevent the deficiency of Vitamin A.
> Tolerance for Insects and Pests: The genetically modified plants have high resistance against the pest and insects. BT or the Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium occurring in the soil that produces proteins that are specifically active against certain insects. Some crops like corn, cotton, and soybean have been genetically engineered to have Bt genes that act as insecticides. Bt corn is designed to control corn pests, Btcotton effectively controls cotton pests. The use of such plants has reduced the use of harmful pesticides.
> Abiotic stresses on plants: The environmental circumstances like drought, temperature extreme, and salinity results in low yield of the crops. The genetically modified crops are abiotically stress-tolerant. This might improve the food supply in the global population.

Note:
There are many environmental risks in genetically modified plants. GM crops are bioengineered crops and in the experimental stage. The Bt gene does not have any harmful effects on animals.