Learning Outcomes
- Outline the potential benefits and risks associated with agricultural uses of biotechnology
Genomics can reduce the trials and failures involved in scientific research to a certain extent, which could improve the quality and quantity of crop yields in agriculture. Linking traits to genes or gene signatures helps to improve crop breeding to generate hybrids with the most desirable qualities. Scientists use genomic data to identify desirable traits, and then transfer those traits to a different organism. Scientists are discovering how genomics can improve the quality and quantity of agricultural production. For example, scientists could use desirable traits to create a useful product or enhance an existing product, such as making a drought-sensitive crop more tolerant of the dry season.
GMO Controversies: Science versus Public Fear
Watch Borut Bohanec, the Chair of the Department of Agronomy at the University of Ljubljana (in Slovenia), as he discusses the fears and potential benefits surrounding GMOs.
You can view the transcript for “GMO Controversies – Science vs. Public Fear” here (opens in new window).
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Candela Citations
- Biology 2e. Provided by: OpenStax. Located at: http://cnx.org/contents/185cbf87-c72e-48f5-b51e-f14f21b5eabd@10.8. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/biology-2e/pages/1-introduction
- GMO controversies - science vs. public fear: Borut Bohanec at TEDxLjubljana. Authored by: TEDx Talks. Located at: https://youtu.be/mz4_TwdaYeI. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube License