Genetically modified crops: methodology, benefits, regulation and public concerns

• Published in: British medical bulletin 2000, Vol.56 (1), p.62-73
• Main Authors: Halford, Nigel G, Shewry, Peter R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Consumer Product Safety; Crops, Agricultural - genetics; Food Technology; Genetic Engineering - legislation & jurisprudence; Genetic Engineering - methods; Humans; Plants, Genetically Modified; Public Opinion
• ISSN: 0007-1420; 1471-8391
• DOI: 10.1258/0007142001902978

The genetic modification of crop plants from the methodology involved in their production through to the current debate on their use in agriculture are reviewed. Techniques for plant transformation by Agrobacterium tumefaciens and particle bombardment, and for the selection fo transgenic plants using marker genes are described. The benefits of currently available genetically modified (GM) crops in reducing waste and agrochemical use in agriculture, and the potential of the technology for further crop improvement in the future are discussed. The legal requirements for containment fo novel GM cops and the roles of relevant regulatory boidies in ensuring that GM crops and food are safe are summarized. Some of the major concerns of the general public regarding GM crops and food: Some of the major concerns of the general public regarding GM crops and food: segregation of GM and non-GM crops and cross-pollination between GM crops and wild species, the use of antibiotic resistance marker genes, the prevention of new allergens being introduced in to the food chain and the relative safety of GM and non-GM foods are considered. Finally, the current debate on the use of GM crops in agriculture and the need for the government, scientists and industry to persevere with the technology in the face of widespread hostility is studied.