As we all know, there are a number of genetically engineered plants in the marketplace and people have been worried about whether they are really safe to eat. The most widespread transgenic plants are soybean and canola, which are herbicide resistant, and corn and cotton, which are insect resistant. Soon there are going to be transgenic plants approaching the market that produce vaccines, pharmaceutical proteins and fortified food. Although the introduction of new genes into a plant can sometimes have unknown effects, there are ways to avoid this as well as some others that are actively being researched.
The public doesn’t really have any cause for concern, because a new GM plant has to go though a lot of tests and procedures to make sure it doesn’t have any side affects. They are currently researching ways of using alternative, safer selectable genes, directing the gene integration onto specific genomic sites and many other things. Along with what we are already doing to make GM plants safe, these methods that are being researched will almost guarantee that the genetically engineered plants will be safe.
(Tobacco plant expressing firefly gene)
(Genetically engineered cotton )
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