Did you know that corn is a genetically modified vegetable? In this IBDP Biology Blog, we will understand what biotechnology is, how crops are genetically modified through the use of biotechnology.

Different Types of Farming

Intensive Farming 

Intensive Farming- many animals kept in close spaces, warm spaces to reduce energy loss

• Given antibiotic treatment
• Growth Hormones
• Use of pesticides
• Monoculture
• Removing hedges
• Use of fertilisers (artificial)
• Herbicides
• Insecticides  

Organic Farming 

• No herbicides, insecticides, pesticides
• Natural fertilizer
• Space left free in the centre of fields (for nesting)
• Keep Hedges and trees
• Mixed crops
• Pastures
• Less meat  

Biotechnology 

Breeds are different varieties of the same species. Dogs have approximately 150 breeds but they are all the same species.

Breed= animals of the same species that vary in many characteristics (called varieties in plants). 

• They 

Inherit these characteristics from their parents.

However selective breeding can sometimes backfire:

English Bulldogs

• Short tailed often have backbone 

deformities

• Short snouted often have 

breathing difficulties

• Narrowed hips causes problems giving birth  

It can take decades, even centuries, to get the right characteristics in a breed/variety by selective breeding:

1. The right characteristic may involve several genes being in the right combination
2. Multiple alleles of one gene can be recessive and dominant. Recessive genes can be ‘hide’ when they are heterozygous. However, there is always a chance they can become homozygous in later generations giving an unwanted phenotype.
3. A much quicker way of getting desired characteristic is by using biotechnology

Genes can be inserted/modified using modern biotechnology techniques. Therefore the right characteristics can be developed within one generation. An organism that has undergone this treatment is called a genetically modified organism. 

GM Crops - Pro's and Con's

In IBDP Biology, we need to know the pros and cons of GM crops

PROs

• Manufacturers claim GM crops give 

higher yields and could help the developing world

• Some GM Crops can be enriched with 

nutrients to help developing nations that  lack nutrients in their diets

• Crops may be manipulated to grow in lower temperatures with less water and fertilisers meaning 

lower cost, and less impact to the environment

• GM Crops may 

reduce pesticide use according to a US study  

CONs

• Transplanted genes may get out in to the natural environment creating ‘

superweeds’

• Not everyone is convinced GM crops are safe for consumption. People are worried they may develop 

allergies to the food

• Cross contamination of non-GM crops could destroy the GM-free trade
• GM crops increase pesticide use as farmers spray freely
• GM crops could 

affect farmland biodiversity if there are no weeds as a food source for wildlife 

That's all for how GM crops are created!

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Drafted by Venetia (Biology)