Genetically Modified Crop Plants: A Review

Abstract

Genetically Modified (GM) crop plants have revolutionized agriculture by offering numerous benefits such as increased crop yields, enhanced resistance to pests and diseases, and improved tolerance to environmental stresses. This review delves into the advancements in biotechnology that have paved the way for the development and adoption of GM crop plants. The utilization of recombinant DNA technology, involving the transfer of desired genes into plant genomes, has enabled the creation of crops with desirable traits. The introduction of GM plants has also led to a reduction in the use of chemical pesticides, benefiting both the environment and human health. Despite the advantages of GM crop plants, concerns regarding their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems persist. Through a comprehensive analysis of the current state of GM crop plants, this review sheds light on their role in addressing global food security challenges and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Even plants themselves are able to have their genetic characteristics changed in such a way that the long-term success of a species is promoted. For example, in a research paper published in 2010, the ability of carrot plants to survive and thrive in saline soils has been enhanced by the development of transgenic strains that overexpress a gene responsible for the creation of a protein that can remove toxic salt ions from the plant cells. This has been welcome as a potential first step in useful implementation for bioremediation of salt-affected land, and this kind of application is of special relevance to plants used for animal and human nutrition and medicine.