How do individuals benefit from genetically modified crops and animals?

Genetically modified plants and animals help humans in various ways. Each section below identifies ways in which modified plants and animals help humans. Examples of modified plants and animals are given.

Ways in which modified crops help people:

1. The nutritional value of a plant may be increased. For example, the fatty acid composition of modified canola has been altered.


2. The need for pesticides may be eliminated or reduced. For example, some genetically modified corn is...

Genetically modified plants and animals help humans in various ways. Each section below identifies ways in which modified plants and animals help humans. Examples of modified plants and animals are given.

Ways in which modified crops help people:

1. The nutritional value of a plant may be increased. For example, the fatty acid composition of modified canola has been altered.


2. The need for pesticides may be eliminated or reduced. For example, some genetically modified corn is insect-resistant.


3. A genetically modified crop may become virus resistant, as are some genetically modified plums.


4. Modified plants may be beneficial to pharmaceutical companies. For example, human growth hormone (HGH) was made in genetically modified plants.
   


5. Genetically modified tobacco plants may be used to make bioethanol.

Ways in which genetically modified animals are advantageous to humans:

1. Genetically modified animals are often harvested in order to study diseases. This is made possible through transgenetic animals that are used to carry either human gene segments that are associated with the disease of interest.


2. Some genetically modified animals can be produced more efficiently, consume less, and produce less waste. Such attributes are advantageous because they increase food production while reducing environmental impacts caused by livestock.


3. Genetic modification can increase the health of some species of animals.