A Review on Concerns and Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms

Abstract

The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding, but conventional plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very accurate. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, can create plants with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy for the betterment of society through development of crops with improved nutritional quality, resistance to pests and diseases, and reduced cost of production. Although this method is more efficient, critics fear that the result — a "novel gene combination" — may have health or environmental impacts that are not being adequately addressed. As a result; the technology is surrounded by significant controversy especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food labeling. Intensive studies have been made concerning the benefits and concerns of GMO that means biotechn ology offers a variety of potential benefits and risks. These studies indicated that the techniques have to been proceed with caution to avoid causing unintended harm to human health and the environment as a result of our enthusiasm for this powerful technology. Generally, Biotechnology, in the form of genetic engineering, is a facet of science that has the potential to provide important benefits if used carefully and ethically