Genetic engineering with plasmids is really important in today’s farming.
Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA that can copy themselves inside bacteria. Because of this, they work great for adding new genes to plants.
Herbicide Resistance: Some crops have a gene from a bacterium called Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This gene helps them survive specific herbicides. This means farmers can kill weeds without hurting their crops. In fact, about 90% of soybeans and 80% of cotton grown in the U.S. are genetically modified to resist herbicides.
Insect Resistance: Scientists can use plasmids to add genes from a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (often shortened to Bt). This bacterium makes a toxin that can kill certain pests. Because of this, some places have seen a 37% drop in the use of chemical bug sprays.
Nutritional Improvements: Some plants, like "Golden Rice," have been changed to produce a nutrient called beta-carotene. This helps fight vitamin A deficiency, which affects around 250 million kids in developing countries.
Genetic engineering can help farmers grow up to 20% more food. It also helps keep food supplies secure and encourages better farming methods.
Genetic engineering with plasmids is really important in today’s farming.
Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA that can copy themselves inside bacteria. Because of this, they work great for adding new genes to plants.
Herbicide Resistance: Some crops have a gene from a bacterium called Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This gene helps them survive specific herbicides. This means farmers can kill weeds without hurting their crops. In fact, about 90% of soybeans and 80% of cotton grown in the U.S. are genetically modified to resist herbicides.
Insect Resistance: Scientists can use plasmids to add genes from a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (often shortened to Bt). This bacterium makes a toxin that can kill certain pests. Because of this, some places have seen a 37% drop in the use of chemical bug sprays.
Nutritional Improvements: Some plants, like "Golden Rice," have been changed to produce a nutrient called beta-carotene. This helps fight vitamin A deficiency, which affects around 250 million kids in developing countries.
Genetic engineering can help farmers grow up to 20% more food. It also helps keep food supplies secure and encourages better farming methods.