Genetic engineering and environmental risk

Abstract

Genetic engineering in today’s world is gaining much importance. It provides plant varieties with good agronomic characteristics, superior quality values and expressing traits of agricultural interest such as insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. The production and use of genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) is increasing steadily. There are various techniques by which genetic modified crops can be developed. But the issue still remains; whether altering genetic structure of any organism is ethical, will it create any problem to the people who consume it. Therefore, it is important to examine both pros and cons of genetic engineering and to determine whether this technology have place in a future. There are lots of controversies regarding the safety issue of GM crops and labeling of GMO products. Environmental risk assessment is a structural approach use to analyze the risk associated with GM crops. The goal of the risk assessment is to identify, characterize and evaluate risks by considering a wide range of potential pathways through which harm might occur. The assessment evaluates any risks posed by the genetic engineered (GE) plant in comparison to the risks posed by non-GE plant.