The use of biotechnological approaches for the improvement of crop plants has been more controversial than their use to prepare medically useful products. Why?
A) People eat food that could contain transgenes.
B) Crops are grown outside, and there is a chance that a transgene could escape to other organisms.
C) Herbicide-resistance could spread to weed species.
D) Beneficial insects could be harmed by plants expressing the BT toxin.
E) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the given options are valid concerns for the use of biotechnological approaches for crop improvement. People consume food, and if transgenes are incorporated into crops, it could lead to unintended consequences. Crops are grown in open fields, and there is a possibility of transgenes escaping to other organisms. Herbicide-resistance could spread to weed species, leading to increased weed control measures. Plants expressing the BT toxin could harm beneficial insects, affecting the overall ecosystem. Therefore, the use of biotechnological approaches for crop improvement is more controversial than their use for preparing medically useful products.

The Use of Biotechnological Approaches for the Improvement of Crop