Seed of a dispute.I am wondering why the subject of genetically modified genetically modified Adjective (of an organism) having DNA which has been altered for the purpose of improvement or correction of defects genetically modified genetic adj [food etc] → crops didn't enter the discussion of diminishing plant diversity in "The Ultimate Crop Insurance" (SN: 9/11/04, p. 170). When genes from bacteria, insects, and other totally unrelated organisms are inserted into the genome genome: see genetics. genome all the genetic content contained within an organism. An organism's genome is made up of molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that form long strands that are tightly wound into chromosomes, which are found in the of a plant, we have no idea what effect this will have on plant diversity and survival. The effect on other organisms, such as pollinators, is even less well known. Why should we take these risks if, as stated in your article, "synthetic bread wheats" produced by crossing existing banked seeds produce offspring that are "about as diverse as the original landraces" and give "yields similar to the best commercial yields today"? Another subject that was not touched on in this article, but that demands closer scrutiny, is the "planned sterility sterility: see infertility. " of food crops that will not produce viable seed. STEVEN L. LAGOS, SAN DIEGO San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. , CALIF. |
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