Scientifically Based Argument For The GM Debate

For the GM debate, it is difficult to see where scientific evidence ends and speculation begins. This section will delve into assessing the scientific arguments anti-GM groups present. Additionally, these scientifically based arguments are what policy makers use in order to justify their regulatory decisions on potential ecological and food safety risks.
There are difficulties in identifying and locating genes for gene scientists. Researchers have limited knowledge on the agriculturally significant genes such as increased plant hardiness, increased yield,or even environmental tolerance. Identifying a single gene involved with a trait is not enough for this step because researchers must understand how a gene could be regulated, what other effects it might have on the plant, and how it interacts epistatically with other genes in the regulation pathway. Genetic modification is used to transfer genes that produce traits such as insecticide, but many genes do not function independently from one another. The human genome operates in a very complex system of dependent genes. Additionally, proteins also work in a very dependent and dynamic system. This means that …show more content…
They are able to cross-breed because GM crops are not that genetically different from conventional crops (e.g. teosinte with Bt-corn or non-Bt crops with Bt-corn). It would be extremely difficult to eliminate a dangerous GM crop if it had already spread into the environment. Additionally, this contamination would pose problems for the international marketplace and certified producers of organic produce. Overseas countries have different standards on the regulation of GM crops and different opinions about their safety. If there are disagreements between two trading partners then the acceptance of produce to another country may be deemed