Question

What is genetic engineering? What are the proposed benefits of genetic engineering in crop improvement? What are the present constraints?

Answer 1

Scientists can use genetic engineering to implant only one gene at a time. This prevents the introduction of genes that have undesired properties. Genetic engineering also aids in the creation of new foods with desired characteristics. Types of genetic engineering are- Analytical, Chemical and Applied.

Complete answer:
Part (i): The alteration of genes, also known as genetic modification, is referred to as genetic engineering. It is a biotechnology-based way of directly manipulating an organism's genome. It refers to a range of techniques for altering the genetic makeup of cells, including as gene transfer within and across species borders, in order to create better or novel organisms.
Part (ii): Increased crop yields, lower food and drug production costs, reduced pesticide use, improved nutrient composition and food quality, pest and disease resistance, greater food security, and medical benefits to the world's growing population are just a few of the advantages of genetic engineering in agriculture. The most obvious advantage is that genetic engineering allows for the production of more crops in less time.
Genetic engineering has also enhanced productivity by allowing crops to be grown in areas that would normally be inappropriate for agriculture, such as saline soil, drought-prone areas, and areas with limited sunlight.
Part (iii): The development of genetically altered creatures may have unintended consequences and cause undesirable outcomes. The introduction of a genetically modified creature into one environment for a desired outcome may cause biodiversity to be distorted. Genetically modified crops can also have negative health consequences. The concept of genetic engineering is debatable in terms of bioethics, with proponents and detractors arguing about the right to alter or mould nature to suit our purposes.

Note:
The following are some of the potential advantages of genetic engineering:
Food that is more nutritious.
Food that is more delicious.
Plants that are disease- and drought-resistant and use fewer resources in the environment (such as water and fertilizer)
Pesticides are used less frequently.
Increased food supply at a lower cost and with a longer shelf life.
Plants and animals that grow faster.