Genetic engineering uses naturally occurring enzymes and biological processes to alter genetic material. List the enzymes used in genetic engineering (genetic modification) and outline what each does in natural processes.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) include crop plants. Genetically modified (GM) crop plants have been cultivated in North America in rising amounts since 1996. They are now grown in many parts of the world and are consumed by millions of people and farm animals. Table 4.1 compares the land area used to grow GM crop plants on six continents in 2013.
Suggest how North America and South America gain from cultivating large areas of GM crop plants instead of non-GM crop plants.
Only a small area of land is used to grow GM crop plants in Europe. This is mainly because most of Europe follows a ‘precautionary principle’. The precautionary principle stops GM crop plants being grown if there is any possible risk of harm to human health or to the environment, even when there is no evidence of harm. Many European citizens worry about the safety of eating GM food, but Europe imports large quantities of GM maize and GM soybean to feed farm animals. Use this information and Table 4.1 to deduce two arguments in favour of growing more GM crop plants in Europe.
Explain why the data in Table 4.1 are insufficient to work out how far different continents have swapped traditional crop plants for GM versions.