Risks & Benefits of Using GMOs (Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Biology): Revision Note

Crops can be modified to produce higher yields and have increased nutritional value, reducing famine and malnutrition

There are concerns about the long-term impacts of using genetically modified food organisms on human health

Crops can be modified to be resistant to pests and reduce pesticide use; this lowers production costs and decreases environmental damage

Some are concerned that pests may develop resistance to the modified crop defences, leading to increased use of pesticides

Enzymes used in industrial processes can be produced from genetically modified organisms; this is very cost effective

There could be transmission of genetic material between genetically modified organisms and non-GM organisms

Diseases can be treated with human proteins produced by genetically modified organisms instead of with animal proteins; this reduces the risk of allergic reactions and is more effective

Genetically modified crops are often grown in large fields, creating monocultures that are bad for biodiversity

Vaccines can be produced in genetically modified plant tissues; these do not need refrigeration, making them more accessible to people living in rural areas

Genetically modified crop varieties are usually owned by the companies that develop them, so seeds can be very expensive

Genetically modified organisms guarantee a low-cost supply of some human medications

Some have moral objections to genetically modifying animals for the sole purpose of benefiting humans