Humans have influenced the traits in corn plants through selective breeding and genetic engineering. Selective breeding has been used to create corn varieties that are tastier and more productive. However, these varieties are vulnerable to pests, which can reduce crop yield. Genetic engineering has allowed scientists to create GMO corn plants that are resistant to pests, by adding genes from soil bacteria that enable the plants to produce a protein that kills certain insects.
The impact of genetic engineering on corn plants has been positive in terms of reducing the use of chemical pesticides and increasing crop yield. By creating GMO corn plants that are resistant to pests, farmers are able to produce larger amounts of corn without the need for harmful pesticides. This not only benefits the environment by reducing chemical contamination, but also benefits farmers by increasing their productivity and profits.
Read the passage. Then explain the ways humans have influenced the traits in corn plants and the impacts each biotechnology has had.
Passage
An image of a corn in a field.
Many of the types of corn found in grocery stores were originally bred for their taste and productivity. But these varieties are often threatened by pests. This makes it harder for farmers to produce enough corn.
Scientists have used genetic engineering to make GMO corn plants that are resistant to pests. In one type of GMO plant, they added genes from bacteria that live in soil. The genes let the GMO plants produce a bacterial protein that kills certain insects.
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