Genetically modified crops are plants used in farming. Their DNA has been changed using special scientific methods. Usually, these changes help plants gain traits that they naturally do not have.
Genome editing, also called genome engineering or gene editing, is a type of genetic engineering that changes DNA in the genome of a living organism. Unlike older methods that randomly add genetic material to a genome, genome editing places changes in specific locations. The process uses tools that can recognize certain parts of DNA, cut the DNA at those spots, and then repair the cuts using one of two methods: homology-directed recombination or non-homologous end joining.
The Monsanto Company was an American company that made farming chemicals and biotech products. It was started in 1901 and had its main office in Creve Coeur, Missouri. One of its most famous products was Roundup, a weed killer made from glyphosate, which was created in the 1970s.
Monsanto was involved in several well-known legal cases, both as the one being sued and the one filing lawsuits. It was often the defendant in cases related to health and environmental concerns about its products. Monsanto also used the courts to protect its patents, especially in farming technology.
Roundup Ready is a trademark owned by Bayer (formerly known as Monsanto) for a specific type of genetically modified seeds. These seeds are designed to resist damage from a herbicide called Roundup, which contains the chemical glyphosate. Because these products are widely used, the term “Roundup Ready” is sometimes used more generally to describe any genetically modified seeds that are resistant to herbicides, even if they are not made by Bayer.
People who buy food, farmers, companies that use genetic engineering, government officials, groups that work outside the government, and scientists have had disagreements about foods and other products made from genetically modified crops instead of regular crops, and other ways genetic engineering is used in food production. The main topics of these disagreements include whether GM food should have labels showing it is genetically modified, how government officials should manage GM food, whether scientific research is fair and unbiased, how GM crops affect people’s health and the environment, how they influence the ability of pests to resist pesticides, how they help or hurt farmers, and whether they can help feed the world. Also, products made from genetically modified organisms are used to create ethanol fuel and medicines.
Genetic erosion, also called genetic depletion or genomic erosion, refers to the loss of genetic diversity in a population. This can happen naturally or because of human actions. Sometimes, the term is used to describe the loss of specific genes or traits, and other times it refers to the loss of entire species.
In agriculture, monoculture is the method of growing only one type of crop in a field at a time. Monocultures make planting, managing, and harvesting crops easier and faster in the short term, often with the help of machines. However, monocultures are more likely to be affected by diseases or pests over time because they reduce the variety of plants and animals in an area and can use up soil nutrients quickly.
The use of antibiotics in the care of farm animals includes treating sick animals (therapeutic use), treating a group of animals when at least one has a confirmed infection (metaphylaxis), and giving antibiotics to prevent illness before it occurs (prophylaxis). Antibiotics are important for treating diseases in both animals and humans, protecting animal health, and ensuring safe food. However, if used carelessly, antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which harms human, animal, and environmental health.
The use of antibiotics in the care of farm animals includes treating sick animals (therapeutic use), treating a group of animals when one is found to be sick (metaphylaxis), and giving medicine to prevent illness before it happens (prophylaxis). Antibiotics are important for treating diseases in both animals and humans, protecting animal health, and ensuring safe food. However, if used carelessly, this can lead to antibiotic resistance, which may harm human, animal, and environmental health.