Person 1:

Presentation:
Welcome everyone. Today, we will be discussing genetically modified crops. We will start with a
general introduction on how people enhance their crops, followed by defining genetically modified
crops and discussing the impact of genetic engineering on crop quality. We will then dive into the
process of genetic engineering and provide some examples of genetically modified plants, such as BT
cotton and golden rice.

However, it's important to acknowledge that with every positive, there are also risks. Therefore, we will
also talk about the potential risks associated with genetically modified crops, including concerns about
human health, environmental impact, and power concentration within the agricultural industry. We will
conclude by highlighting the importance of continued research and evaluation to ensure the
responsible and ethical use of genetically modified crops

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Person 2:

Introduction:
Traditional methods of selective breeding and cross-breeding have been used for thousands of years
to improve the characteristics of crops and animals. However, these methods are often slow and
unpredictable. With the advancement of genetic engineering in the early 20th century, scientists have
been able to introduce new genes into organisms, allowing for more precise and targeted
modifications to improve traits of interest. This has led to the development of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified foods, which can have benefits such as increased crop
yields, improved resistance to pests and disease, and enhanced nutritional content. However, GMOs
and genetically modified foods have also been the subject of controversy and debate, with concerns
about their safety, environmental impact, and potential long-term effects.

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Person 1:

Definition:
Genetic engineering techniques can be used to modify the DNA of crops to introduce or remove
specific traits that are desirable or undesirable. For example, genes from one plant species can be
introduced into another plant species to confer desirable traits such as resistance to pests, tolerance
to herbicides, or improved nutritional content. Genetic engineering can also be used to remove
undesirable traits such as susceptibility to diseases or environmental stress. These modifications are
made in a laboratory setting using biotechnology techniques, and the resulting genetically modified
crops can then be cultivated in the same way as non-genetically modified crops.

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Person 2:

Before:
Traditional methods of modifying plants, such as selective breeding and cross-breeding, have been
used for thousands of years, but they have some limitations. One of the challenges faced by farmers
using these methods is that crops are vulnerable to attacks by pests and diseases, which can lead to
significant crop losses and reduced yields. Additionally, the range of crops available to farmers may be
limited, and many crops may not be well adapted to local growing conditions. This can result in lower
quality crops that are more difficult to grow and may not meet the needs of farmers or consumers. The
use of genetic engineering techniques has the potential to address some of these challenges by
allowing for the development of crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, better adapted to
local growing conditions, and of higher quality. However, there are also concerns about the safety and
long-term effects of genetically modified crops that need to be carefully considered.
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Person 1:

after:
Genetic engineering has already had a significant impact on agriculture and is likely to continue to do
so in the coming years. GM crops can be designed to have specific desirable traits, such as increased
resistance to pests and diseases, improved nutritional content, and better flavor and appearance. This
can lead to higher yields, reduced crop losses, and more appealing products for consumers. In
addition, GM crops can also be engineered to require less fertilizer and other inputs, which can reduce
production costs for farmers and make agriculture more sustainable. These benefits have the potential
to address some of the challenges faced by agriculture, such as increasing global food demand and
environmental concerns. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits
of genetic engineering and ensure that it is used responsibly and safely.

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Person 2:

THE PROCESS:
To genetically engineer crops, scientists follow a series of steps to introduce a desirable trait into a
recipient organism. Firstly, the scientists identify the trait they wish to introduce, such as pest
resistance or improved nutrition. Next, they extract the genetic material containing the desired trait
from a donor organism using restriction enzymes. The isolated gene is then modified to make it
functional in the recipient organism. This could involve modifying the gene's sequence or adding a
promoter to ensure that the gene is expressed in the recipient organism.

After modifying the gene, it is inserted into the genome of the recipient organism. Techniques such as
gene guns or bacterial transformation can be used to achieve this. Finally, after successful insertion of
the desired gene, the modified organism is grown and replicated with its newly engineered genome.

It's important to note that the genetic engineering process can vary depending on the specific crop and
desired trait. Additionally, there may be additional steps involved in the process, such as testing for
safety and regulatory approval, before the modified crop can be released to the market.

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Person 1:

Exemples:
To illustrate the real-world impact of genetic engineering in agriculture, let me share with you some
examples of genetically modified crops. One example Golden Rice, which is rice plants genetically
modified to produce higher levels of vitamin A, which can help address vitamin A deficiency in
developing countries. Another example is Arctic apples, which is apples genetically modified to not
brown when cut, making them more appealing to consumers and potentially reducing food waste.

These are just a few examples, there are many other genetically modified crops in development or
already in use.

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Person 2:

Risks:
While the use of genetically modified crops has many potential benefits, there are also some risks that
need to be considered. One of the main concerns is the potential for unintended consequences, both
for human health and the environment. For example, there is a risk that the genetic modification could
lead to the creation of new allergens or toxins that could be harmful to humans. Additionally, the
release of genetically modified organisms into the environment could have unintended effects, such as
the transfer of the modified genes to other species, which could lead to unintended ecological
consequences.

Another potential risk associated with genetically modified crops is the concentration of control over
the food system. Many genetically modified crops are patented and owned by large agrochemical
corporations, which can have negative impacts on small farmers and rural communities. These
corporations may control the production, distribution, and pricing of GM crops, which can lead to the
exploitation of farmers and a loss of biodiversity.

Lastly, there is also a risk that the use of GM crops could lead to a reduction in agricultural diversity.
This is because farmers may become reliant on a small number of genetically modified crops, which
could lead to a decrease in the variety of crops grown and a corresponding loss of genetic diversity.
This could have negative consequences for food security in the long term, as it reduces the ability of
farmers to adapt to changing environmental conditions and disease pressures.

Overall, while genetically modified crops have the potential to offer many benefits, it is important to
carefully consider the potential risks and to ensure that their use is responsible and sustainable.

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Person 1:

Conclusion :
In conclusion, genetic engineering crops have become a widely used biotechnology technique to
manipulate the genetic material of organisms, specifically crops, to introduce or remove specific traits
that can improve their yield, resistance to pests, or adaptability to the environment. However, the use
of genetically modified crops has also been a subject of debate, as some people are concerned about
the potential long-term effects on human health and the environment. As with any technology, the use
of genetic engineering crops requires careful consideration of its benefits and risks.