Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 12: Problem 5

What are the major advantages and problems associated with using biotechnology in food production?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The major advantages of using biotechnology in food production include increased crop yields, enhanced nutritional content of crops, disease and pest resistance, and longer shelf life of products. The associated problems and challenges can be potential long-term health effects of genetically modified food, environmental impact, the risk of monoculture, and economic concerns for small-scale farmers.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Biotechnology in Food Production

Before discussing pros and cons, it's crucial to understand what biotechnology in food production is. It essentially involves using technology to improve the quality, yield, and nutritional value of crops, and also includes genetic modification.
02

Advantages of Biotechnology in Food Production

There are many advantages biotechnology can provide in food production. These include (but are not limited to): 1. Increase in crop yield: Biotechnology can improve growth rates. 2. Enhanced nutritional content: With biotechnology, crops can be engineered to contain higher levels of essential nutrients. 3. Disease and pest resistance: Genetically modified crops can be more resistant to diseases, pests, and harsh weather conditions. 4. Longer shelf life: Similarly, they can also be engineered for longer shelf life, thus reducing waste.
03

Problems and Risks Associated with Biotechnology in Food Production

Despite its advantages, there are also risks and challenges: 1. Genetic Modification Controversy: Some are concerned about the potential long-term effects of consuming genetically modified foods. This includes concerns about allergenicity and other health risks. 2. Environmental impact: The use of GMO crops could impact biodiversity. 3. Monoculture: Biotechnology often leads to monoculture, where a single crop is grown in large scale, reducing biodiversity and making crops more susceptible to diseases. 4. Economic concerns: Biotechnology often benefits large corporations who have the means to undertake the expensive processes involved, potentially leaving small-scale farmers struggling to keep up.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What are at least four cutting-edge concepts in sustainable agriculture?

What are biofuels, and what are their impacts on food production?

How is relief from famine and severe hunger accomplished? Why does food aid sometimes aggravate poverty and hunger?

Describe the levels of responsibility for food security. At each level, list several ways food security can be improved. .

Discuss the causes of famine, severe hunger, and chronic malnutrition, and name the geographical areas most threatened by them.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Physical Environment

Read Explanation

Ecological Conservation

Read Explanation

Pollution

Read Explanation

Living Environment

Read Explanation

Ecology Research

Read Explanation

Biological Resources

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free