What are the benefits of biotechnology? what are some of the concerns?

Listed below are examples of existing and potential benefits offered by the use of rDNA biotechnology.

Plant Attribute Benefits. rDNA biotechnology- derived food crops offer growers: increased crop resistance to pests, disease, and environmental stress; increased crop yields; and decreased production costs. Potential advantages for consumers include: improved organoleptic and nutritional quality; improved shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables; and reduced allergen concentrations.

Food Technology Uses of Bioprocessing. rDNA biotechnology enables optimization of the microorganisms and enzymes necessary for processing of fermented foods such as cheeses, pickles, wine, beer, and sausages, resulting in food ingredients of higher quality and purity as well as ingredients not otherwise available.

Environmental Benefits. rDNA biotechnology has been used to develop herbicide-tolerant crops that enable the use of comparatively environmentally benign herbicides and increase the flexibility in crop rotation. In addition, these crops facilitate no-till agriculture, which reduces fossil fuel use, soil erosion, and air pollution. Increased yields on existing farm land, especially through crops adapted to local soil or drought conditions, will help provide the necessary quantities of food as the world’s population grows without converting our remaining forests into farm land.

Diet, Nutrition, and Health Benefits. rDNA biotechnology has the potential to provide more food to the world and foods of improved nutritional composition to meet the specific needs of different populations. In addition, specific plant components now recognized for their ability to contribute to improved health and the prevention of some degenerative diseases could also be incorporated into foods.

dna is made up of six smaller molecules -- a five carbon sugar called deoxyribose, a phosphate molecule and four different nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine).

1. dermis

2. chemical

3. urine

4. viruses

5. antibodies