5.15- Genetically Modified Plants

Evaluate the potential for using genetically modified plants to improve food production (illustrated by plants with improved resistance to pests)

1. Maize is damaged by the larvae of the european corkborer which can lead to up to 20% crop yield
2. The bacteria Bt has a gene which produces Bt toxin gene which kills the corkborer larvae
3. First, take the restriction enzymes to chop the Bt toxin gene out
4. It is then transferred to cells of the maize plants however it is not easy and gene gun is the technique
5. This involves taking tiny gold particles which are coated with Bt gene. These are fired at a high velocity introducing the gene to the interior of the plant cell
6. This means that the maize gets the gene and can now kill the larvae
7. This gives the maize resistance and increases yield