Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide whose main role is to kill target plants by inhibiting the activity of specific enzymes in the plant, thereby interfering with the physiological functions of the target plant. Specifically, glyphosate inhibits ketopentitol-3-phosphate ketone reductase (EPSP synthase) in plants, blocking the aromatic amino acid synthesis pathway in plants. This synthase is one of the common enzymes in plants, which is not only effective against weeds, but also has an inhibitory effect on many genetically modified crops. However, genetically modified crops introduce glyphosate-resistant genes into crops through gene editing technology or gene embedding technology, so that they have the ability to resist glyphosate.
The misconception of this agricultural sister is that she mistakenly believes that there are genes in glyphosate. In fact, glyphosate is a pesticide made by a chemical plant and does not contain any genes. Genes are the genetic material that exists in living organisms and are carriers of genetic information in organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, rather than components in chemical synthesis.
Glyphosate was introduced more than 20 years ago, and it did not cause much controversy and attention at the time, and no one used glyphosate as an excuse to criticize genetically modified crops. This is because at a time when genetically modified crops were not widely cultivated, the public's knowledge and attention to genetically modified crops was limited, and there was no understanding of the issues related to them. It was only after genetically modified crops began to be planted on a large scale that some people began to establish a link between glyphosate and genetically modified crops, questioning and controversing.
Glyphosate-resistant genetically modified crops are not directly added to the crop, but are achieved by transferring a glyphosate-resistant gene into the crop. This gene is often referred to as a glyphosate-resistant gene. This gene can be obtained from other organisms through gene extraction technology and then embedded in the genome of genetically modified crops.
The transfer of glyphosate-resistant genes is subject to rigorous experimental validation to evaluate their safety for humans, soil, and the environment. It is undeniable that there are indeed some controversies and doubts in the field of genetically modified crops, but this does not mean that scientists are irresponsible for the research of gene editing and gene embedding technology. In fact, scientists must fully understand what the transferred gene is, its function and effects, and its impact on human health and the environment during the development of genetically modified crops.
In order to ensure the safety of genes, scientists need to conduct years of observation and experimentation, observe the performance of genetically modified crops across multiple generations, collect data and submit it to the relevant ** departments for evaluation and approval. The process is complex and rigorous, and it is not something that a minister can pass with a pat on the head.
The controversy over genetically modified crops has been an ongoing issue, with doubts about their safety and long-term effects on human health. However, as the consensus of the scientific community, most studies have shown that GM crops that have been verified by rigorous experiments and studies are safe and do not have a negative impact on food safety and human health. The World Health Organization, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Food Safety Authority and other authorities have also said that GM crops that have undergone strict scrutiny are safe for human health.
The research and development of genetically modified crops aims to improve the yield, insect and grass resistance of crops to meet the challenges of the world's growing population and food security. For example, insect-resistant genetically modified crops can reduce dependence on pesticides, reduce the risk of pesticide residues, and improve crop quality and yield. Glyphosate-resistant GMO crops are resistant to glyphosate, allowing farmers to control weeds more effectively and increase crop yields.
We should look at the development and application of genetically modified crops rationally. Scientists will constantly evaluate the risks and benefits in the research process, and conduct research and development under the premise of ensuring food safety and environmental health, and will not blindly introduce unsafe genetically modified crops.
Genetically modified crops have been controversial as a technical means to solve global food security and sustainable agricultural development. In my opinion, it is very important to keep up to date and actively participate in relevant discussions.
First of all, as ordinary people, we should maintain a scientific attitude and have a correct understanding of genetically modified crops. It is necessary to obtain information from authoritative sources, understand the background and purpose of research and development of genetically modified crops, and understand the research conclusions of relevant institutions and scientists.
Secondly, as consumers, we should pay attention to food safety and environmental protection. Choose to buy food and agricultural products you can trust, and pay attention to the labels and certifications on your food products to become more aware of their production processes and raw materials.
Finally, as a farmer or a person engaged in related agricultural industries, we should continue to learn and update our knowledge, and actively participate in scientific research and practice. Understand and adopt new technologies that are suitable for local agricultural conditions and needs, and contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture.
The discussion of genetically modified crops will always exist, which is an inevitable product of scientific and technological progress and social development. Our task is to maintain rational thinking in the midst of controversy and doubt, adhere to a scientific attitude, and promote the sustainable development of agriculture through our own efforts, so as to contribute to human food safety and social well-being.