Genetically Modified Plants in Agriculture

Genetically modified (GM) plants have revolutionized agriculture for more than three decades. The production of a GM plants is a complex, multi-stage process. Several key methods are available for generating GM plants. The choice of transformation method depends on the type of plant (dicotyledonous or monocotyledonous), the objective (large-scale production versus studying a specific gene in particular cells or tissues), and whether stable or transient transformation is desired. Following successful transformation, the next step is the regeneration of a whole plant from a single cell in tissue culture, which is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Currently, numerous genes that confer desirable traits have been identified. These traits include stress tolerance, herbicide and pest resistance, and improved consumer qualities (such as flavor, appearance, shelf life, and nutritional value). In this review, we describe the main methods for producing GM plants and provide examples of trait genes utilized in agricultural biotechnology. Despite the fact that GM plants represent one of the most significant biotechnological advances, they also remain among the most contentious issues in contemporary food safety and agricultural policy. Here, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using GM plants for humans.