Alex Flores
Mrs.Brunmeier
Science II
9/20/12
What are the positives and negatives of genetically altered plants? There are many positives and negatives to genetically altering or modifying plants. Some of the positives are processes such as phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is a technique using plants to clean up the environment. It is a solar-powered pollutant removal system. Therefore, genetically altered plants help remove toxins and explosive residues from the environment faster and cheaper. Some other benefits are the ability to breed disease resistant crops and herbicide tolerant strains and that some can include vitamins that may be lacking in some stable varieties. An interesting experiment that has been conducted promoting the benefits of genetically modified plants is the altering of a weed to attract predatory bugs to eat other bugs eating the leaves through chemical signals. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides so the crop defense is in the seed rather than the spray. However, a negative of genetically altered plants is that they can pose serious risks to humans. Health effects include higher risk of toxicity, allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, immune-suppression, and cancer. In my opinion, I think that genetically altered plants are positive. This is because rarely do the effects of them ever actually harm a human being. Also, it provides cheaper removal of toxins and explosive residues. Lastly, it is a great way to clean up the environment quicker and less expensive.

Works Cited
" Genetically Engineered Plants Could Clean Humanity's Messes | LiveScience ." Science News – Science