Question

Which are different adverse effect of biotechnology on human health and environment?

Answer 1

1. Effects of biotechnology on human health:

i. Allergies

1. GMO crops could potentially have negative effects on human health as well. Std. XII Sci.: Biology 12 Chapter 12: Biotechnology
2. Consumers have developed unexpected allergic reactions. e.g. Researchers used a gene from the Brazil nut to increase the production of Methionine in soybeans.

ii. New proteins

1. Proteins that have never been ingested before by humans are now part of the foods that people consume every day.
2. Their potential effects on the human body are as of yet unknown.

2. Effects of biotechnology on the environment:

i. Herbicide use and resistance:

1. Effects on the environment are a particular concern with regard to GMO crops and food production. 
2. Ability to produce pesticides and resistance to specific herbicides are also cause of concern.

ii. Effects on Untargeted Species:

1. Bt corn, which produces its own pesticide, is also in use today. 
2. It has adverse effects on Monarch butterfly populations, which are not the original target of the pesticide.