1. Explore - Understanding GMOs and Their Impact
In this section, students develop a foundational understanding of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), how they are created, and why their impact can be complex. The Explore phase introduces key biological and biotechnological concepts needed to understand genetic modification before engaging in modelling, AR-based analysis, and creative activities later in the unit.
1.4 Potential Benefits of GMOs
Genetic modification offers several potential benefits, supported by rigorous meta-analyses:
- Increased crop yields (e.g., +22% for GM maize according to meta-analyses conducted 2014–2021. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4218791/ ).
- Reduced pesticide use (-37% for herbicide-tolerant crops, 2014 meta-analysis).
- Improved nutritional content (e.g., Golden Rice with beta-carotene for vitamin A deficiency. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4218791/).
- Enhanced resistance to environmental challenges (drought, salinity, soil stress). (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food).
These benefits address global challenges such as food security, reducing chemical inputs in agriculture, and building resilience to climate variability. (More: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/food-genetically-modified).