Genetic Modification VS Conventional Breeding

As I was researching on the Genetic Modified foods in Singapore, I came across an information on "What are the differences between genetic modifications versus conventional breeding?" I find it quite interesting, so decided to post this to share it with my teammates!

So what are the differences between genetic modifications and conventional breeding? Well, conventional breeding involves the transfer of many thousands of genes randomly and takes many years to produce an organism with the desired characteristics. Through genetic modification, it is now possible to introduce one or a few genes more precisely into the organism. Genetic modification is much faster than conventional breeding. A specific, desired characteristic can be quickly added to make a plant resistant to disease or insects, to make an animal gain weight faster, and so on. Genetic modification also permits the transfer of genes that cannot be dealt with through conventional breeding, for example the transfer of a gene from a turnip to a cereal grain or from a bacterium to corn. The first use of this was in the 1980s to modify the E.coli bacteria so that it could produce insulin cheaply for those who suffer from diabetes.

Since genetic modification does not require as much work and time as conventional breeding, most of the people are doing genetic modification since lesser investments and time are needed to contribute in order to get the desired food characteristic! That's how wonderful technology works now! 

Vincent Ngiam