Seeds of Concern: The Genetic Manipulation of Plants

Front Cover
UNSW Press, 2003 - Business & Economics - 156 pages
How are genetically modified plants produced? Which breeding goals are worthwhile, and which are not? Can the escape of transferred genes be controlled? Why have the first transgenic plants been released without full appreciation of the consequences? How dangerous are bacterial proteins produced in plant foods? Is anyone monitoring the unexpected effects of gene transfer? Will genetically modified plants ever be acceptable to organic growers? These are some of the important questions canvassed in this book, written with the insight of an experienced Australian plant scientist and conservationist.
 

Contents

Introduction Cells genes and chromosomes
13
How genetically modified plants are produced
31
The hazards of herbicideresistant plants
44
Setting priorities for plant improvement
59
Proposals with nutritional medical or utilitarian goals
74
Environmental and health impacts of genetically modified plants
85
Intellectual property issues
99
Impacts of genetically modified plants in the Third World
115
Loose ends
129
Useful addresses
138
Glossary
142
Further reading
148
Index
150
Copyright

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About the author (2003)

David Murray is the director of research at the Statistical Assessment Service (STATS). He has written articles for dozens of publications, including the "Wall Street Journal", "Washington Post", "Christian Science Monitor", & "Roll Call" & has appeared on various shows on the History Channel, CNN, NBC, ABC, & NPR. He lives in the Washington, DC metro area.