Genetically modified crops are not a passing trend. The genetically altered plants currently in use are performing superbly without any measurable negative effects on the environment and on human health.

Biotechnology is one of the newest of the applied sciences rapidly making its way into everyday life. It started as an interdisciplinary endeavor created from a collaboration of agriculture, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, genetics, and molecular biology. Genetic engineering for the production of genetically modified organisms, also known as GMOs, is the most prominent aspect of biotechnology. Initial successes in genetic engineering began as early as 1970 and continues to progress as the methodologies and techniques become increasingly accurate, dependable, and precise.

At first, biotechnology was developed solely for the pursuit of basic genetic knowledge. Early on, researchers developed bacteria and fungi containing the genes of higher organisms as a way of better understanding the genetic code. These studies showed the limitations of genetic manipulation and help find ways to make genetic engineering more viable. Later on, scientists began to see the commercial value of producing genetically unique organisms. So, studies were targeted at creating bacteria and yeast that produced pharmaceutical commodities. Human insulin and erythropoietin were two medically important compounds developed initially for commercialization. The success and safety of these products gave way to many other commercial chemicals produced by genetically altered organisms including complex living things such as animals and plants.

Most biotechnology endeavors today are applied studies that rely on past basic research. Clinical human and veterinary medicine benefit from biotechnology applications of DNA analysis strategies that can locate and correct defective genes. Pharmacology uses biotechnology for developing drugs and disease treatments that better target ailments without the side effects of traditional medicines and treatments. Industrial chemicals are more and more being manufactured by GMOs designed specifically for the production of specialty chemicals. Agriculture has been the greatest recipient of biotechnology in the past 10 years. Dozens of genetically altered crops and livestock are regularly used for a variety of purposes in both developed and developing nations.

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