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Originally Posted by Elphaba
I have a "mundane" biology question that maybe Ustwo can answer for me.  One of the concerns mentioned in the review article is the possibility of natural cross-pollination between a gm and nongm plant. It would seem that the possibility of a new species is possible, but wouldn't it still be a self-limiting (one-year) plant? |
No, most likely not, unless the modified gene itself did the limiting factor. This could be the case for genes designed to make bigger seeds (the seeds may be larger but not viable) but I can't see it working for say anti-insect type genetic modification. There is a natural process of genetic splicing, which can at times move a gene from one chromosome to another. Its rare that it would work out, but it is possible that you could 'lose' the limiting gene and keep the other modified gene.
Nothing here would really make a new species, but the fear is of making a 'super species' sort of a zebra muscle equivalent for vegetation.
Over all I'm not very worried, as there are several factors which limit the spread of plant life. Farm fields are 'ideal' conditions, and the genetic modifications are designed for those conditions. Things which inhibit their growth in the non-ideal conditions will still inhibit GM crops. That being said, in some future it is possible to think of a GM crop gone wild, but I still say the benefits well out way the risks.
Fear of the unknown is a normal human reaction, but we must face it if we hope to advance.