Genetically modified crops1. Introduction It is ironic that some individuals, strongly advocating natural fresh, organic vegetables on their tables, enjoy purchasing genetically modified crops that make their lives easier. The United States of America is one of the most prominent countries where genetically modified crops are widely adopted, unlike Europe where genetically modified food has never gained public approval, and Japan where no crops are grown genetically modified for commercial purposes. Despite the significant improvement achieved in agriculture by the introduction of genetically modified crops, little is known about its specificities and the arguments in favor of its use. Genetically modified crops have a positive influence on society, as can be seen through understanding its fundamentals and comparing the pros and cons of such technology.2. What are genetically modified crops? The term genetically modified (GM) crops or GMOs (genetically modified organisms) or even GM food is most commonly used to refer to animals, plants or microorganisms whose genes have been altered through the insertion or deletion of transgenic genes to produce the desired traits. These plants are genetically modified to enhance or even introduce desired traits such as increased herbicide and pest resistance, improved nutritional content, and adaptations to harsh or hostile environments. Improving the desired characteristics of cultivated plants is not something new. This was done millennia ago through selective breeding and grafting, but this conventional process can be time-consuming and is often ineffective or inaccurate. On the other hand, through genetic engineering, cultivated plants with desired characteristics can be grown here...... middle of paper ......action of antibodies, biopharmaceuticals and edible vaccines in plants (2001 , May) Trends in Plant Science, p. 219-2264. Phytodetoxification of dangerous organomercurials by genetically modified plants (2000, February) Nature Biotechnology, Pg. 213-2175. GM Crops: Public Perceptions and Scientific Solutions (1999, December) Trends in Plant Science, p. 467-4696. Thirtle, Colin. Beyer, Lindie. Ismael, Yousouf. Piesse, Jenifer. Can GMO technologies help the poor? The impact of Bt cotton on the Makhathini Plains, KwaZulu-Natal (2003) World Development, p. 717-7327. Cockburn, Andrea. Ensuring the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods: the importance of a holistic and integrative approach (2002) Journal of Biotechnology, Pg. 79-1068. A decade of EU-funded GMO research (2001 – 2010) (http://ec.europa.eu/research/biosociety/pdf/a_decade_of_eu-funded_gmo_research.pdf)