TPO21 Genetic modification a process used to change an organism s genes and hence its characteristics is now being used to improve trees It is possible to create trees that produce more fruit grow faster or withstand adverse conditions Planting geneticall

The reading piece and the lecture are regarding genetic modification of trees. According to the author of the reading it brings forward a number of benefits in terms of environmental preservation and economics whereas the lecturer holds an antithetical opinion of same. The lecturer casts doubt on the main points made in the reading using three reasons.

Preeminently, according to the reading, genetically modified trees are stronger and can withstand drastic environmental conditions. The author elucidates this by providing an example of papaya trees in Hawaii where genetically modified trees had better resistant to ring spot virus as compared to native papaya trees. However, the lecturer refutes this point. The lecturer points out that genetically modified trees are only resistant to particular changes and could withstand them better. In addition to this, native trees have a variety of spices and even if they encounter survival issue, some species might survive whereas for genetically modified tree if they encounter unknown conditions survival chances drops down severely.

By the same token, the reading states that there are economic benefits as these trees grow faster and give better yield. Nevertheless, the lecturer disputes this point. The lecturer asserts that seeds of modified trees are costly. Furthermore, even though they grow faster and you could get seeds through them and plant, the farmer always have to pay to the company when they plant a new seed.

In winding up, the reading contends that these modified trees could be a solution for over exploitation. As there is rising demand for wood which could be fulfilled through them, which would also help in preserving some of the unique and rare species. In contrast, the lecturer's stance is that genetically modified trees are planted among local trees and cause competition among them for resources as they grow aggressively.