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GM soya environmental concerns
Glyphosate is a herbicide used in agriculture. Soya bean plants have been genetically modified (GM) to be resistant to glyphosate.
Suggest two reasons why some people are concerned about the use of GM soya bean plants. Do not refer to ethical concerns or religion in your answer.
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Marking points
- 1 Gives unknown effects/side effects when eaten as one concern.
- 2 Gives possible gene transfer to wild plants as one concern.
- 3 Gives reduced biodiversity as one concern.
- 4 Gives a specifically qualified increased seed/product cost as one concern.
- 5 Gives an effect on flavour/taste as one concern.
Full-mark answer
1. The long-term effects on humans or animals that eat the GM soya may not yet be known. 2. The resistance gene could spread to wild plants and reduce biodiversity.
Why this answer loses marks
GM crops are unnatural and expensive.
The first is an excluded ethical concern and the cost claim is unqualified; give two specific permitted concerns.