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Phytopharmaceuticals Are Pharmaceutica Compounds That Are Found in Plants. They Can Be Naturally Occurring or a Result of

Question

Phytopharmaceuticals are pharmaceutica compounds that are found in plants. They can be naturally occurring or a result of biotechnology. Recently, scientists created genetically modified (GM) corn that produces the antibiotic penicillin The seeds of this GM corn contain a large amount of the antibiotic penicillin, making the cost of producing the penicillin much cheaper and making the method of delivering it to patients need much easier. Given the benefits of this GM corn, which of the following may be a concern regarding its production? The GM corn may develop infections from bacteria that are sensitive to the antibiotic. The GM corn might pass resistant genes to other organisms, like birds.that may eat the seeds. Because corn uses the wind for pollination, people allergic to penicillin may be at risk for exposure to the antibiotic in the air. Increased availability of the antibiotic may increase the development of antibiotic resistance in the infectious agents penicillin is used to treat.

Answer

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Verificación de expertos
Alexander Expert · Tutor for 3 years

Answer

The increased availability of the antibiotic may increase the development of antibiotic resistance in the infectious agents penicillin is used to treat.

Explanation

The primary concern related to the production of genetically modified (GM) corn that produces the antibiotic penicillin involves the potential ecological and health impacts. One significant issue is the increased availability of the antibiotic, which may accelerate the development of antibiotic resistance in the infectious agents penicillin is used to treat. This is a critical public health issue because antibiotic resistance can lead to the ineffectiveness of penicillin and other antibiotics, making it harder to treat bacterial infections. Additionally, as corn pollen is dispersed by wind, there is a risk for people with penicillin allergies who might be exposed to the antibiotic in the air, leading to allergic reactions. The transfer of genetic material to other organisms, like birds, represents another ecological concern as these organisms may develop resistance or other unintended consequences.