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Biology igcse question

If the mineral ions are not absorbed, they are egested in the faeces. The faeces of genetically modified (GM) farm animals contain less phosphate than the faeces of normal farm animals. Some people catch fish from rivers near farm land. Discuss why these people might support the genetic modification of farm animals.

Could you help with that one?
Less phosphates in faeces = less chance of run off into water courses - phosphorous is a fertiliser, if it enters the water course it will lead to overgrowth of blooms of algae and other plants (eutrophication). This causes a lack of oxygen in the water - hypoxia and ultimately anoxia - which will kill the fish and other creatures in the water.

Not sure if this is relevant to the vet med forum but there is your answer :smile:
GM animals are often milk producing, such as cows or sheep, so a certain protein can be expressed in their milk. Things like insulin can be produced this way for humans a lot quicker and humanely if the gene to produce insulin in the milk is genetically modified into the animal (it already happens, becoming a lot more popular). This can also be used to produce other vital medicines for humans
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Original post by TheWannabeFarmer
Less phosphates in faeces = less chance of run off into water courses - phosphorous is a fertiliser, if it enters the water course it will lead to overgrowth of blooms of algae and other plants (eutrophication). This causes a lack of oxygen in the water - hypoxia and ultimately anoxia - which will kill the fish and other creatures in the water.

Not sure if this is relevant to the vet med forum but there is your answer :smile:

Tysm!
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Original post by TheOnlyIzzy
GM animals are often milk producing, such as cows or sheep, so a certain protein can be expressed in their milk. Things like insulin can be produced this way for humans a lot quicker and humanely if the gene to produce insulin in the milk is genetically modified into the animal (it already happens, becoming a lot more popular). This can also be used to produce other vital medicines for humans

That's also helpful, thank you!

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