Through genetic modification, it is now possible to introduce one or a few genes more precisely into the organism. Genetic modification is much faster than conventional breeding. A specific, desired characteristic can be quickly added to make a plant resistant to disease or insects, to make an animal gain weight faster, and so on. Genetic modification also permits the transfer of genes that cannot be dealt with through conventional breeding, for example the transfer of a gene from a turnip to a cereal grain or from a bacterium to corn. The first use of this was in the 1980s to modify the E.coli bacteria so that it could produce insulin cheaply for those who suffer from diabetes.
Genetic modification can be as safe as traditional breeding.
When crossing two plants using conventional breeding techniques, breeders mix thousands of genes in order to acquire one or a few genetic traits. To remove unwanted traits, breeders spend many years back-crossing the new plant varieties repeatedly with plants whose genetic components are well known. This slowly dilutes the impact of all those unwanted genetic traits that came along with the few beneficial traits. Genetic modification brings to traditional plant breeding the ability to move single gene instead of having to move thousands at one time. This would prevent the introduction of unwanted traits and thereby offering a safer breeding method.