# Explain how GM crops can improve food production.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 5.1 Food production · Explain · 4 marks

> Farmers in tropical regions often face significant crop losses due to insect pests and unpredictable growing conditions. Genetic modification has been proposed as one strategy to address these challenges.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. GM crops can be made resistant to pests (e.g. insects/herbivores)
2. This means fewer plants are destroyed/damaged by pests, so more of the crop survives (linking resistance to improved yield)
3. GM crops can be produced with higher/better yields (e.g. faster growth or greater fruit/grain production)
4. A desired gene from another organism is inserted into the crop's genome / DNA, giving the crop a new desirable characteristic

## Key terms

- [GM crops](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gm-crops)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-gm-crops-can-improve-1bc321f4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.