Through the use of the new tools of genetic engineering, genes can be introduced into the same plant or animal species or into plants or animals that are not sexually compatible-the latter is a distinction with classical breeding. This technology has led to the commercial production of genetically engineered (GE) crops on approximately 250 million acres worldwide. These crops generally are herbicide and pest tolerant, but other GE crops in the pipeline focus on other traits. For some farmers and consumers, planting and eating foods from these crops are acceptable; for others they raise issues related to safety of the foods and the environment. In Part I of this review some general and food issues raised regarding GE crops and foods will be addressed. Responses to these issues, where possible, cite peer-reviewed scientific literature. In Part II to appear in 2009, issues related to environmental and socioeconomic aspects of GE crops and foods will be covered.

中文翻译：

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转基因植物和食品：科学家对问题的分析（第一部分）

通过使用基因工程的新工具，基因可以被引入到相同的植物或动物物种中，或者引入到性不相容的植物或动物中——后者是与经典育种的区别。该技术已在全球约 2.5 亿英亩的土地上实现了转基因 (GE) 作物的商业化生产。这些作物通常具有除草剂和害虫耐受性，但其他正在研发中的转基因作物侧重于其他特性。对于一些农民和消费者来说，种植和食用这些作物的食物是可以接受的；对于其他人，他们提出了与食品和环境安全相关的问题。在本综述的第一部分中，将讨论关于转基因作物和食品提出的一些一般性和食品问题。在可能的情况下，对这些问题的回应引用同行评审的科学文献。