GMO Worldwide

Transgenic crops grownIn US as of 2004

CornSoybeanCottonCanolaSquashPapaya

Agriculture Transgenics On the Market

Source: USDA

Insect resistant cotton – Bt toxin kills the cotton boll worm• transgene = Bt protein

Insect resistant corn – Bt toxin kills the European corn borer• transgene = Bt protein

Normal Transgenic

Source: Monsanto

Herbicide resistant crops Now: soybean, corn, canola Coming: sugarbeet, lettuce, strawberry alfalfa, potato, wheat (2005?)• transgene = modified EPSP synthase or phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase

The Next Test Is The Field

Non-transgenics

Transgenics

Herbicide Resistance

Final Test of the TransgenicConsumer Acceptance

RoundUp Ready Corn

Before After

Virus resistance - papya resistant to papaya ringspot virus• transgene = virus coat protein

Biotech chymosin; the enzyme used to curdle milk products• transgene = genetically engineered enzyme

bST; bovin somatotropin; used to increasemilk production• transgene = genetically engineered enzyme

Source: Rent Mother Nature

Source: Chr. Hansen

Next Generation of Ag Biotech Products

Source: Minnesota Microscopy Society

Golden Rice – increased Vitamin A content (but not without controversy)transgene = three pathway enzymes

Sunflower – white mold resistancetransgene = oxalate oxidase from wheat

Turfgrass – herbicide resistance; slower growing (= reduced mowing)

Bio Steel – spider silk expressed in goats; used to make soft-body bullet proof vests (Nexia)

Edible VaccinesTransgenic Plants Serving Human Health Needs

• Works like any vaccine • A transgenic plant with a pathogen protein gene is developed• Potato, banana, and tomato are targets• Humans eat the plant • The body produces antibodies against pathogen protein• Humans are “immunized” against the pathogen• Examples:

DiarrheaHepatitis BMeasles

Questions1- What are the issues of concern about transgenic crops?

Which of these raise safety issues for you and why?

2- Joshua Lederberg stated the the effect of regulations has been to make people think the technology is dangerous, whether it truly is or not.

What are the agencies involved in regulating GMO in the US? Do you think it is the process or the product that should be regulated?

3- Why did Zambia’s president refuse shipment of American corn during a famine? Why has Florence Wambugu’s virus-resistant sweet potato not make it to the market? What is the responsibility of Western societies and the scientific community to share technologies that can directly benefit people in less developed countries?