Introduction

What are GMOs?Organisms to which

genes coding for specific, desirable traits from another (often unrelated) organism have been inserted.

Introductiona process whereby genes from one organism are

moved into the genome of another organismgenes from bacteria or other plants or organisms

are moved into foods such as soybeans, corn, potatoes, and rice to provide herbicide-tolerance and/or insect resistance to the plants (Environmental Commons, 2008).

recombinant DNA technology (rDNA)- Combining genes from different organisms

resulting organism is said to be "genetically modified," "genetically engineered," or "transgenic" GMO products

Introductionthe most promising, precise and advanced

strategy available today for increasing global food production

Process

ProcessThe Plasmid MethodThe Vector MethodThe Biolistic Method

ProcessThe Plasmid Method

first technique of genetic engineering a small ring of DNA called a plasmid (generally

found in bacteria) is placed in a container with special restriction enzymes

same enzyme is then used to treat the DNA sequence to be engineered into the bacteria

two separate cut-up DNA sequences are introduced into the same container, thus forming a ring of DNA with additional content

next step involves adding the newly formed plasmids to a culture of live bacteria with known genomes

ProcessThe Plasmid Method

the DNA introduced into the plasmid will include not only instructions for making a protein, but also antibiotic-resistance genes

Allows the successfully altered bacteria to grow and reproduce

With natural selection, the bacteria produced after many generations will outperform the best of the early generations.

ProcessThe Vector Method

its products are inserted directly into the genome via a viral vector

cut the viral DNA and the DNA to be inserted with the same enzyme

combine the two DNA sequences separate those that fuse successfully those that cause its virulence, must first be

removed or the organism to be re-engineered would become ill

Viral genomes are allowed to synthesize protein coats and then reproduce

ProcessThe Vector Method

virus infects the target cells then begins to express the new sequence This technique is also being studied as a possible

way to cure genetic diseases.

ProcessThe Biolistic Method

the gene-gun method pellets of metal (usually tungsten) coated with the

desirable DNA are fired at plant cells allowed to grow into new plants, and may also be

cloned to produce more genetically identical crop

The Law

The LawThe Genetically Modified Organisms

(Contained Use) Regulations 2000 require risk assessment of activities involving

genetically modified micro-organisms introduce a classification system require notification of all premises to Health and

Safety Executive (HSE) require notification of individual activities to the

Competent Authority require fees payable for the notification of premises require the maintenance of a public register of GM

premises and certain activities

The LawSection 108 (1) of the Environment

Protection Act 1990The Genetically Modified Organisms (Risk

assessment)(Records and Exemptions) Regulations 1996

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release and Risk Assessment-Amendment) Regulations 1997

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Benefits to CropsImproved yields*Improved pest

resistence*Improved herbicide

tolerance*

* To a degree not possible using traditional methods

Organisms can be manipulated to produce novel substances such as vaccines, medications, and precursors to plastics

Why Use GMOs?Food Crops

Agronomic Traits:Increase yields by attacking the source of crop

loss Insect resistance (corn, cotton)Herbicide resistance (soybeans, canola)Virus resistance (papaya, squash)Drought, salt tolerance (under development)

Why Use GMOs?Food Crops

Consumer Traits:Flavor, freshness

Flavr Savr tomatoProcessingConsistency

Soy that is texturally more desirable for processed foods

Nutrition “golden rice” Heart-healthy oils Reduced allergenicity

Possible Risks of GMOsProblems could occur in the following areas:

Human healthEnvironmentEconomics

Disadvantages/dangers

Microorganisms Plants (Food) Animals Man

horizontal gene transfer

creation of new invasive species (super-weeds)

violation of integrity of animal (crossing species

barriers)

a new tool for eugenicists (IVF,

diagnosis, selection)

creation of dangerous novel pathogens and

diseases which may escape containment

contamination of organic/non-GM crops/food with

transgenes

increased instrumentalisation

of animals

iatrogenic death/illness from

gene therapy

spread of antibiotic resistance

loss of biodiversity of farm wildlife

animal suffering potential for

creating a genetic underclass

viral recombination of supposedly

crippled viruses

loss of crop genetic diversity increases

famine risk

zoonoses (GM animal to human disease transfer in

xenotransplantation)

instrumentalisation of the one

individual by others ('designer babies')

Disadvantages/dangers

Plants (Food) Manincrease in herbicide use to control volunteers

(weedy crop plants) creation of GM human beings (embryos) to

supply body parts horizontal gene transfer into soil and gut

microorganisms iatrogenic illness from drugs made by genetic

engineering, e.g. insulin

spread of antibiotic resistance marker genes risk of mutation from trans-species transfer of

'jumping genes'

genomic instability creation of superviruses by viral recombination

in human cell culture

allergenicity of foods cancer from gene therapy viral vectors recombining with endogenous viruses 

novel toxicity of foods

crossing 'species barriers' chemical/seed corporations control food supply

toxins from GM plant debris affect soil flora/fauna

genetic instability of transgenic lines

increased risk of pesticide/herbicide resistance

live recombinant (cancer) viruses from virus-resistant GM plants

genetic pollution multiplies

unsustainable agriculture

Benefits

Microorganisms Plants (Food) Animals Man

versatile tool for gene manipulation in preparation for

making other GMOs

quicker, more predictable way to

generate new cultivars

GM animals can generate

pharmaceutical proteins which cannot be made in any other

way

treating genetic disorders and cancer

creation of new pharmaceuticals which cannot be made in any

other way

increased biodiversity of weed populations

and hence farm wildlife

new agriculturally useful GM breeds, e.g.

which can tolerate factory farming

without suffering

creating new types of human beings with advantageous traits

ease of containment overall herbicide and pesticide use lower

supplying body parts

bioremediation (cleaning up waste/pollution with living

organisms)

cultivar properties better known than ever before

genes from different genera can be inserted

helps food security gene flow (pollution)

controllable (male sterility, terminator genes)

sustainable agriculture

Benefits

Microorganisms Plants (Food) Man

Current Researches

Current ResearchesCrop Case Study: GMO Golden Rice in Asia

with Enhanced Vitamin A Benefits for Consumers

Genetically modified rice that contains beta-carotene, widely known as Golden Rice (GR)

developed to address Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in low-income rice consumers

China approves transgenic species development program

The program aims to gain genes of great commercial value

develop high-quality, high-yield and pest-resistant genetically-modified new species

Current ResearchesHappier cows = Better milk

Newcastle University in the UK cows which are allowed to graze as nature intended

produce better quality milk Quality Low Input Food (QLIF) project on animal health

and welfare findings are giving weight to claims that organic food is

more nutritious than non-organically grown produce

China approves big GMO budget huge budget for research of genetically modified crops

amid growing concerns over food security

Due to rising food needs, transgenic wheat could be on the rise worldwide

The RealityAbout 75% of the processed foods on the market in the U.S. today contain ingredients from GM crops.

corn flour high fructose corn syrup corn oil vitamin C soy flour soy oil soy milk lecithin

Environmental IssuesEcological concerns:

“invasive species” – biodiversity “biological pollution” “superweeds” impacts on nontarget organisms pest resistance

Irreversibility

*Comparators are important

Examples

ExamplesPlants

Grapple Potatoes, soybeans, cooton, squash, apples corn, wheat

Animals•Glowfish, and other fishes•Cows•Mice•Piig, sheep, goat, birds

Environmental Issues: 2 Opposing ViewsGM crops are safer for the environment because they reduce use of chemical pesticides

GM crops are safe because they can’t survive in the wild; gene flow happens

GM Bt crops have been tested for safety on non-target organisms

GM crops have increased the use of chemical herbicides

GM crops threaten biodiversity; once released, they cannot be recalled

Effects of constant exposure to Bt not well known

but

but

but

..End.. Jestine Faith RegudoMarifel Mangulabnan