GMO
What is a Genetically Modified Organism?
• It involves the insertion of DNA from one organism into another OR modification of an organism’s DNA in order to achieve a desired trait.
Suntory "blue" rose
How does this differ from Mendel and his peas?
GM vs Selective Breeding
Selective breeding• Slow• Imprecise• Modification of genes that naturally occur in
the organism
GM• Very fast• Precise• Can introduce genes into an organisms that
would not naturally occur!
Genetic engineering vs agricultural breeding
• Artificial selection has influenced the genetic makeup of livestock and crops for thousands of years.
• Proponents of GM crops say GM foods are safe.
• Critics of GM foods say:– Traditional breeding uses genes from the same
species.
– Selective breeding deals with whole organisms, not just genes.
– In traditional breeding, genes come together on their own.
Agricultural breeding
Traditional breeding changes organisms through selection, while genetic engineering is more like the process of mutation.
Genetically modified organisms
Biotechnology is impacting our lives
• Biotechnology: the material application of biological science to create products derived from organisms
• Transgenic organism: an organism that contains DNA from another species –Transgenes: the genes that have moved between
organisms
GMO in Medicine
• Insulin (e.g., SemBioSys Genetics Inc- saflower)
• Clotting factors• Atryn (anticoagulant).• Banana vaccines• Cancer fighting eggs
GMO in Biofuel
Algenol Biofuels Rapeseed (i.e., canola)
GMO in Bioremediation
Enviropig i.e., “Frankenswine”
• Able to digest and process phosphate
• Poplar trees remove groundwater contaminants
GMO in Pesticides
• Kills caterpillars but not poisonous to humans
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http://www.nature.com/cr/journal/v12/n2/full/7290120a.html
GMO in Manufacturing
• Produces silk in milk to make Biosteel
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Bt crops
Some genetically modified foods
Roundup ready crops
Some genetically modified foods
Soybean
Ice minus strawberries
Some genetically modified foods
Golden rice
Some genetically modified foods
Some genetically modified foods
Starlink corn
Some genetically modified foods
AquAdvantage salmon
genetically modified baby
Common GM Foods
Products• Corn• Canola• Potatoes• Tomatoes• Squash• Soybeans• Flax• Cottonseed oil• Sugarbeets
Common GM Foods
Genetically Modified FoodsGenetically Modified Foods
Experts say 60% to 70% of processed foods on U.S. grocery shelves have genetically modified ingredients.
Common GM crops:• Soybeans• Corn • Cotton
Genetically Modified FoodsGenetically Modified FoodsConsCons
• Introducing allergens and toxins to food• Accidental cross pollination • Antibiotic resistance• Creation of "super" weeds and other
environmental risks
Genetically Modified FoodsGenetically Modified FoodsProsPros
• Increased pest and disease resistance• Grow food in harsh climate • Increased food supply (more food/acre)• More nutritional value• Make drugs
Ring spot virus
GMO Controversy in Hawaii
http://hawaiiseed.org/local-issues/taro/
GMO Controversy in Hawaii
http://hawaiiseed.org/local-issues/taro/
• Undermines the genetic integrity of taro, sacred to the Hawaiian people;
• Threatens the taro market and livelihood of taro farmers. Taro production yields over 6 million pounds annually valued at $3.3 million.
• Threatens the biodiversity of the taro plant;• Could cause new, unexpected problems in taro
cultivation;• Could contaminate traditional varieties of taro and take
away taro farmers’ ability to choose what they grow in their lo’i; and
• Overlooks the wealth of traditional knowledge about growing taro that has been passed down through generations.
Inquiry
1. Provide three potential benefits and drawbacks of GMOs.
2. What benefit does golden rice provide?
3. What is a transgene?4. Which organism is most often
used in GM?
5. Dog breeds are an example of A) Artificial selectionB) Natural selectionC) Genetic modification
Inquiry