Genes and Our Food

Past, present and future

Science is used to improve our food supply

“And he gave it for his opinion, that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together. “

Jonathan Swift in Gulliver’s Travels

Science is used to improve our food supply All food comes from living

organisms Genetics can be used to improve

the plants and animals we eat Many people are not aware of these

facts “Ordinary Tomatoes Do Not Contain

Genes, while Genetically Modified Ones Do”

Biotechnology Technology based on biology.

This concept was developed to help produce more food with a higher nutritional value for consumption in starving countries.

Definition: the application of scientific knowledge in the management of microorganisms to supply goods and services of use to human beings (Wikipedia (1), 2007).

Biotechnology (continued) Typically known as recombinant DNA

technology.

DNA molecules from different sources are combined in vitro into one molecule to create a new gene.

This new gene is then inserted into the organism of interest, causing the expression of a modified trait, and thus, creating genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Biotechnology (continued) Green Biotechnology: Applications used

in agriculture are: To improve crop yield. To reduce crop susceptibility to

environmental stresses. To reduce crop susceptibility to pathogens. To increase the crops nutritional value. To improve taste and texture of the crop. To reduce dependency of crops on

pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

Creation of a GM plant relies on a natural gene transfer mechanism

Genetically Modified Organisms Any organism that has had genetic

material altered by genetic engineering techniques (biotechnology). Also know as transgenics.

Transgenic animals (mice and fish), transgenic microbes (fungi and bacteria), and transgenic plants (corn, rice, tomato, and canola).

“Ordinary Tomatoes Do Not Contain Genes, while Genetically Modified Ones Do”

1996 - 1998

40

48

46

51

35

36

32

34

45

52

38

21

24

27

44

20

39

22

45

33

22

31

30

22

21

44

29

44

10

15

0 20 40 60 80 100

United Kingdom

Switzerland

Sweden

Netherlands

Italy

Germany

France

Austria

United States

Canada

Percent Response

False (Correct) Don't Know True

We have genetically modified food for thousands of years

The earliest farmers and gardeners saved seeds of the very best plants to start the next growing season

By doing this, they unknowingly selected plants with the more desirable genes

Assyrian mural from 870 BC showing palm pollination

Domestication of corn

Teosinte Corn

9000 Years Ago

Domestication of lettuce

Leaf LettucePrickly lettuce

4,500 Years Ago

Domestication of carrot

1,100 to 300 Years Ago

Queen Anne’s Lace

• Orange carrotsappeared in Holland in the 1700s

Brassica oleracea

Wild cabbage

KohlrabiGermany, 100 AD

Kale, 500 BC

Cabbage, 100AD

Cauliflower 1400’s

BroccoliItaly, 1500’s

Brussel sproutsBelgium, 1700’s

Ornamental kaleLate 1900’s

Some crops never existed in nature

Wheat, Triticum aestivumTriticum urartu X Aegilops

speltoides 2n=14 2n=14

Triticum turgidum X Aegilops tauschii 2n=28 2n=14

Triticum aestivum 2n=42

Biotechnology Biotechnology

InIn

AgricultureAgriculture

Major uses of biotechnology Making maps of plant and animal

chromosomes using technology developed for the Human Genome Project

Using our knowledge to add new genetic information to plants and animals

How is this information obtained? Set of techniques that allow us to "

read" genes

Old and New Approaches to Plant Improvement

Current Crops with Biotech Traits

Herbicide Tolerance - Lower grower cost (corn, soy, cotton, canola) - Reduced herbicide residues

- Enables no-till- Simplicity / flexibility

Insect/Corn Borer Resistance - Lower grower costs(corn, cotton, potato) - Reduced pesticide usage - Decreased molds

- Higher yields- Simplicity

Commercial Products Benefits to Growers / Consumers

Current Crops with Biotech Traits

Virus Resistance - Lower cost (potato, papaya) - Higher quality foods

- Less acres used

Delayed Ripening - Higher quality food products - Longer shelf-life

Commercial Products Benefits to Growers / Consumers

Reduced Pesticide Use with Insect-Protected CottonInsect Control Ledger for 2000: Bollgard® Cotton on Five Million Acres

Manufacturing Distribution Application Financial Benefit Stewardship

Applies 1.04 million fewer pounds of insecticide in 2.5 fewer applications per acre

Disposes of 416,000 fewer insecticide containers

Saves 41,250 10-hour farm work days

Eliminates 2,150 10-hour days of aerial application

Conserves 2.41 million gallons of fuel and 93.7 million gallons of water

Accrues $168 million in economic benefits from lower production costs and increased cotton yield

Reduces pesticide exposure risk

Preserves beneficial insect populations

Creates wildlife benefits

Gives cotton producers more time for family and community activities

Gives cotton producers peace of mind

Transports and stores 416,000 fewer gallons of insecticide

Conserves 604,000 gallons of fuel oil

Produces fiber equivalent to that found in all consumer products derived from cotton

ConsumerBenefit

Dr. Roger Leonard, LSU Agricultural Center Dr. Ronald Smith, Auburn University

Saves 3.46 million pounds of raw material

Conserves 1.48 million gallons of fuel oil

Eliminates 2.16 million pounds of industrial waste

Net

Bollgard® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Company© 2001 Monsanto Company

Bollgard® Cotton

Some GM crops have the potential to mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture: less pesticide, less dust, more biodegradable herbicides

““Roundup” tolerant soybeans can beRoundup” tolerant soybeans can bePlanted with no-till procedures, Planted with no-till procedures, which eliminate plowing (dust), which eliminate plowing (dust),

Save water and use a biodegradableSave water and use a biodegradable herbicideherbicide

Examples of Transgenic Plants Insecticide sweet corn: known as

“Bt corn”. Modified to express genes that produce a toxin that kills insects that feed upon it. Modified with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bionet, 2002). Advantage: 1) farmers no longer need

to apply insecticides to the crop, thus saving money and reducing harm to the environment.

Examples of Transgenic Plants Corn (continued)

Disadvantages: 1) may cause resistance in the insects as they are constantly given doses of insecticide. 2) may kill beneficial insects as well as the harmful insects. 3) considered to be a “franken food”.

Examples of Transgenic Plants Rice: known as “golden rice” which was

modified to contain large amounts of beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A). The inserted genes were from a bacterium and two were from daffodils (Bionet, 2002). Advantages: 1) advantageous to nutrient

deprived third world countries. 2) helps balance the diet of countries with limited diets consisting mainly of rice (Asia).

Examples of Transgenic Plants Rice (continued):

Disadvantages: 1) makes the third world countries dependent on the “rich western world” for the rice, as it cannot be grown from the sterile plants. 2) again, the “franken food” fear that we are somehow playing with the natural order of things.

Examples of Transgenic Plants Tomatoes: known as the “flavr-savr”

tomato. Came on the market in 1994 and was the first genetically modified food available to consumers (Bionet, 2002). Advantages: 1) modified to remain fresher

longer, so can ripen on the vine to produce a better flavor. 2) can tolerate lengthier transportation to market, so the tomatoes do not need to be picked while still green.

Examples of Transgenic Plants Tomatoes (continued):

Disadvantages: 1) used genes that made them resistant to antibiotics. Genes for antibiotic resistance are no longer inserted into the tomatoes. 2) the “franken food” fear. People do not understand the process and advantages and therefore do not want this tomato on the market.

Examples of Transgenic Plants Pesticide resistant rape: rape is also

know as “canola”. Was modified to be resistant to pesticides that are applied on the field crop. Advantages: 1) less pesticide sprayed

into the environment. 2) can use a more environmentally friendly pesticide. 3) more money for the farmer who can grow a larger crop.

Examples of Transgenic Plants Rape (continued):

Disadvantages: 1) the genes used for modifying the plants can be transferred to the insects, causing resistance in the insects. 2) these plants can pollinate weeds, transferring the herbicide resistance to the weed creating “super” weeds

Transgenic Milk Known as rBST (recombinant bovine

somatotropin) or rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone): increases milk production in dairy cows by 10 to 30 percent (GMF, 2007). Advantages: 1) increased milk production

2) reduction in animal feed consumed 3) aids in water conservation.

Transgenic Milk Disadvantages: 1) is believed to be

linked to cancer in humans. 2) believed to cause early development in young girls. 3) believed to cause aggression in young boys.

Transgenic Animals Fish: a variety of Atlantic salmon

that grows to market weight in 18 months instead of 24 to 30 months. More economical for fish farmers to raise transgenic fish that are cheaper to feed and faster to market than to raise conventional fish.

Transgenic Microbes Bacteria: the synthetic version of the

human insulin gene was inserted into E. coli to produce synthesized insulin.

The sweetener in most diet sodas (phenylalanine) is made by transgenic bacteria.

The Tech Museum of Innovation (2004): Understanding Genetics: Making Medicines http://www.thetech.org/genetics/art06_medicine.php

Biotech Benefits and Risks Decreasing reliance on pesticides Insect resistance management Gene flow and outcrossing Non-target organisms Human, wildlife and environmental health Preserving genetic diversity in plants and

animals Economic

Transgenic Plants Regulated by three federal

agencies: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) (Thompson, 2000).

Potential of crop biotechnology

1995 2000 2005 2010

Agronomic traits

Potential products

Quality traits

Pharmaceuticals

Specialty chemicals

Genetically Enhanced Plants The Next Generation

CropCrop CustomerCustomer

Focus on improved farming""Thinking in crops""

Focus on improved processing"Thinking in applications""

Functionality of crops

or components

Customer needs

Source: The Boston Consulting Group; modified

Situation So Far Future Trend

Biotech Foods and Health

Enhanced protein and essential nutrients prevent disease Vitamin A to prevent childhood

blindness Increased calories and

nutrients to prevent malnutrition

Increasing food availability by reducing spoilage golden rice

Healthier Foods Added Nutrients

wheat rice

Reducing Natural Food Toxins

Fighting Hunger

Improving yields of food staples Controlling insects Controlling crop diseases

bananas cassava sweet potato virus

Greater salt tolerance

Food Security Increasing crop productivity

to meet growing global food needs

Increasing crop productivity of staple foods rich in protein and calories

Increasing access to a healthy, diverse diet

Concerns over GMOs Cross-pollination is a big concern in

the agricultural arena. Genetically altered plants can cross-pollinate with “normal” plants introducing the altered gene into the plants. The main area of concern is with

herbicide resistant plants cross-pollinating with weeds, thus making the weeds herbicide resistant.

Concerns over GMOs The creation of “terminator” gene

technology which produces sterile seeds from the genetically modified plant. The farmers will have to re-purchase the non-sterile seed each year. This can become expensive, especially to the small farmer or farmers in third world countries.

Concerns over GMOs Another concern is the loss of

biodiversity. Since genetically modified plants do not occur in nature, the possibility of “genetic pollution” may occur. When the gene pool from the wild and native species collapses because of the introduction of these modified genes, there will no longer be diversity in the plants.

Are GMO’s safe? That would depend on who you ask.

The food must still meet all FDA requirements on food safety before they can be released on the market (FDA, 2000).

There does not seem to be an adverse effect on people who consume GMOs.

Safety of GMOs There is the possibility of allergic reactions if a

gene that can produce an allergic reaction (say from a peanut) were inserted into corn. People with allergies to peanuts would then become allergic to the corn. However; the FDA requires that the label state if an allergy causing gene was used, unless they can prove the gene does not make the food cause allergies.

There is the possibility that natural plant toxins may be enhanced in unsuspecting ways.

What will the future bring?

Foods as Medicine Delivery System

• Vaccines• human • veterinary

Foods as Medicine Delivery System

Benefits of food as a Drug Delivery System reduced expense low tech – easy to deliver reduced spoilage - no refrigeration

Vaccines Enhanced protein and essential

nutrients prevent disease

Other uses of biotech Over 100 drugs on the market

developed with biotech Bioremediation Industrial biotech

Improved enzymes in chemical, textile, pharmaceutical, metal, and energy industries

Starch and grain processing Sweeteners Ethanol

Other uses of biotech Coffee is

decaffeinated by solvent extraction

Concern about safety and flavor

Engineer to be decaffeinated

Also can make uniform ripening

Other uses of biotech

Nicotine-free tobacco

Low lignin spruce trees for paper production

Industrial uses Cleaning industry

Detergent proteases Textile industry

Finishing cloth Better cotton fibers

Paper and pulp industry Processing with biotech,

environmentally friendly chemicals

NONRENEWABLE

ANDRENEWABLERESOURCES

HMMMM....

What do you think nonrenewable resources are?

Break it down...

Nonrenewable?

Resource?

NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES

A nonrenewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be re-made or re-grown at a scale comparable to its consumption.

NUCLEAR ENERGYNuclear fission uses

uranium to create energy.

Nuclear energy is a nonrenewable

resource because once the uranium is used, it is gone!

COAL, PETROLEUM, AND GAS

Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are

considered nonrenewable because they can not be

replenished in a short period of time. These are

called fossil fuels.

HOW IS COAL MADE ???

HOW ARE OIL AND GAS MADE ???

WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COAL AND OIL/GAS?

HMMMM....

If nonrenewable resources are

resources that cannot be re-made at a scale

comparable to its consumption, what

are renewable resources?

RENEWABLE RESOURCES

Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished in a short period of time.

● Solar ● Geothermal● Wind ● Biomass● Water

SOLAREnergy from the

sun.

Why is energy from the sun renewable?

GEOTHERMAL

Energy from Earth’s heat.

Why is energy from the heat of the

Earth renewable?

WINDEnergy from

the wind.

Why is energy from

the wind renewable?

BIOMASS

Energy from burning organic or living matter.

Why is energy from biomass renewable?

WATER or HYDROELECTRIC

Energy from the flow of water.

Why is energy of flowing

water renewable?

Our Natural Resources, Then and Now

What is a natural resource?

Any form of energy which can be used by humans.

Those things that people come in contact with that may be used to perform any useful function.

Objects, materials, creatures, or energy found in nature that can be put to use by humans.

Usefulness Changes A. Things that affect our definition of usefulness. 1. Religion- Hindu- cattle 2. Custom- Dogs as food source.

3. Technology and Science

Soil Resources A. Land area

1. U.S. 3,675,545 square miles or 2.26 billion acres

2. Surface ranges from 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley to 20,320 feet above sea level on Mt. McKinley

Soil Resources 3. Topsoil- uppermost layer of soil from which we get almost all of our food and natural fibers.

4. Today, almost 1/3 of our land area is not suited for farming; 8% covered by cities, factories, homes and highways; 60% is suited for food and fiber production of that only 17% can be used to grow crops.

Soil Resources B. Erosion

1. Since colonial times we have lost 1/3 of our topsoil to erosion.

2. Only 1/4 of our cropland is undamaged by erosion.

Soil Resources B. Erosion

1. Since colonial times we have lost 1/3 of our topsoil to erosion.

2. Only 1/4 of our cropland is undamaged by erosion.

Soil Resources C. Urban expansion 1. Land is converted to business or home usage.

2. Compaction results from concrete or other paving materials.

3. We must establish priorities for land use to balance food an d fiber production and industrial uses of our land.

Water Resources A. Useable Water

1. Earth is 70% water, how much is useable?

2. As a power source water was used to carry logs, float boats, turn water wheels

Water Resources 3. Everyday we use 300 billion gallons of watera. 60 billion depleted b. 240 billion return to the hydrologic cycle

c. Much is damaged by heat and pollutants

Water Resources B. Controlling excess runoff

1. 37 states have average annual runoff of more than 10 inches

2. Much of the rain that falls, runs directly into the sea

Water ResourcesC. Major water problems1. Control2. Quality3. Distribution

Fish and Wildlife Resources A. Non-domesticated animals, either game or nongame.1. Considered renewal - only true while the species is alive and reproducing.

Fish and Wildlife Resources

A. Since colonial times, 48 vertebrate species have become extinct in our nation.

B. 130 regarded rare and endangered by 1970

Fish and Wildlife Resources

2. Assets A. pleasure derived from wildlife B. meat C. insect destroying ability, valued at over one billion dollars per year.

D. hunting and fishing brings in more than one billion dollars each year.

Fish and Wildlife Resources

3. Wildlife conservation programs A. programs directed especially for hunters and fishermen.

B. satisfying the demands of the non-hunting and non-fishing public through the use of parks and game preserves.

Forest Resources A. Acres of forest land

1. In 1607 half our land was forested, over 1 billion acres.

Almost 70% is still forest 1/3 of today’s forest land is noncommercial

Forest Resources B. Production

1. Since colonial times U.S. forests have produced about 2,700 billion board feet of timber.

2. Each year our forests grow more wood than we harvest.

Forest ResourcesC. Mature Forests

1. Canopy is dominated by mature, slow-growing treesa. produces very little wood

Other Resources A. Energy Sources1. Most energy comes directly or indirectly from the sun

2. Wind- used to move our goods and pull water form the earth. A. WindmillsSailing Ships

Other Resources 3.Coal

A. Most widely distributed storehouse of the sun’s energy.

B. First discovered in America in 1673 in Illinois.

Coal C. 35 billion tons have been produced in the US since mining began.

D. Estimate reserves of 2.5 trillion ton of US coal, but is a one time resource.

Other Resources 4. Oil

A. In late 1950’s projected that oil reserves would last 14 years.

B. Today we use more oil but have greater store of known oil- is a one time resource.

Oil 5. Natural Gas

A. Clean, efficient B. Proven reserves 260 trillion cubic feet.

Other Resources B. Minerals

1. Most widely used are the metalsa. Fe, Cu, Al, Mg, Pb, Zn, Sn, (Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Magnesium, Lead, and Tin)

Other Resources C. Recreational Resources

1. Forests, lakes, beaches, mountains, parks, game animals and fish