Genetically Modified Organisms in Agricultural

Production

What Are Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are one’s with DNA deliberately altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Other terms for ‘genetically modified’: Genetically engineered

Transgenic

Recombinant

GMO Background

Humans have always taken efforts to increase the productivity of agriculturally important plant and animal species…

Prior to the advent of recombinant DNA technology our efforts to increase productivity of these species focused on selective breeding.

Genetic modification offers some interesting possibilities for increasing productivity…

Selective Breeding Genetic Modification

slow

imprecise

limited set of genes to work with

fast

precise

can introduce novel genes into an organism

GMO Background

GMO Background

GM crops can be modified to possess desirable traits, such as…

resistance to pests and/or herbicides

greater tolerance for harsh environmental conditions

improved product shelf life

increased nutritional value

production of valuable goods such as drugs

Further Benefits of GMOs in Agriculture

Higher yielding crops = more efficient use of land

Higher profits due to reduced need for pesticides/herbicides

Increased shelf life = less waste

Enhanced taste and quality

Reduced maturation time

Increased food security for growing populations

Sowing a Gene Revolution, Terri Raney, Prabhu Pingali, Scientific American 297, 104 - 111 (2007), doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0907-104

Sowing a Gene Revolution, Terri Raney, Prabhu Pingali, Scientific American 297, 104 - 111 (2007), doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0907-104

USDA GM Crop Statistics

Risks Associated With GMO Usage

Safety Potential human health implications. Potential environmental impact.

Out-crossing Inevitable out-crossing of transgenic plants with naturally

occurring ones. Creation of super-weeds

Access and Intellectual Property Domination of world food production by a few

companies and developing countries.

Ethics Tampering with nature by mixing genes among species.

Labeling Not mandatory in some countries (e.g., Canada and the

United States). Mixing GM crops with non-GM confounds labeling

attempts.

Society New advances may be skewed to the interests of rich

countries.

Risks Associated With GMO Usage

Biodiversity

Bt gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (a soil bacterium) codes for proteins with insecticidal properties

Addition of Bt gene into plants including corn, potatoes and cotton to increase resistance to pests

Problem…plants producing Bt toxin are releasing toxin in pollen, could negatively impact natural pollinators

Risks Associated With GMO Usage