Transcript Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms
1.
Go to my wikipage : oconnorbiology.greenwich.wikispaces.net
2.
Click on the Google Forms link
3.
Answer the questions.
4.
With the students in your row compare the resources you used.
Rank in order which resources were the most reliable to the least
reliable.
5.
Be prepared to defend your ranking.
Who has eaten corn in the last week?
Who has eaten margarine in the past
week?
Who has a baby in their family?
From Shelf to Table: GM Foods
Everywhere
• How prevalent do you think GMFs are in your
diet?
• What questions do you have after watching
this video clip?
GMO/GMF
• What is it?
• Do we need it?
• Is it safe?
Traditional vs Genetically
Modified Food
Think - Pair - Share
• What is the difference between organic and
conventional farming?
• How would you include genetically modified
food in this explanation?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/engineer/
Pennsylvania Farm
Selective Breeding
• It occurs between
plants/animals of the same
species (dog  dog)
• Imprecise: breeder may not
get the exact results they
want right away (desired
gene may not have been
passed along)
• Takes a long time to get
desired results
Transgenic Engineering
• It can occur between
different types of species
(human  bacteria)
• Precise: the desired gene is
inserted into the organism
• Desired results can result
much quicker
Humans selected for different characteristics of the Wild
Mustard plant and eventually created many new types
of vegetables.
Transgenic
Engineering
Human Insulin
What is the function of the insulin
protein?
http://www.abpischools.org.uk/res/coResourceImport/modules/hormones/en-flash/geneticeng.cfm
How is Human Insulin Produced By
Bacteria?
Genetic Engineering: Processes and Hopes
Read the New York Times Article:
Growers Fret Over a New Apple That Won’t Turn Brown
– The LEFT side of the class will highlight the PRO’s mentioned in this
article
– The RIGHT side of the class will highlight the CON’s mentioned in this
article
Reasons to Genetically Modify
Food
Chicken Breast Enlargement
Do you think big
chicken
companies
genetically modify
their chickens?
Think - Pair - Share
• What are suggestive reasons why agriculture
scientists should develop genetically modified
organisms?
Suggested Reasons to Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms
#1. Nutritionally enhance food products (ex. Golden rice)
Is 10% better than nothing?
Suggested Reasons to Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms
#2. Slow down ripening of produce (ex. Flavr Savr ® tomato)
Suggested Reasons to Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms
#3. Tolerant to:
– Pathogenic bacteria or viruses (ex. Papaya)
– Herbicides (ex. Roundup Ready ® corn)
– Pests & Insects (ex. Bt Corn)
Weed Free Crops
Herbicide Resistant Crop: GM plants that are not
harmed by herbicide sprays
Pest - Insect Free Crops
Built-in
Insecticide/Pesticide
Crop:
GM plants that
can kill an
insect or pest
that feeds on
the plant (ex. Bt
Corn)
Suggested Reasons Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms
#4. Faster growth & increase in yields (Ex. Corn, Soy, Canola,
Salmon)
Suggested Reasons Grow/Eat Genetically Modify
Organisms
#5. Other “convenient” needs (ex. Arctic apple ®, Glo Fish ® )
Are there RISKS associated with
GMO’s?
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify
Organisms
#1. Risk of: pollen-pollution caused by cross pollination. Gene
transfer to non-target species.
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify
Organisms
#1. Risk of: unintended harm to other plants and animals
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify
Organisms
#3. Reduced effectiveness of pesticides/insecticides or
herbicides.
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify
Organisms
#4. Risk of: Unknown side effects for humans
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify
Organisms
#5. Risk of: economic concerns of monopolization