Transcript Biotechnology

Biotechnology / Bioengineering
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Definition – the process of changing the genetic make-up of an organism to
produce goods or services
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In the past – selective breeding or artificial selection. Farmers bred plants or
animals with the most desirable traits. Ex: dairy cows, racehorse, tall plants
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In the present – genetic engineering. Scientists can isolate the exact gene that
controls a desirable trait. This gene can be transferred from one organism to
another
Biotechnology / Bioengineering
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What are some examples of genetically modified foods?
(a)
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Golden Rice
a form of rice genetically modified to contain higher amounts of vitamin A
(beta carotene)
3 new genes were implanted into ‘regular’ rice – 2 from a daffodil & 1 from
a bacteria
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(b) Long Lasting Tomatoes (Flavr-Savr)
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a type of tomatoes genetically modified to contain less of the substance that
causes tomatoes to rot. They remain fresh & ripe longer.
Biotechnology / Bioengineering
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What are some examples of genetically modified foods?
(c) Insecticide B.t. Corn
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a form of corn, genetically modified to produce a poison (an insecticide)
that kills harmful insects. Since the corn produces its own insecticide,
farmers do not need to add these to fields
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the insecticide genes was transferred from a bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis
OR B.t.)
Biotechnology / Bioengineering
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What are some goals of genetic engineering?
(1)
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To Increase Quantity & Quality of Food
produce more food per area of land (ex: a fast or large growing plant)
produce pest resistant plants (ex: B.t. corn)
produce plants that spoil more slowly (ex: long lasting tomatoes)
all these might result in reduced cost for the consumer
(2) To Enhance Nutritional Value
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ex: golden rice
Biotechnology / Bioengineering
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What are some goals of genetic engineering?
(3) To Prevent Disease
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an attempt to transfer disease fighting genes to the food we eat
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ex: goat’s milk might carry a vaccine against malaria
(4) To Give Developing Countries A Better Food Supply
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genetically engineering seeds might grow in harsh conditions, resist disease
and grow larger
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might be seen as part of the solution to world hunger
Biotechnology / Bioengineering
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What guidelines must be followed for GM Foods?
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controlled through:
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Canadian Food Inspection Agency – responsible for labeling & inspections of
GM foods
Health Canada (Food & Drug Act) – evaluates safety of GM foods
50 GM foods have been approved for use in Canada: corn, soybean, potatoes,
tomatoes, canola…
new GM products that have never been on the market are called Novel Products
/ Foods
companies must notify Health Canada before marketing, advertising or selling a
novel product / food so that safety testing can be completed
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/appro/index_e.html
Biotechnology / Bioengineering
Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods
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labeling is the responsibility of Health Canada (Food & Drug Act)
guidelines for labeling
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mandatory labeling if there is a health concern – ex: the novel food contains an a
substance that might cause an allergy (gene taken from brazil nut was
transferred to soybean)
other labeling is voluntary in Canada
there is a large debate surrounding this issue of labeling
more likely to find ingredients in products that are from genetically
modified foods rather than whole products (many processed foods contain
soy)
Biotechnology / Bioengineering
Safety of Genetically Modified Foods
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the position of Health Canada seems to be that genetically modified foods
are as safe as other foods
nevertheless, consumers have some concerns:
(1) introduction of chemicals that might cause an allergic reaction
(2) long term studies on health have not been completed
(3) ethical issues – do we have the right to genetically modify (playing
God)
(4) environmental issues – what are the affect of GM organisms in the
ecosystem
ex: pollen from B.t. corn proved harmful to caterpillars of monarch
butterflies
ex: Gm plants modified to be resistant to herbicides might cross with weeds
to create weeds resistant to herbicide (“super weeds”)