Transcript Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms
Science CAPT Review
http://video.foxnews.com/v/25424
13631001/what-aregmos/#sp=show-clips
What is a GMO?
• GMO: genetically modified organism, created
through transgenic engineering.
CONVENTIONAL FARMING
ORGANIC FARMING
TRANSGENIC ENGINEERING
•Traditional selective breeding
method
•Traditional selective breeding
method
•Sprays chemicals to reduce
pests (herbicides, pesticides,
insecticides, fungicides).
•Organic pesticides are used to •Desired genes from one
reduce pests
species can be transferred to a
different species.
•Chemical fertilizers
•Organic fertilizer, manure
•Animals are given antibiotics
& growth hormones
•Animals graze on grass or
organic feed
•The modified species will
produce a new protein that
will promote the desired
characteristic.
•No chemical additives are
added to processed foods
• The use of GMO’s is
prohibited in organic products.
•New method of breeding
plants and animals.
Example 1: Golden Rice
White rice has been modified to have a gene that produces “beta-carotene”
(Vitamin A). It was created to help reduce malnourished children from developing
blindness.
Example 2: Ht Crops
Crops (corn, soy, cotton, etc). have been modified to become resistant to
herbicide chemicals.
Example 3: Bt Crops
Crops (corn, soy, cotton, etc). have been modified to become resistant to a worm
that is a pest. The crops produce their own pesticide to kill the worm.
Example 4: Glo Fish
Pet fish that have been modified to have a jellyfish “glow” gene.
How are
GMO’s
created?
1. A plasmid is removed from a bacteria cell.
2. DNA is removed from a human cell.
3. Using a restrictive enzyme, the desired gene is isolated from human DNA
4. The plasmid is snipped open using the same restrictive enzyme (to make a place to
insert the human DNA)
5. The human DNA fragment sticky ends align with the plasmid sticky ends
6. The plasmid is inserted into a bacteria cell.
7. Bacteria reproduce and contain the human DNA inserted into the plasmid.
Potential
benefits & risks
of GMOs
To Protest or Not to Protest
GMOs?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WSCs78Gl9M
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 fruits/vegetables
(ex. Flavr Savr ® tomato)
Suggested Reasons to Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms
#3. New Tolerance to some of the following possibilities:
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Pathogenic bacteria or viruses (ex. Papaya)
Herbicides (ex. Roundup Ready ® corn)
Insects (ex. Bt Corn)
Harsh weather (drought, cold weather)
Suggested Reasons Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms
#4. Increases food production (growth rate and yield)
Suggested Reasons Grow/Eat Genetically Modify
Organisms
#5. Other “convenient” needs (ex. Arctic apple ®, Glo Fish ® )
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms
#1. Risk of pollen-pollution caused by cross pollination. Pollen
from a GM plant is passed along to another plant by wind,
bees or other natural uncontrollable ways.
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify
Organisms
#2. Risk of unintended harm to other plants and animals.
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms
#3. May cause the emergence of pest, insect or microbial
resistance to traditional pest control methods
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms
#4. Risk of unknown side effects for humans.
Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms
#5. Risk of creating a monopoly and dependence of farmers on
companies who are seeking control of the world’s commercial
seed supply. This is sometimes due to patent laws.
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