1. Genetically Modified Plants By: Amy Chen, Bridget Panych

2. Genetically Modified Plants
Summary
Makes changes to the hereditary material of a living organism
Biotechnologies are used to develop plants resistant to pests, diseases, drought, heat, or cold, and improve the nutritional content of plant food

3. In 2006, a total of 252 million acres of transgenic crops were planted in 22 countries by 10.3 million farmers
Herbicide- and insect-resistant soybeans, corn, and cotton
Sweet potato resistant to a virus that could decimate most of the African harvest
Rice with increased iron and vitamins that may alleviate chronic malnutrition in Asian countries
Variety of plants able to survive weather extremes

4. Examples of GM Plants
Roundup, made by Monsanto (agriculture company)- a herbicide that kills any plant that it touches
Created “Roundup Ready” crops
Crop ignores Roundup, but weeds are killed
Roundup Ready seeds reduce production costs and increase yield, so food becomes less expensive
Scientists have inserted genes that produce a natural insecticide into corn plants

5. Genetically Modified Flower
Blue Roses
A Japanese company, Suntory
Delphinidin (produces blue pigment)
Growing the rose experimentally in Australia and the United States to get approval for sales

6. Technology
Restriction enzymes- “Chemical scissors” used to cut DNA into fragments at specific locations. Restriction enzymes are found in bacteria and they are used to eliminate invading DNA.
Ligase enzymes- These are used to attach sticky ends that are created by the restriction enzymes.
Gene vector- Plasmid is an example of a gene vector. It is used to insert a foreign gene.
Donor gene- A ggene from another organism that is inserted into a gene vector. This will result in a change in the genetic code.

7. Diagram of Process Plasmid Donor Gene DNA Plasmid Bacterium
Recombinant DNA
Transgenic Plant
Reproduction

8. Benefits
Crops
Preventing malnutrition/disease –in underdeveloped countries, malnutrition and disease is common. Plants can be genetically modified to contain vitamins and edible vaccines. (ex: Golden Rice)
Eliminating Pesticides –Genetically modified plants can contain genes that cause the plant to need less pesticides.
Environment
"Friendly" herbicides and insecticides
Conservation of soil, water, and energy
Better natural waste management
Society
Increased food security for growing populations

9. Risks and Controversies
Safety
Human health impact: allergens, transfer of antibiotic resistance markers, unknown effects
Ethics
Violation of nature’s organisms
Tampering with nature by mixing genes among species
Objections to consuming animal genes in plants

10. Sources
Whitman, Deborah. Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful. April