Genetically Modified Organisms

For centuries people have bred plants and animals to get the best characteristics: Taste Colour Size This has resulted in the varieties of livestock, vegetables, flowers and other crops that we use today

What is Genetic Engineering? Manually adding new DNA to an organism Adding more desirable traits not found in that organism

Recap: DNA DNA - a molecule found in the nucleus of every cell Made up of 4 subunits (A, T, G, & C) DNA is packed into chromosomes Genes: Small segments of DNA Holds instructions for how to produce a single protein

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Recap: Proteins They do a lot of work in cells! structurally regulate reactions enzymes

What are some desirable characteristics? Easy to grow Easy to store Easy to ship Resistant to pests Provide high yields Grow under well under environmental conditions

As a result, some varieties are no longer raised. There is a movement to protect these heirloom varieties in order to preserve genetic diversity Because of their genetic diversity, these heirloom varieties are more resistant to disease and they drive evolution.

Biopharming When pharmaceutical products are produced on a large scale using biotechnology Ex: The production of Insulin Genetic engineering uses DNA technology to modify the genes of a cell or an organism.

Examples Spider Goats E. coli bacteria altered to become insulin factories Safflowers can now produce insulin

GMOs available in Canada Coho Salmon Faster maturation Cattle Resistance to MCD Tomatoes Improved flavour, more durability Canola Resistance to herbicides and pests; altered FA composition Corn Resistance to pests Soybeans Herbicide tolerance

GMOs being researched Rice Higher vitamin A Tobacco Hepatitis B vaccine Corn Oral vaccines

GM Canola Has been engineered to be resistant to specific herbicides Herbicides can be sprayed to kill weeds but the Canola remains healthy The oil from GM canola is identical to conventional 40% less herbicides, 10% increased yields.

Advantages Less pesticides Increased yields Potential to provide food for the world’s hungry

Disadvantages Increased costs of patented seeds Excluding family farms and smaller scale operations Contamination of traditional crops Patent infringement Some GM plants produce toxins Contamination of soil and water Reduced fish populations

Societal Concerns and Implications Where do you draw the line? There are many known benefits There may be far-reaching irreversible effects

Bt Corn Resistant to European Corn Borer Soil Bacteria: Bacillus thuringiensis produces a protein that was toxic to silk worms and European corn borer

Bt Corn Step 1: DNA is extracted from the soil bacteria Step 2: Gene Cloning This separates the single gene of interest from the rest of the genes extracted Copies are also made of the desired gene

Step 3: Gene Design The gene is cut apart with enzymes for it will work inside a different organisms Step 4: Transformation/ Gene Insertion Tissue cultures are used to create undifferentiated plant cells where the genes will be inserted Step 5: Breeding