Genetically Modified Organisms Science CAPT Review

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TRANSGENIC ENGINEERING What is a GMO? GMO: genetically modified organism, created through transgenic engineering. CONVENTIONAL FARMING ORGANIC FARMING TRANSGENIC ENGINEERING Traditional selective breeding method Sprays chemicals to reduce pests (herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides). Chemical fertilizers Animals are given antibiotics & growth hormones Organic pesticides are used to reduce pests Organic fertilizer, manure Animals graze on grass or organic feed No chemical additives are added to processed foods New method of breeding plants and animals. Desired genes from one species can be transferred to a different species. The modified species will produce a new protein that will promote the desired characteristic. The use of GMO’s is prohibited in organic products.

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.

Pet fish that have been modified to have a jellyfish “glow” gene. 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

Is 10% better than nothing? 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: 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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