M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg GMO’s A risk assessment of genetical modification in food,clothes and biofuel production M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg Introduction GMO = genes added to genome of organism through transformation GM used in: –Food/clothes -> crops + animals –Biofuel -> crops + bacteria Benefits / Risks –Ecology –Human health

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg Use GM increasing

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg Objectives Discuss: –Advantages/disadvantages GM in: Food/Clothes Biofuel –Ecological consequences Not discussing: –Animals –Ethics

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg Ideal GMO Features: –No hybridisation –Contained expression –Vector removal –Harmless gene product –Stable genetic construct

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg Hybridization –Non-transgenic field population –wild population –cross species Requirements: –Flowering time –Close –Genetic compatibility

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg Relative risk of cross-pollination from crops to wild relatives High risk: Sugar beet White clover Scots pine Apple Rye grass Lucerne Poplar Cabbage Carrot Plum Minimal risk: Potato Wheat Tomato Maize Broad bean Pea Cucumber Sunflower Spruce Grapes Strawberry Douglas fir Low risk: Oilseed rape Flax Barley Blackcurrant Lettuce Raspberry

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg Benefits GMO’s Reduces costs/illness caused by pesticides Higher yield Higher nutritional value Protection against insect damage Reduction in agricultural land Conservation of resources through less use of labour, fuel, fertilizer and water Water quality protection Protection against plant diseases

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg biofuels Crops –Oilseed rape –Soya bean –Wheat –Tree biomass Bacteria –Clostridium acetobutylicum Fermentation substrates Enclosed in factory -> risk of spilling

M. Monroe, K. Grond, P. Skoglund & E. Svanberg Negative ecological effects Insect resistance to toxin producing plants Slow down evolution Species interaction a complex matter Fewer species -> higher dependence