18.3 GMO, GMF & Cloning p Read it!!! It Helps!!!!

GMO, GMF Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) – an organism that has its genome altered or changed in some way. Genetically modified food (GMFs) - food sources that have its genome altered in some way.

Examples 1)Corn (GMF) → over ½ of the corn produced today contains recombinant DNA → for example, herbicide-resistant corn can be sprayed with herbicide and not be harmed. 2) insulin-producing bacteria (GMO) → in the past, insulin was only available from animal sources. Now, it can be produced by bacteria → the gene for producing insulin is inserted into a bacterial vector, copied, and used to produce a lot of insulin 3) Rice (GMF) → a new strain of genetically modified rice called golden rice contains more beta carotene and iron than in regular rice 4) bacteria and pollution (GMO) → some strains of bacteria can be modified to consume PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls). These compounds are highly toxic and can build up in the food chain → other special strains of bacteria can consume oil; can be used to clean up oil spills

Risks associated with GMOs and GMFs p ) Environmental threats → some studies suggest that if herbicide- resistant plants are used, farmers will used more herbicide. The extra herbicide can leech out into water supplies → risk of herbicide-resistant plants could cross-breed with weeds, producing “superweeds” 2) Health effects → people concerned about long term health effects because no long term studies done 3) Social and economic issues → people fear that since GMFs come from private companies, they would start to have control over the world food supply 4)artificial selection – human selection of particular traits (ex. Faster horses, disease- resistant plants, breeding of dogs, etc.)

Cloning p. 629 Clones – identical copy of an organism or a part of an organism (see fig 18.22, p. 629)

Benefits of cloning: 1. speed of reproduction – occurs quickly 2. elimination of disease Risks: 1. manipulation of treats 2. reducing genetic variability 3. embryo use and destruction 4. loss of individuality

Risks of cloning: 1. manipulation of traits 2. reducing genetic variability 3. embryo use and destruction 4. loss of individuality