Genetically Modified Plants By: Amy Chen, Bridget Panych

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Sources http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml http://www.greenfacts.org/en/gmo/2-genetically-modified-crops/1-agricultural-biotechnology.htm#0 http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question148.htm http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-rose-is-here Whitman, Deborah. Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful. April 2000. http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php