Genfetically Modified

Organisms: SCIENCE,
HEALTH & POLITICS
ZABDI E L A . OL I V E R
N OV E MBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 9
INTRODUCTION
Genetic engineering is the process of using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology to alter
the genetic makeup of an organism. Traditionally, humans have manipulated genomes indirectly
by controlling breeding and selecting offspring with desired traits. Genetic engineering was
coined by Jack Williamson in 1951.
The general process of genetic engineering is the deliberate manipulation of the organism’s
genes, where it may involve transfer of genes from other organism.
An Antibiotic-resistant E. coli was created in 1973,. To date, there are ongoing researches on
GMOs susch as using genetically modified male mosquitoes as pest contro; over female
mosquito carries of Zika virus.
Increasingly, however, E coli are becoming resistant to antibiotics by producing extended-
spectrum beta-lactamase, an enzyme rendering certain antibiotics ineffective and leading to
multi-drug resistance.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is the term used for an organism created through genetic
engineering. GMO are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated
in a laboratory through genetic engineering. This creates combinations of plant, animal,
bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding
methods.
The diagram below shows how bacterial gene is introduced through genetic engineering to plant
cells and tissues to develop and breed a genetically modified plant.
GMOs IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
INDUSTRIES
1. PEST RESISTANCE – genetically modified plants to resist certain pests. It describes the
decreased susceptibility of a pest population to a pesticide that was previously effective at
controlling the pest.
Example: The DNA (genome) of the Bt Corn has been modified with the gene of Bacillus
thuringiensis, a soil bacterium that produces proteins which is toxic to corn borers (worms).

Comparison of corn with disease and Bt corn

GMOs IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
INDUSTRIES
2. VIRUS RESISTANCE – genetically modified plants to resist certain viruses. Plant viruses and
their vectors cause serious economic losses, limit crop production, and have negative effects on
the quality and security of food supplies. Infection by viruses is a major cause of degeneration of
potato seed stocks, particularly by aphid-borne viruses.
Example: The papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is known to be detrimental to papaya plants. The
protein of PRSV was introduced to the papaya plant through plant tissue which turned out to be
resistant to the virus itself. The effect like was the vaccines humans have against measles or
influenza virus.
GMOs IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
INDUSTRIES
3. HERBICIDE TOLERANCE – genetically modified plants to tolerate herbicide. A plants' ability to
withstand a particular chemical herbicide. This allows the farmer to kill weeds while not
harming the crops.
Example: The Roundup Ready soybean are genetically engineered soybeans that have had their
DNA altered to allow them to withstand the herbicide glyphosate. Glyphosate, an herbicide for
weeds, was introduced to soybeans making it tolerant to the herbicide itself. Farmers then can
spray the herbicide killing the weeds but not the soybeans.
GMOs IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
INDUSTRIES
4. FORTIFICATION – genetically modified plants fortified with certain minerals. It is the process
of adding micronutrients to food.
Example: The Golden Rice is a variety of rice produced through genetic engineering to
biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice. Beta-Carotene
is an organic, strongly colored red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits. It is a member
of the carotenes, which are terpenoids, synthesized biochemically from eight isoprene units and
thus having 40 carbons.
GMOs IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
INDUSTRIES
5. COSMETIC PRESERVATION – genetically modified plants resist natural discoloration. A natural
or synthetic ingredient that is added to products such as foods, pharmaceuticals and personal
care products to prevent spoilage, whether from microbial growth or undesirable chemical
changes.
Example: The Arctic Apple is the trademark for a group of patented apples that contain a
nonbrowning trait introduced through biotechnology. They were developed through a process of
genetic engineering by Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.
GMOs IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
INDUSTRIES
6. INCREASE GROWTH RATE – genetically modified organisms that has higher yield in growth
than normal species. A natural or synthetic ingredient that is added to products such as foods,
pharmaceuticals and personal care products to prevent spoilage, whether from microbial
growth or undesirable chemical changes.
Example: AquAdvantage salmon is a genetically engineered Atlantic salmon developed by
AquaBounty Technologies in 1989. The typical growth hormone-regulating gene in the Atlantic
Salmon was replaced with the growth hormone-regulating gene from Pacific Chinook salmon,
with a promoter gene from ocean pout, making the salmon grow faster than its normal rate.
GMOs IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND
MICROORGANISMS
1. FLOWER PRODUCTION – GMOs in flower production are seen in modified color and extended
vase life of flower.
Example: Blue Roses. The so-called “blue” rose, which are, in reality, lilac or purple, contained
cyaniding 3,5-diglucoside, together with large size of flavonols. The introduction of the flavonoid
31, 51 – hydroxylase gene into pelargonidin- or cyaniding producing rose cultivars deverts the
anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway toward the production of delphinidin glucosides and the
flower color to blue (Elomaa & Holton, 1994).
GMOs IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND
MICROORGANISMS
2. PAPER PRODUCTION – modified characteristics of trees for higher yield of paper production.

Example: The Poplar trees wherein a Lignin is a complex organic polymer in trees that is removed
from wood to make paper through kraft process, through inserting genes that code for ferulic acid in
youn poplar trees, the lignin structure is modified, making lignin easier to breakdown (Veniza, 2014)
GMOs IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND
MICROORGANISMS
3. PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION – modified plants to produce pharmaceutical producst means all
biological and drug candidates, compounds or products being researched, tested, stored, developed,
labeled, manufactured, marketed, sold and/or distributed by the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
Example: The Periwinkle plants where bacterial genes were added to the periwinkle plant to enhance
the production of vinblastine, an alkaloid usually added to drugs for cancer treatments like Hodgkin’s
lymphoma. (Runguphan, 2010)
GMOs IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND
MICROORGANISMS
4. BIOREMEDIATION – use of modified plants that can assist in the bioremediation of polluted sites. It
is a process used to treat contaminated media, including water, soil and subsurface material, by
altering environmental conditions to stimulate growth of microorganisms and degrade the target
pollutants.
Example: The Periwinkle plants where bacterial genes were added to the periwinkle plant to enhance
the production of vinblastine, an alkaloid usually added to drugs for cancer treatments like Hodgkin’s
lymphoma. (Runguphan, 2010)
GMOs IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND
MICROORGANISMS
5. ENZYME AND DRUG PRODUCTION – use of modified microorganisms that can produce
enzymes for food processing and medicines.
Example: Is the CGTase. Cyclomaltodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase), an enzyme used for food
flavor enhancer, is produced in higher quantity by bacterium Bacillus which was genetically
modified with the gene of a thermophilic anaerobe.
GMOs IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND
MICROORGANISMS
5. GMOs IN THE MEDICAL FIELD – genetic engineering is playing a significant role from diagnosis
to treatment of human-dreaded diseases. It helps in production of drugs, gene therapy, and
laboratory researches.;
Example: The Humulin
 BENEFITS OF GMOs
•Higher efficiency in farming
•Increase in harvest
•Control in fertility
•Increase in food processing
•Improvement of desirable characteristics
•Nutritional and pharmaceutical enhancement
•Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides
THE TOP 5 COUNTRIES THAT OPERATES
GMO FARMLAND.
•UNITED STATES
•BRAZIL
•ARGENTINA
•INDIA
•CANADA
GMOs AGRICULTURAL CROPS THAT HAVE
BEEN APROVED FOR PUBLIC / GMO CROPS
WERE MADE TO BE RESISTANT TO PEST
•Alfalfa •Kellog’s Corn Flakes
•Corn •Quaker Chewy Granola Bars
•Papaya •Ultra Slim Fast
•Soya bean •Quaker Yellow Corn Meal
•Sugar beats •Alpo Dry Pet Food
•Squash
POTENTIAL RISKS OF GMOs
The following concerns of GMOs opponents.
1. Since genetic engineering promotes is still a young branch of science, there are inadequate
studies on effects of GMOs to humans and the environment.
2. Genetic engineering promotes mutation is organisms which the long term effects is still
unknown.
3. Human consumption of GMOs might have the following effects:
•More allergic reactions.
•Gene mutation.
•Antibiotic resistance.
•Nutritional value.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONTMENTAL RISKS
CAUSED BY GMOs
1. Risk in gene flow.
2. Emeregence of new forms of resistance and secondary pest and weed problems.
3. Recombination of Virus and Bacteria to Produce New Phathogens.

Onther direct and indirect environmental risks caused by GMOs (Molfino & Zucco, 2008).
DIRECT ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS.
•Introduction of the GMOs in the natural environment may cause disruption of the natural
communities through competition or interference;
•the possibility of inexpected behavior of the GMOs in the environment if it escapes its intended
use and may post threats or become pest;
•my cause harmful effects to ecosystem process if GMOs interfere with the natural biochemical
cycles;
•the persistence of GMO genes after its harvest which may cause negative impacts to the
consumer of GMO products.
INDIRECT ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
•Alteration of agricultural practices like managing negative impacts of GMOs to the
environtment;
•May have impacts to biodiversity caused by the alteration in agricultural practices;
•May have varied environmental impacts due to GMOs interaction and release in the natural
environment.
POTENTIAL HUMAN HEALTH RISKS CAUSED BY
GMOs or CONSUMPTION OF GMOs
(Akhter, 2001)
•May have adverse effects since it is not naturally or organically produce;
•May alter the balance of existing microorganisms in the human digestive system;
•Production of toxins may be detrimental to human health;
•Production of allergens may have adverse effects on humans.