GMO

What is a Genetically Modified Organism?

• It involves the insertion of DNA from
one organism into another OR
modification of an organism’s DNA in
order to achieve a desired trait.

Suntory "blue" rose

How does this differ from Mendel and his peas?
GM vs Selective Breeding

Selective breeding
• Slow
• Imprecise
• Modification of genes that naturally occur in
the organism

GM
• Very fast
• Precise
• Can introduce genes into an organisms that
would not naturally occur!
Genetic engineering vs agricultural breeding

• Artificial selection has influenced the genetic

makeup of livestock and crops for thousands of
years.
• Proponents of GM crops say GM foods are safe.
• Critics of GM foods say:
– Traditional breeding uses genes from the same
species.
– Selective breeding deals with whole organisms, not
just genes.
– In traditional breeding, genes come together on their
own.
 Agricultural breeding

Traditional breeding changes organisms through

selection, while genetic engineering is more like the
process of mutation.
Genetically modified organisms
Biotechnology is impacting our lives
• Biotechnology: the material application of
biological science to create products derived from
organisms
• Transgenic organism: an organism that contains
DNA from another species
– Transgenes: the genes that have moved between
organisms
 GMO in Medicine
• Insulin (e.g., SemBioSys Genetics
Inc- saflower)
• Clotting factors
• Atryn (anticoagulant).
• Banana vaccines
• Cancer fighting eggs
GMO in Biofuel

Algenol Biofuels Rapeseed (i.e., canola)

 GMO in Bioremediation

Enviropig i.e., “Frankenswine”

• Poplar trees remove • Able to digest and
groundwater process phosphate
contaminants
 GMO in Pesticides

• Kills caterpillars but

not poisonous to
humans

http://www.nature.com/cr/journal/v12/n2/full/7290120a.html
GMO in Manufacturing

• Produces silk in milk

to make Biosteel
Some genetically modified foods

Bt crops
Some genetically modified foods

Soybean
Roundup ready crops
Some genetically modified foods

Ice minus strawberries

Some genetically modified foods

Golden rice
Some genetically modified foods

Starlink corn
Some genetically modified foods

AquAdvantage salmon
genetically modified baby
 Common GM Foods

Products
• Corn
• Canola
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Squash
• Soybeans
• Flax
• Cottonseed oil
• Sugarbeets
Common GM Foods
Genetically Modified Foods
Experts say 60% to 70% of processed
foods on U.S. grocery shelves have
genetically modified ingredients.

Common GM crops:
• Soybeans
• Corn
• Cotton
Genetically Modified Foods
Cons
• Introducing allergens and toxins to food
• Accidental cross pollination
• Antibiotic resistance
• Creation of "super" weeds and other
environmental risks
Genetically Modified Foods
Pros
• Increased pest and disease resistance
• Grow food in harsh climate
• Increased food supply (more food/acre)
• More nutritional value
• Make drugs

Ring spot virus

GMO Controversy in Hawaii

http://hawaiiseed.org/local-issues/taro/
 GMO Controversy in Hawaii
• Undermines the genetic integrity of taro, sacred to the
Hawaiian people;
• Threatens the taro market and livelihood of taro farmers.
Taro production yields over 6 million pounds annually
valued at $3.3 million.
• Threatens the biodiversity of the taro plant;
• Could cause new, unexpected problems in taro
cultivation;
• Could contaminate traditional varieties of taro and take
away taro farmers’ ability to choose what they grow in
their lo’i; and
• Overlooks the wealth of traditional knowledge about
growing taro that has been passed down through
generations.
http://hawaiiseed.org/local-issues/taro/
 Inquiry

1. Provide three potential benefits

and drawbacks of GMOs.
2. What benefit does golden rice
provide?
3. What is a transgene?
4. Which organism is most often
used in GM?
 Inquiry
5. Dog breeds are an example of
A) Artificial selection
B) Natural selection
C) Genetic modification