GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

❖ Based on evolutionary theory, the concept of survival of the fittest implies that living
organisms have a natural spectrum of characteristics such as size, mass, or length. The
characteristics of an organism and its successors can be modified today by modern
technology, giving rise to what are called genetically modified organisms or GMOs
(Mayr, 2001).
❖ A GMO is a plant, animal, microorganisms, or other organism whose genetic makeup has
been modified using recombinant DNA methods (also called gene splicing), gene
modification, or transgenic technology. It is the result of a laboratory process where
genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially inserted into the genes
of an unrelated plant or animal, also called genetic engineering (GE) or genetic
modification (GM). Because this process involves the transfer of genes, GMOs are also
known as “transgenic” organisms.
❖ Genetic modification aims to address issues with regard to food security, agriculture,
drug production, and nutrition.

GENETIC MODIFICATION

❖ The information about the microbe and its reproduction mechanism are contained in its
gene structure. The first step in the process is the identification of the desired trait from
another organism. A gene containing this trait is first isolated and replicated. Next, the
insertion of the trait happens. After the successful insertion, the modified organism
should be able to grow and replicate.
❖ In the process of recombinant DNA technology, the needed information for an organism
can be “borrowed” from another. Such a process means that a farmer can “design” an
organism to have the characteristics necessary to address particular issues.
❖ However, because GMOs are novel life forms, biotechnology companies were also able
to obtain patents which restrict their use. As a result, some companies that make GMOs
could have the power to sue farmers whose fields are contaminated with these organisms,
even when it is the result of inevitable drifting from neighboring fields (Nicholson,
2014).
❖ The promise of better food that is more resistant to spoilage, pest invasiveness, and harsh
weather conditions has made transgenic crops enticing to many people. It is a truly
debatable topic for the people of the 21st century, given the promise of this technology
and yet the fact that it is very new. Should it be embraced as a saving grace or is it to be
feared as a possible threat to a sustainable food supply?

CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIOSAFETY

❖ The Protocol is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling,
transport, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern
biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into
account risks to human health.
 ❖ The Philippines recognizes the technologies that can be of particular help for its
development. Since the Philippines is one of the biodiversity “hotspots” in the world, it is
helpful to know how biotechnology will progress in the country.

Genetically modified Golden Rice falls short on lifesaving promines

Gerry Everding

Heralded on the cover of Time mogažine in 2000 as a genetically modified (GMO) stop with the
potential to save millions of lives in me the Third World, Golden Rice is still years away from
field introduction and even then, may fall short of lofty health benefits still cited regularly by
GMO advocates, suggests a new study from Washington University in St Louis.

"Golden Rice is still not ready for the market, but we find the support for the common claim that
environmental activists are responsible for stalling its introduction. GMO opponents have not
been the problem," said lead author Glenn Stone, professor of anthropology and environmental
studies in Arts & Sciences

First conceived in the 1980s and a focus of research now since 1992, Golden Rice has been a
lightnıng rod in the battle over genetically modified crops.

GMO advocates have long touted the innovation as a practical way t0 provide poor farmers in
remote areas with a subsistence crop capable of adding much needed Vitamin A to local diets. A
problem in many poor countries in the Global South, Vitamin A deficiencies teave millions all
high tok for infection, diseases and other maladies, such as blindness.

Some anti-GMO groups view Golden Rice as an over-hyped Trojan Horse that biotechnology
corporations and their allies hope will pave the way for the global approval of other more
profitable GMO crops.

PRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

❖ Genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes.

❖ When genes are inserted, they usually come from a different species, which is a form of
horizontal gene transfer.
❖ In nature this can occur when exogenous DNA penetrates the cell membrane for any
reason. To do this artificially may require attaching the genes to a virus or just physically
inserting the extra DNA into the nucleus of the intended host with a very small syringe,
or with very small particles fired from a gene gun.
❖ Agrobacterium ability to transfer genetic material to plants, or the ability of lentiviruses
to transfer genes to animal cells are natural examples of gene transfer.

PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVE OF PRODUCTION

❖ The basic principle for producing a GMO was to add new genetic material into an
organism's genome.
TRANSGENIC PLANTS

❖ Transgenic plants have been engineered for scientific research, to create new colors in
flowers, and to create improved crops.
❖ One way to do this is to knock out the gene of interest and see what phenotype develops.
❖ Another strategy is to attach the gene to a strong promoter and see what happens when it
is over expressed.

GM CROPS

❖ In agriculture, genetically engineered crops are created to possess several desirable traits,
such as resistance to pests, herbicides, or harsh environmental conditions, improved
product shelf life, increased nutritional value, or production of valuable goods such as
drugs (pharming).
❖ Plants, including algae, jatropha, maize, and other plants have been genetically modified
for use in producing fuel, known as biofuel.

MICROBES

❖ These organisms are now used for several purposes, and are particularly important in
producing large amounts of pure human proteins for use in medicine.
❖ Genetically modified bacteria are used to produce the protein insulin to treat diabetes.
❖ Similar bacteria have been used to produce clotting factors to treat haemophilia, and
human growth hormone to treat various forms of dwarfism.

MAMMALS

❖ Ralph L. Brinster and Richard Palmiter developed the techniques responsible for
transgenic mice, rats, rabbits, sheep, and pigs in the early 1980s.
❖ They established many of the first transgenic models of human disease, including the first
carcinoma caused by a transgene.
❖ The process of genetically engineering animals is a slow, tedious, and expensive process.

INTENDED PURPOSE FOR THE GENETIC MODIFICATION OF MAMMALS

❖ To research human diseases

❖ To produce industrial or consumer products
❖ To produce products intended for human therapeutic use
❖ To enrich or enhance the animals' interactions with humans
❖ To enhance production or food quality traits
❖ To improve animal health

PROS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING

a. Production of Human Insulin:

❖ Patients suffering from diabetes are not capable of producing enough insulin.
❖ With the help of genetic engineering, human genes can be transferred into other
mammals for the production of insulin.
 ❖ The mammals like sheep and goat are used as mediums with human genes playing
the role of 'software' or the 'brain' containing necessary genetic information to
produce insulin.
b. Use in Gene Therapy:
❖ The GMOs like some viruses are used in gene therapy.
❖ Gene therapy can be used in the treatment of various genetic disorders and
diseases like sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis.
c. Usage in Agriculture:
❖ Genetically modified plants have many applications in the field of agriculture.
❖ Genetic modification or engineering is used for increasing the production of
crops, pest control, weed management, etc.
❖ The genetically modified foods are also produced to make them more nutritious.

CONS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING

❖ Main argument made against the activity of genetic modification is that it leads to
unpredictable outcomes or side effects.
❖ Genetic modification is considered to be unnatural and doesn't fit in the context of natural
ways like breeding/crossing the plants and animals for bringing out the best in them.
❖ Thus, the possibility of unpredictable alterations taking place in the genetic make-up of
organisms is one of the biggest causes of worries among scientists regarding the whole
issue of genetic modification.

Harmful Effects on Crops:

❖ The genetically modified crops which the farmers plant in their fields have the same
genetic make-up.
❖ Cross-pollination of such plants with other plants increases the risk of contamination.
❖ The 'Bt' (Bacillus thuringiensis) genes present in the GM crops kill the insects like bees,
ladybird beetles, butterflies, etc.
❖ Thus, helpful organisms too are affected along with pests.

GM Animals:

❖ Genetic modification in animals is carried out for the production of pharmaceuticals,

human proteins and in therapies.
❖ The activity of animal cloning leads to deformities at the time of birth and many of such
animals die while they are still young. Genetic engineering is also used for creating
organs by means of animals for implanting them in human beings.

Risk of Misuse:

❖ The risk of the information regarding these techniques falling into wrong hands should be
considered while studying the pros and cons of genetic engineering.
❖ Mindless cloning of animals and plants for commercial purposes would definitely have
adverse effects on the gene pool we have today.
❖ The process of genetic erosion might accelerate with increase in the number of
genetically modified organisms.
Disruption of Natural Genetic Information:

❖ It is argued that in genetic engineering, the insertion of genes is done precisely in living
cells.
❖ However, it cannot be decided where exactly in the DNA sequence, the gene is to be
inserted.
❖ There is a risk of the disruption of gene expression and the genetic information present in
the DNA.

Preliminary Stage of Research:

❖ Most of the research in the field of genetic engineering is in its preliminary stages.
❖ The tests are generally conducted on animals and very little of the research is reviewed
by scientists.
❖ Moreover, the research methodology used by these companies is not reviewed by the
FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

CONCLUSION TO PROTECT OUR HEALTH:

❖ Any food produced through genetic engineering should be banned until scientifically
shown to be safe and safe for everyone.
❖ In the meantime, labeling should be required for any food that contains even one
genetically engineered ingredient, or that has been produced using genetically modified
organisms or enzymes.
❖ Full disclosure labelling will allow consumers to choose what they eat. It will also help
scientists trace the source of health problems as well as the benefits arising from these
foods.