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What Are Genetically Modified Organisms
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are one’s with DNA deliberately altered using genetic engineering techniques.
Other terms for ‘genetically modified’: Genetically engineered
Transgenic
Recombinant
GMO Background
Humans have always taken efforts to increase the productivity of agriculturally important plant and animal species…
Prior to the advent of recombinant DNA technology our efforts to increase productivity of these species focused on selective breeding.
Genetic modification offers some interesting possibilities for increasing productivity…
Selective Breeding Genetic Modification
slow
imprecise
limited set of genes to work with
fast
precise
can introduce novel genes into an organism
GMO Background
GMO Background
GM crops can be modified to possess desirable traits, such as…
resistance to pests and/or herbicides
greater tolerance for harsh environmental conditions
improved product shelf life
increased nutritional value
production of valuable goods such as drugs
Further Benefits of GMOs in Agriculture
Higher yielding crops = more efficient use of land
Higher profits due to reduced need for pesticides/herbicides
Increased shelf life = less waste
Enhanced taste and quality
Reduced maturation time
Increased food security for growing populations
Sowing a Gene Revolution, Terri Raney, Prabhu Pingali, Scientific American 297, 104 - 111 (2007), doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0907-104
Sowing a Gene Revolution, Terri Raney, Prabhu Pingali, Scientific American 297, 104 - 111 (2007), doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0907-104
USDA GM Crop Statistics
Risks Associated With GMO Usage
Safety Potential human health implications. Potential environmental impact.
Out-crossing Inevitable out-crossing of transgenic plants with naturally
occurring ones. Creation of super-weeds
Access and Intellectual Property Domination of world food production by a few
companies and developing countries.
Ethics Tampering with nature by mixing genes among species.
Labeling Not mandatory in some countries (e.g., Canada and the
United States). Mixing GM crops with non-GM confounds labeling
attempts.
Society New advances may be skewed to the interests of rich
countries.
Risks Associated With GMO Usage
Biodiversity
Bt gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (a soil bacterium) codes for proteins with insecticidal properties
Addition of Bt gene into plants including corn, potatoes and cotton to increase resistance to pests
Problem…plants producing Bt toxin are releasing toxin in pollen, could negatively impact natural pollinators
Risks Associated With GMO Usage