Presentation on GMOs

1. Genetically modified
organisms and foods
Submitted to Ma'am Ibtessam

2. Group members
Name Name
Waqar Ahmed Sadia Ansari
Ali Asghar Dua Brohi
Ramsha Zaman Anmol Arbab
Murk Panhwar Aqsa Brohi

3. Content
 Introduction
 History
 Process
 Advantages and disadvantages
 Examples of GMOs
 Controversies
 Impacts of GMOs and Biosafety

4. Introduction
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any
organism whose genetic material has been altered using
genetic engineering techniques while genetically
modified foods are the foods derived from Genetically
modified organisms (GMOs).
It involves either the combining of DNA from different
genomes or the insertion of foreign DNA into a genome.

5. Other terms that mean the same thing
 Genetically engineered
 Transgenic
 Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology

6. History (genetically modified organisms)
 In 1972
Paul Berg (Father of genetic engineering) created the
first recombinant DNA molecule when he combined DNA from a
monkey virus (SV40) with that of the lambda virus.
 In 1973
Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen made the first genetically modified
organism (GMO).
 In 1974
Rudolf Jaenisch created a transgenic mouse by introducing foreign DNA into
its embryo, making it the world’s first transgenic animal.

7. History (genetically modified food)
 In 1983
The first genetically modified plant was produced, using an antibiotic-resistant
tobacco plant.
 In 1988
Genetically modified microbial enzymes were the first application of genetically
modified organisms in food production and were approved by the US Food and Drug
Administration.
 In 1994
The first genetically modified food approved for release was the Flavr Savr tomato.
 In 2000
With the creation of golden rice in 2000, scientists had genetically modified food
to increase its nutrient value for the first time.

8. Process
Production of GMOs is a multistage process which can be summarized as follows:
 Identification / Isolation of the gene interest
 Preparation of recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecule
 Insertion of rDNA into host cell
 Multiplication and production of numerous copies of host with rDNA in it

9. How to get gene of interest?
There are there possible ways to get gene of interest. They are as follows:
 To isolate it from the chromosome (by cutting the chromosomes on the
flanking sites of the gene using special enzymes known as restriction
endonuclease)
 To synthesize it chemically (if the genes are small they can also be
synthesized artificially in the laboratory)
 To make it from mRNA (by using reverse transcriptase)

10. Preparation of recombinant DNA (rDNA)
molecule
For the preparation of rDNA the plasmid is cut with the same enzyme which was
used for isolation of the gene of interest. The gene of interest is then joined with
the sticky ends produced after cutting the plasmid with the help of another
special enzyme known as DNA ligase. This enzyme seals the foreign piece of DNA
into the vector. Now the two different pieces of DNA have been joined together
which is now known as recombinant DNA or chimaeric DNA.

11. Insertion of rDNA into host cell
Usually the bacterial cells are used as a host in recombinant DNA technology
because it is easier to isolate and reinsert rDNA in bacterial cells. Bacterial cells
take up the rDNA when they are treated with calcium chloride to make them
more permeable.

12. Multiplication of host with rDNA
When a host cell divides and redivides, copies of the recombinant DNA molecules
are passed to the progeny and further replication of vector takes place. After a
large number of divisions, a colony of identical host cell is produced containing
rDNA molecules.

13. Advantages of genetically modified
organisms:
Although genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are controversial they have many
advantages, the following few points will help you to understand GMOs
 Heavily tested: There have been a great number of studies tracking the effects
of GMOs on animals. Immensely these studies show that they are safe to
consume.
 Impact on farming: GMOs allow plants to be modified to grow in environment
that would be normally inhospitable.
 Cheaper food: Easier forming means more food which, in turn, means less
expensive food. This is not only beneficial for the average consumer, but it can
have global implications. Less expensive food makes it easier to feed hungry
populations around the world.

14. Cont.
 Other benefits: GMOs can be modified to have better taste, increased
nutrients, resistance to diseases and pests and can give rise faster output of
crops.
 The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations also says that
farmers can grow more food on less land with genetically modified crops.
 Genetically modified animals have certain genes have inserted into their
genomes so that they can produce better milk, eggs and meat. Also it is
expected that these animals have a higher resistance and overall better
health, with better natural waste management.
 In theory, genetically modified crops and animals will also be more
environmentally friendly because they conserve water, soil and energy.

15. Cont.
 For research purpose: Adding or deleting of genes from organisms enables
scientists to study how genes function, the effects of gene mutation, how
genetic diseases occur and how to treat them.
 To create medically valuable synthetic proteins more economically, and
sufficient in quantities.

16. Disadvantages
Of course, with advantages there will be disadvantages too, here are some
disadvantages of GMOs:
 The production of GMOs has negative impacts on the natural ecosystem
which are not apparent now but will be apparent in the future. For example,
genetic changes in a particular plant or animal might render it harmful to
another organism higher up in the food chain and ultimately this effect may
build up to destroy the entire food chain in which that plant plays a role.
 In humans, the number one most common side effect of consuming GM foods
is allergic reaction. This allergic reaction happens when a certain
protein/allergen present in the GM crop enters the body and stimulates an
immune response.
 A GM food may also increase its production of toxins at levels already harmful
to humans. Such may result from toxins being produced when there is a
damage in the “Gene of Interest” during the insertion process.

17. Cont.
 The production of GM foods imposes high risks to the disruption of
biodiversity. This is because the “better” traits produced from engineering
genes can result in the favoring of one organism. Furthermore, the
introduction of genetically modified organisms can eventually disrupt the
natural process of gene flow.

18. Examples of GMOs
 TRANSGENIC PLANTS:
 Transgenic plants have been engineered for scientific research, to create new
colors in flowers and to create improve crops.
 In research, plants are engineered to help discover the functions of certain
genes.
Examples:
 Flavr Savr tomato: It was engineered to have a longer shelf life.

19. Cont.
 Golden Rice: Genetically modified to contain beta-carotene (a source of
Vitamin A).
 In 1995, Bt potato was approved safe by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
 Bt Cotton: is genetically modified which is resistant to pests.
 Transgenic fruit obtained by pear and apple.
 A blue rose is genetically modified rose.

20. Cont.
Strawberry with antifreeze:
Antifreeze is a chemical found in a fish living in cold water to avoid blood
freezing.
Pest resistant Cabbage:
Gene that programs poison in scorpion tails was combined with cabbage. These
genetically modified cabbage is produce scorpion poison that kills caterpillars
when they bite leaves-but the toxin is modified so it isn’t harmful to humans.
GM Tress:
Australian eucalyptus tress have been cultured to withstand freezing
temperatures that grow faster and yield better wood.

21. Transgenic Animals
 Genetic modification in animals is carried out for the production of
pharmaceuticals, human proteins and in therapies.
 GMO’s are used to enhance production or food quality traits (faster growth
fish, pigs that digest food more efficiently), improve animal health (disease
resistance).
Examples:
 Transgenic monkey:
Its so similar to human hence it used in clinical trial used for studying:
HIV
Huntington's disease

22. Cont.
 GM Frog:
It’s a miracle of genetic engineering u can see through the skin how organs grow,
how cancers starts and develops without dissecting the frog.

23. Cont.
 Goats.
making silk protein in milk
Goats are genetically modified in such away that produce milk that contain
spider silk proteins, than proteins are harvested through the goats milk.
producing anti thrombin-3:
To prevent the blood clotting during surgery anti thrombin-3 is currently being
produced by herd of goats.

24. Other important applications of GMOs:
 Production of humulin
 Production of vaccine
 Gene therapy

25. CONTRAVERSIES
Development in genetic modification(GM) of organisms and foods has resulted in
a raft of controversies.
Ethics can help here. There are three areas of ethics that can help firm some of
the concerns with GM food and organisms.
Virtues
Moral status
Consequences

26. Virtues
When the Golden Rice Project was first announced, it was advertised as an
exciting solution to the prevalence VAD in developing countries. However,
opposition to the GMO formed, blocking the expansion of the project. Countless
people and organizations made arguments trying to halt Golden Rice
Project, such as Friends of the Earth, MASIPAG (a farmer-led network of
organizations based in the Philippines), and Greenpeace, the At the same time,
supporters of The Golden Rice Project continued flouting its benefits, including
the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and the Humanitarian Board for
Golden Rice. It is clear that the golden rice debate is about not only golden rice
but also genetically modified organisms in general.

27. Moral status
Because we can, does it mean we should?
Some feel that aspects of biotechnology tamper with God’s plan, GM technology
is tampering with nature by mixing genes among species. Some may just say GM
technology is unnatural, it is violating the intrinsic values of natural organisms.
"Unnatural" and "tamper with God's plan" is a moral standard or belief based on
different individuals.
 Do human have the right to generate new organisms?
Human as Earthling is just one of the creatures that lives on the Earth.
Just like other living organisms (mammals, reptiles, etc), none of us is the
creator of the Earth. Just to say, who gives the right to human to generate
new organisms? Or even more simple, does human have the right to create
new creatures?

28. Zebra + Horse (Zorse)
 The zorse is a cross between zebra and domestic horse. The process were
originally done in England and Africa to try to produce a domestic horse like
animal which was resistant to disease. Disease spread by fly in Africa.

29. Glow in dark animals:
The main reason behind producing glowing animals was to avail them in market
as pets and for money making purpose.
The glofish among them was the first genetically modified animal to become
available as a pet. It is a natural zebrafish which has genetic information from
bioluminescent jellyfish added to its DNA.

30. Featherless chicken:
 Featherless chicken are produced to increase the quantity of meat.
 Fast to grow.
 The critic says the feather free chicken will suffer more than the normal
birds. Males might be unable to mate, because they cannot flap their wings.
These both sexes are susceptible to parasites mosquitoes attack and sun burn.

31. Other controversial examples:
 Umbuku lizard
 Dolion ( cross breed of loin and dog)
 Pigs with colored nose
 Muscular cows

32. Consequences
 The most common way of framing the ethics of GMOs is to ask: Do GMOs
present negative or harmful consequences for individuals, populations or the
environment?
 Most scientist argue that GM foods are safe to eat and will not harm consumer
health. While critics maintain that long term health effects are uncertain,
they contend that even if GM foods are safe to eat other harmful
consequences should be considered, such as the impact of patenting laws on
farmers and researched integrin, or the risk of contaminating the other crops
or escaping into the wild.
 Genetic engineering allows introducing animal products in plants, which
could raise issues for those with dietary restrictions, like vegetarian or
vegans, or those who refrain from eating certain foods for religious reasons.

33. Impacts of GMOs and biosafety:
 The various issue have triggered controversies and regulations around gm
foods and any company that produces these crops or products.
 Concerns range from the environment to risks to food web our issues
concerning disease, allergies, and contamination.
 ALLERGIES AND DISEASE:
A key ethical concern about gm foods is there potential to trigger allergies or
disease in humans. Given that a gene could be extracted from an allergenic
organism and placed into another one that typically does not cause allergies, a
person may unknowingly be expose to an allergen. In term this could lead to am
allergic reaction. There is also a fear that new allergies could occur from the
mixing of genes from two organisms.
E.g. Brazil nut allergy in soybeans.

34. Cont.
DEMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT:
 Damage to the environment I another ethical fear with regards to GM crops,
unfortunately the technology is still new enough that their is much we do not
know abut effect of GM crop production on the environment. Long term
studies take decades to complete and most studies of GM crop production
involve short term effect of the technology.
 There are fears that if thee crops do negatively impact the environment, the
will spread in out of control fashion and we will not be able to top their
damaging effects.

35. Cont.
FOOD WEB AND RISKS:
A risk to the food web are very real ethical concern around GM technology. any
pesticide or herbicide from the crop could harm animals and other organisms and
the environment. E.g. GM sugar beets that were produce to be resistant to
herbicides that successfully reduce weeds. However skylark birds that consumed
the seeds from this particular weed would not be required to find a new food
source their by endangering their existence.
Exploitations:
Some countries make use genetic engineering of foods as a very powerful
weapon against their enemies. It is important to note that some scientist have
discovered that these products can kill a lot of individual in the world by
using harmful diseases.

36. The Effects are Irreversible
 All the disadvantages mentioned above are probably irreversible, especially
the harmful effects on the environment and human health that are inevitable
outcomes to the fast-paced development of biotechnology and genetic
engineering. Consuming nutritious is the best option for healthy lifestyle that
can even reverse the adverse effects of GM food. This may come from organic
food as well as supreme supplements that provide quality nutrients and
antioxidants.

37. Conclusion
Any new technology has its set of advantages and disadvantages, as we can
conclude this thing from the GMOs that remind us to get something we have to
loose something. Like by GM technology we get desired characteristic in organism
or food but negative impact is we can not get these desired characteristics
without damaging the original one. So it is important to proceed with caution to
avoid unfavorable consequences as this technology is very powerful.
At same time it can be beneficial as well as disastrous for mankind, it is up to us
that how we are utilizing that one.