Gmos

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMOs)

What is Ge netica lly Mo di fied Org anism (GMO )?

- an organism whose genetic structure has been altered by incorporating a gene that will express a desirable trait, often termed gene splicing. - interchangeable with Genetically Engineered Organism

• GMOs can be plants, animals or (most commonly) micro-organisms (including bacteria, viruses parasites and fungi). • Where the GMO is a micro-organism it is typically referred to as a Genetically Modified Micro-organism (GMM) • Flavr Savr Tomato - first food produced from gene splicing and evaluated by the FDA

HI STOR Y Genetic engineering was made possible through:

- series of scientific advances including the discovery of DNA - creation of the first recombinant bacteria in 1973, i.e., E .coli expressing a salmonella gene.

HI STOR Y  Herbert Boyer then founded the first company to use recombinant DNA technology, Genentech, and in 1978 the company announced the creation of an E. coli strain producing the human protein insulin.

1986 - field tests of a bacterium genetically engineered to protect plants from frost damage (ice-minus bacteria) at a small biotechnology company called Advanced Genetic Sciences of Oakland, California, were repeatedly delayed by opponents of biotechnology. - proposed field test of a microbe genetically engineered for a pest resistance protein by Monsanto was dropped.

TRA NSGE NIC ANIMA LS

 are used as experimental models to perform phenotypic tests with genes whose function is unknown or to generate animals that are susceptible to certain compounds or stresses for testing in biomedical research.

TRA NSGENIC P LA NTS Transgenic plants have been developed for various purposes: - resistance to pests, herbicides or harsh environmental conditions; - improved shelf life; increased nutritional value and many more.

ISS UES CO NCE RNIN G GMOs Perceived Advantages – – – –

Pest Resistance Herbicide tolerance Disease resistance Cold Tolerance

– Drought tolerance/salinity tolerance – Nutrition – Pharmaceuticals – Phytoremediation

Perceived Disadvantages

A. En vironmen tal Ha zard s

– Unintended harm to other organisms/ Possible loss of Biodiversity – Reduced effectiveness of pesticides – Gene transfer to non-target species

 SOLUTIONS: Contained use- is where control measures are used to limit contact between GMOs and humans and the environment so as to provide a high level of safety.  RISK ASSESSMENTS - all works related to GMOs must be submitted to the regulatory authorities for approval before work can commence.

B. Hu ma n H ealt h R isk s

– Allergenicity – Unknown effects on human health/ Gene Transfer – Outcrossing

A. Eco nomic Concern s Can these food items be used effectively to prevent disease in atrisk populations? - GMOs have potential to create less expensive foods that contain the appropriate amount of nutrients.

What is the economic impact to U.S. and world agricultural economies? - GMOs could be developed that can survive droughts or floods on lands that are currently unable to sustain crops. What are the environmental impacts of bringing this land into production?