GMO and TGO Flashcards
genetic engineering technologies
refers to the artificial alteration of an organism’s genome via the exchange of foreign genetic material, typically from another organism.
often done external to the organism via the use of a transfer vector such as a plasmid. Also known as genetic recombination technologies
genetically modified organism
(GMO)
an organism with genetic material that has been altered using genetic engineering technology
Cisgenic organisms:
a genetically modified organism that has genes from the same species inserted into its genome.
This process, known as cisgenesis, involves transferring genes between organisms that could otherwise be bred together
Transgenic organisms:
a genetically modified organism that has genes from a different species inserted into its genome. This process, known as transgenesis, results in an organism that contains foreign DNA transplanted from a separate species.
able to produce proteins that were not previously part of their species’ proteome due to their genome being altered with foreign DNA
Producing transgenic plants
Gene identification: gene of interest must be identified and isolated. This gene of interest usually found in the genome of another species, - and have desired traits for host
e.g the gene of interest may help with more efficient uptake of soil nutrients,
less reliance on fertilisers, and/or improved drought tolerance
Gene delivery: next, the isolated gene of interest must be delivered to cells of host organism. delivery may occur via direct insertion of the DNA into genome of the plant itself or through bacterial plasmid that is able to successfully transfer DNA between itself and the plant.
Gene expression: the transformed cell then grown repeatedly (regenerated) using plant tissue cultures under sterile conditions before applied in field for agricultural use. GM host organism able to express new transgene as a useful protein and can regenerate
BIOLOGICAL IMPLCATIONS OF GMO
PROS
* GM crops usually have better crop productivity than non-GM crops. This means that more food can be grown using
less land, reducing habitat loss due to land clearing.
* Insect-resistant GM plants require fewer pesticides, which is better for the environment.
* GM foods can be made to have improved nutritional content, improving the health of individuals that consume them.
CONS
* GM crops may lose their effectiveness if weeds or pests evolve resistance.
* Widespread use of GM crops could result in the loss of genetic diversity within crop populations.
* Cross-pollination between GM crops and wild species or weeds may cause genes to spread and lead to
unforeseen consequences.
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS
PROS
* Increased crop productivity means more food can be produced, leading to better food security.
* Crops that are able to grow in more adverse conditions (e.g. drought-tolerant corn) protect against famine, Improving food security.
* Herbicide-tolerant crops reduce labour demands as farmers don’t need to pull weeds by hand, spraying chemicals that selectively kill weed, not crops.
* Increased crop yields result in larger profits for farmers.
* GM foods can be made to have improved flavour and texture, give consumers more appealing product.
* GM foods can made have improved nutritional content. leads to reduction in nutritional deficiencies, create healthier populations.
CONS
Having to buy new seeds each season may costly for farmers.
* Complex legal issues surrounding the use of GM products may cause farmers undue stress and anxiety related
to regulation.
* There are strict packaging and marketing regulations for GMO producers may not be complied with if either
the producer or consumer are undereducated on these regulations
ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS
PROS
* Some people believe that using genetic modification is an ethical imperative given the potential for widespread
benefits, including nutrition, wealth, and the overall health of humanity, especially in developing nations.
CONS
* Some people consider GMOs to be unnatural, or like we are ‘playing God’.
* Some people believe GM foods are unsafe to eat and choose not to eat them. if there is lack of long-term evidence of healthy use.
* Some people believe that GM animals for human benefit is inhumane – many anti-animal GMO arguments apply to animal agriculture in general.
* The fact that companies can own the rights to GM crops is considered by some to be unethical due to companies
possibly making unfair demands of farmers. This ownership power divide can materialise in a range of ways,
including the following:
– Cross-pollination of non-GM crops by nearby GM crops could result in non-GM farmer being sued by the
patent-owner.
– Farmers can’t reuse seeds from some GM crops and must buy new expensive seed supplies each year from
biotechnology companies
