GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS Definition History Production Advantages Disadvantages

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

• Definition • History • Production • Advantages • Disadvantages

DEFINITION • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i. e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. . Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods.

HISTORY • Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen made the first genetically modified organism (GMO) in 1973. • The first genetically modified crop, an antibiotic-resistant tobacco plant, was produced in 1982. • The first genetically modified animal to be commercialised was the Glo. Fish, a Zebra fish with a fluorescent gene added that allows it to glow in the dark under ultraviolet light

PRODUCTION OF GMO • Genetically 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 could be occur when exogenous DNA penetrates the cell membrane for any reason. • For this artificially attachment of genes to a virus or just physically inserting the extra DNA into the nucleus of the intented hostwith a very small syringe, or a very small particle fired from a gene gun.

• Agrobacteriums ability to transfer genetic materials to plants, or the ability of lentiviruses to transfer genes to animal cells are natural examples of gene transfer.

TRANSGENIC PLANTS • Transgenic plants have been engineered for scientific research, to create new colors in flowers, and to create improved crops. • In research, plants are engineered to help discover the function of certain genes. • One way to do this is to knock out the genes of interest and see what phenotypes develops. • Another strategy is to attach the gene to a strong promoter and see what happens it is over expressed.

GM CROPS • In agriculture, genetically engineered crops are created to posses 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.

GMO IN MAMMALS • 1992 • Monsanto • Introduced a bovine growth hormone used in cows to increase milk production.

• Genetically modified mammals are an important category of genetically modified organisms. • Ralph L. Brinster and Richard Palmiter developed the techniques responsible for transgenic mice, rats, rabbits, sheep, and pigs in the early 1980 s, and 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. However, new technologies are making genetic modifications easier and more precise. • The first transgenic (genetically modified) animal was produced by injecting DNA into mouse embryos then implanting the embryos in female mice.

CONTI…. • Genetically modified animals currently being developed can be placed into six different broad classes based on the intended purpose of the genetic modification: • To research human diseases (for example, to develop animal models for these diseases); • To produce industrial or consumer products (fibres for multiple uses); • To produce products intended for human therapeutic use (pharmaceutical products or tissue for implantation); • To enrich or enhance the animals' interactions with humans (hypo-allergenic pets); • To enhance production or food quality traits (faster growing fish, pigs that digest food more efficiently); • To improve animal health (disease resistance)

• Calgene’s Favr Savr • Tomato is approved for commercial production by the US department of agriculture. • This was genetically engineered to remain firm for a longer period of time. • The FDA declares that genetically engineered foods are not dangerous and do not require special regulation (History of genetic engineering , 2012).

MICROBES Bacteria (specifically E. coli). A few years later, researchers were churning out GM bacteria that produced useful human proteins, such as insulin and blood clotting factor (important for people with diabetes and hemophilia, respectively). Today, a wide variety of drugs, hormones, and other products have been created in microbes for the medical market. This include erythropoietin (which regulates red blood cell production), interferons (which stimulate the immune system), vaccines (e. g. , against the Hepatitis B virus), human growth hormone (h. GH), and many more. Most recently in the medical field, GM bacteria are in clinical trials that may prevent cavities, and other bacteria are being created that may possibly block HIV infection. Many of the food additives we consume today on a daily basis are also made by GM microbes. To name just a few, the list includes vitamins (B 2, C), amino acids that improve flavors (e. g. , aspartame), food additives (e. g. , xanthan), food preservatives (e. g. , nisin), enzymes used in food during specific chemical reactions (e. g. , making cheese, breads, certain alcohols, and some sugars), and many more.

FISH • GM fish are used for scientific research and as pets, and are being considered for use as food and as aquatic pollution sensors. • Genetically engineered fish are widely used in genetics and development. • Two species of fish, Zebra fish and medaka, are most commonly modified because they have optically clear chorions (shells), rapidly develop, and the 1 -cell embryo is easy to see microinject with transgenic DNA.

• The Glofish is a patented brand of genetically modified (GM) fluorescent zebra fish with bright red, green, and orange fluorescent colour. • Although not originally developed for the ornamental fish trade, it became the first genetically modified animal to become publicly available as a pet when it was introduced for sale in 2003. They were quickly banned for sale in California on the grounds of ethical isssues.

ADVANTAGES 1. GMOs is an effective way to provide farmers a larger profit while spending less time a resources. 2. Economically beneficial because they are used to repel pests, which prevents the need for pesticides to be used. 3. This is also known to decrease food prices due to advanced crops and lower cost. GMOs will certainly help families that cannot afford to buy the food they need for everyday living. 4. Less starvation in the world due to the fact that it cuts food prices. 5. It is more nourishing to the body, which is proven to be effective. 6. The precise evaluation and testing of GMOs crops and other products. In fact, according to research, it is safer as compared to traditional crops

DISADVANTAGES 1. GMOs could be dangerous to some insects. This is because the new genes of the crops can be deadly to certain insects like butterflies that are not actually dangerous to crops. 2. The people who oppose GMOs aren’t taste good as compared to naturally produced crops. 3. It doesn’t need enough pesticide because the crop itself is dangerous to some insects. 4. The tariff, quota and trade issues may become a problem in regions and other countries. 5. Critics claim that GMOs can cause particular disease or illnesses. 6. As the major producer of GMO, it could start an issue in some population that are not agree in American way 7. Genetically modified crops may also cause a threat to the environment. This is because it is not a natural way to plant and cultivate crops. 8. Possible greed or self-indulgence of the manufacturers and companies of GMOs. This is due to the profit that can be acquired.