2 - Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering

▸ alters, deletes, and modifies the DNA of living organisms with the use of biotechnology.

▸ may reduce problems of poverty and malnutrition in the world.

GMO

Genes from two different organisms that can't breed naturally are modified and artificially introduced to another organism creating a transgenic or ___.

GMO

a plant, animal, or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering (recombinant DNA or gene splicing)

GMO

are commonly used in food, medicines, agriculture, & nutrition.

• This has led to concern about the dangers they might cause to the environment and to human health

• Increase crop yields

• Increase shelf life

• Make disease and parasite resistant crops

• Produce more nutritious crops

Purpose of GMO: (4)

Gene therapy

Is a therapeutic delivery of nucleic acid into a patient’s cells as a drug to treat genetic disease.

Gene therapy

The new DNA usually contains a functioning gene to correct the effects of disease causing mutation

Gene therapy

A promising treatment option of some genetic diseases including:

• muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis

Gene mutations

are the ones that cause a disease.

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Sickle cell Anemia

• Hemophilia

• Color Blindness

• Muscular dystrophy

Some well known inherited genetic disorders:

• Somatic gene therapy

• Germline therapy

Types of gene therapy: (2)

Somatic gene therapy

transfer of DNA to body cells namely the blood cells, muscle, fat, neurons, and bone cells reproduced by mitosis

Germline therapy

transfer of DNA to gametes or cells in sexual reproduction; an egg cell and a sperm cell unite to form a zygote.

• Delivering the gene to the right place and switching it on

• Avoiding the immune response

• Making sure the new gene doesn’t disrupt the function of other gene

• The cost of gene therapy

CHALLENGES OF GENE THERAPY:

GMO

help many underdeveloped nations acquire sustainable food security.

Matin Qaim

an expert in international food economics and rural development, conducted many researches in Africa, Asia and America.

Matin Qaim

He concluded that Genetically Modified Crops provided many benefits to the poor.

1. Rational Opposition

2. Anti Capitalist Opposition

3. Quasi-Religious Opposition

3 Reasons people oppose GMO Foods:

Rational Opposition

GMO express foreign genes which can be toxic or cause allergies

• can contaminate organic crops

• can promote monoculture

Anti Capitalist Opposition

GMO’s are produced by big corporations trying to take over the food supply and to dominate the world

Quasi Religious Opposition

“Mother Nature knows better and we must not Try to improve her.” (Pollandri)