STS L7: GMOs

What are GMOs?

Organisms (plants, animals, microbes) whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering to introduce desirable traits such as improved yield, nutrition, disease resistance, or industrial uses.

Why do scientists modify organisms?

• To make crops resistant to pests & diseases
• To increase food production and nutrition
• To create environmentally friendly alternatives in industry & medicine

Ancient science contributions to GMOs

Early humans domesticated plants and animals by selecting and breeding individuals with desirable traits like higher yield or docility.

Scientific Revolution (16th–18th century) contributions

Development of the scientific method led to major breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Industrial Revolution (18th–19th century) contributions

Machines and mass production improved agriculture & medicine, increasing food security and human health.

DNA Discovery (1953)

Watson and Crick discovered DNA structure—revolutionizing biology and enabling modern genetics.

Genetic Engineering (1970s–1980s)

Recombinant DNA technology allowed scientists to transfer genes between species.

CRISPR & Synthetic Biology

Precise gene-editing techniques enabling targeted modifications in organisms; foundation of modern biotech.

Bt Corn – What makes it pest-resistant?

Contains a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that produces a protein toxic to insect pests like the corn borer.

Why Bt corn matters

a) Reduces chemical pesticide use
b) Increases crop yield & reduces farming costs
c) Causes less environmental damage

Rainbow Papaya – Why is it virus-resistant?

Contains a piece of PRSV (papaya ringspot virus) gene that protects it from infection—acts like a “vaccine.”

Why Rainbow Papaya matters

a) Saved Hawaiian papaya industry
b) Prevents viral infections like plant immunity

Roundup Ready Soybean – What makes it herbicide-tolerant?

Engineered to survive glyphosate herbicide, allowing farmers to spray weeds without harming the crop.

Why Roundup Ready Soybeans matter

a) Easier weed control
b) Reduces tilling → preserves soil quality

Golden Rice – What nutrient was added?

Contains beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, to fight Vitamin A deficiency.

Why Golden Rice matters

a) Helps reduce child blindness & malnutrition
b) Especially valuable in developing countries
c) Philippines was first to approve it commercially

Malusog Rice – What is it?

Philippine version of Golden Rice (NSIC 2022 Rc682GR2E). First harvest in 2022 produced 100+ tons for public nutrition programs.

Blue Roses – How were they created?

Inserted a gene from petunia that produces delphinidin, a blue pigment.

Why Blue Roses matter

a) First commercial blue roses
b) Expands floral industry with new colors

GM Poplar Trees – Why modify lignin?

Lower lignin levels make the trees easier to break down during paper production.

Why GM Poplar Trees matter

a) Requires less energy & fewer chemicals
b) More sustainable for the paper industry

GM Periwinkle – What does it produce?

Increased production of vinblastine, a powerful cancer drug.

Why GM Periwinkle matters

a) Improves efficiency of drug production
b) Big advancement in plant-based medicine

GM Tobacco for Bioremediation

Modified to absorb heavy metals (lead, zinc, cadmium) from polluted soil.

Why GM Tobacco matters

a) Natural method to clean polluted environments
b) Reduces toxic waste in contaminated areas

Gene Flow

Modified genes may spread to wild plants, affecting ecosystems.

Superweeds

Some weeds may develop herbicide resistance due to GMO exposure.

Unintended Effects

Possible allergens or unexpected mutations may arise.

Ethical Issues

Questions over who controls GMO technology and whether humans should modify life.

Corporate Control Issue

Biotech companies own patents on GMO seeds, impacting global food access and economics.

Consumer Rights

Debate over whether GMO foods should be labeled for transparency and choice.

CRISPR Babies Case

He Jiankui illegally edited embryos, resulting in the birth of gene-edited twins; violated scientific and ethical standards.

First GMO Approved in PH (2002)

Philippines was first in Asia to approve Bt corn.

Other GMO Approvals in PH

Bt Eggplant approved in 2022.

Philippine GMO Regulating Body

National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP).

Public Debate in PH

Farmers benefit, but environmentalists and consumer groups remain concerned.

Example of De-Extinction Success Mentioned

Colossal Biosciences announced the genetic revival of dire wolves after 13,000 years of extinction.

Early Plant Breeding Visual Explanation

Shows how wild plants were selectively bred over time into domesticated crops—an evolutionary trek displaying gradual improvement.

“Genetically Modified Strawberry vs Organic Strawberry” Reminder

Used to visually compare GMO vs organic produce to show physical differences and highlight consumer perception.

GMOs in Agriculture – Purpose Slide

The slide emphasizes feeding a growing population and meeting increasing global food demands.

Golden Rice – Additional Note

It is grown and consumed like regular rice; engineered specifically to address vitamin A deficiency.

Malusog Rice – Target Beneficiaries

Intended primarily for:
• Households with preschool children at risk of Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)
• Pregnant mothers
• Lactating mothers

GM Floriculture – What the Blue Rose Modification Changed

Scientists altered pigment production pathways to enable roses to create new color varieties beyond natural limits.

GM Poplar Trees – Sustainability Benefit

Reduced energy use and chemical needs make paper production more environmentally friendly.

GM Tobacco – Types of Heavy Metals Absorbed

Can absorb lead, zinc, and cadmium from polluted soils.

Gene Flow – Why It Happens

Cross-pollination can transfer GMO genes into non-GMO or wild plant populations.

Unintended Effects – Source of Risk

DNA insertion may accidentally affect other genes, potentially altering allergenicity or plant behavior.

Corporate Control – Why It’s a Problem

Patented GMO seeds restrict how farmers can save, swap, or reuse seeds, affecting autonomy and seed sovereignty.

CRISPR Baby Case – Protocol Violation

Scientific rules require genetically altered embryos to be destroyed, not implanted—which He Jiankui violated.

CRISPR Baby Case – Legal Outcome

He Jiankui served a 3-year prison sentence for illegal human embryo gene editing.

GMO Public Perception in the Philippines

Debate continues between groups:
• Farmers (pro-GMO)
• Environmentalists & consumer groups (concerned about safety & environmental impact)