GMO

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

• Presenter: Dr. Rachana Choudhary

• Affiliation: Asstt. Prof., Department of Microbiology, Shri Shankaracharya Mahavidyalaya, Junwani, Bhilai (Durg)

Introduction

• Genetic Modification: Process of altering the properties of cells by changing the genetic makeup of the DNA in the nucleus.

  • Includes deleting, changing genes, or transferring genes from one organism to another.

  • Resulting organism is termed a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO).

  • rDNA: Recombinant DNA; biotechnology technique.

  • Organisms modified: Bacteria, yeast, plants, fish, and mammals.

History of GMO

• 1971: First GMOs were bacteria.

• 1972: Creation of first recombinant DNA molecules by Paul Berg.

• 1982: Commercialization of insulin-producing bacteria.

Types of GMOs

• Genetically Modified Plants

• Genetically Modified Animals

• Genetically Modified Microbes

Construction of GMOs

• Steps:

  • Linearization via restriction enzyme.

  • Gene Vector: Ligation of gene with vector.

  • Recombinant DNA transport into host.

  • Selection: Modified cells multiply in medium.

Examples of GMOs

• 1994: Flavr Savr tomato - first GM food.

• Golden Rice: Enriched with beta-carotene (Vitamin A).

• Bt Corn: Contains chemical from Bacillus thuringiensis.

Genetically Modified Plants

• Traits of GM Plants:

  • Herbicide resistant.

  • Pesticide resistant.

  • Insect resistant.

  • Drought tolerant.

  • Extreme temperature tolerant.

  • Nutrient enrichment (vitamins, minerals).

Herbicide Resistance

• Roundup: Common herbicide by Monsanto.

  • Roundup Ready Crops: Resistant to herbicide due to introduction of gene EPSP from Agrobacterium.

Insect Resistance

• Bt Crops: Corn, cotton, other plants modified for insect resistance.

  • Gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces toxin harmful to insects.

GM Plants with Added Nutrients

• Golden Rice: Modified to be a source of Vitamin A.

  • Involves insertion of phytoene synthase and phytoene desaturase genes to produce beta-carotene.

• Strawberries: Genetically modified for increased Vitamin C utilizing the GalUR gene from Arabidopsis thaliana.

More GM Crops

• Research focus:

  • Drought resistant crops (wheat, corn, rice).

  • Salt tolerant tomatoes.

  • Frost resistant strawberries.

  • Heat tolerant beans.

  • Carrots that produce vaccines (e.g., against hepatitis B).

Genetically Modified Animals

• Development: Transgenic mice, rats, rabbits, pigs developed in the 1980s.

• Commercially viable possibilities like featherless chicken.

Regulatory Aspects

• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine: Regulates genetically altered animal products.

  • Currently no transgenic animals approved for human consumption, but biopharm animals approved for drug production.

Benefits of Transgenic Animals

• Quicker production of specific traits than traditional breeding.

• Enhanced quality, increased milk and wool production.

• Efficient pharmaceuticals production (e.g., insulin, growth hormones).

Genetically Modified Microbes

• Importance: First modified organisms; essential for producing pure human proteins for medicine.

  • E.g., insulin for diabetes and clotting factors for hemophilia.

Uses of GMOs

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Produces antibiotics, vaccines, and hormones.

• Agri-food Industry: Enzymes, amino acids, organic acids.

• Chemical Industry: Enzymes and organic acids, including biofuels.

Challenges of GMOs

Environmental Risks

• Unintended harm to non-target organisms.

  • E.g., Bt corn affecting Monarch butterfly larvae.

Resistance Issues

• Weeds adapting to herbicides, leading to 'superweeds'.

Human Health Risks

• Potential for new allergens or allergens for susceptible individuals.

Potential Risks of GMOs

• Concerns regarding inadequate studies on long-term effects.

• Risks include increased allergic reactions, gene mutations, and potential antibiotic resistance.

Biosafety in GMOs

• Initiatives developed by international organizations to ensure safety of GMOs.

  • Principles: Codex Alimentarius, Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

GMOs in the Philippine Context

• Market introduction of GMOs since 2011 (Roundup Ready corn, Bt corn).

• Historical context:

  • 1990: Executive Order 430 established national committee on biosafety.

  • 1991: Guidelines for regulating biotechnology.

  • 1998: Guidelines for GMO release.

Conclusion

• Genetic engineering holds promise but poses safety, ecological disruption, and biological warfare concerns.

• Genetically engineered microbes may help tackle environmental pollution challenges.