Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).pptx

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1. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Science, Health and Polit ics

2. Food is one of the basic needs for human survival. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors sought ways on how to grow better-yielding crops in response to the daily food requirement of the growing population. Early farmers developed selective breeding and crossbreeding methods to breed plants and animals with desirable traits. Mexican farmers were able to grow maize or corns with varied colors, sizes, and uses. But this process can take a long period and painstakingly done before achieving the desired results. Besides, this procedure is solely for organisms of the same species. Breeding cannot be done between two different plants like apple and papaya, as they have other genetic bases. Introduction

3. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms created using biotechnology or genetic engineering. GMOs are prepared in the laboratory to produce a combination of genes with desired physical characteristics or phenotype. This phenotype can have a large amount of useful protein. Scientists do this by inserting the selected genes from one species into the DNA of another species . Genetically Modified Organisms

4. The process of making GMOs is different from conventional selective breeding and crossbreeding , which involve selecting parents with relevant characteristics to breed to produce offspring with more desirable traits. However, breeding can only be done in the same species and takes many generations for the expected result to occur. Genetic modification technology, on the other hand, allows the transfer of selected genes not only between the same species but also between non-related species ( e.g ) a gene from a bacterium into a plant DNA) in a precise and quicker way. The cultured gene is embedded into the plant using either gene canon, soil bacteria, or a protoplast. The steps involved are the following:

5. 1. Mapping. Find and isolate individual genes that give an organism particular characteristics or desired traits. 2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Make several copies of the isolated gene. 3. Transformation. Transfer or insert the desired gene directly into the DNA of another organism . 4. Let the new organism grow 5. Check the seeds and observe that the inserted gene functions accordingly .

6. Agricultural plants are the first thing that comes into our mind whenever someone mentions GMOs. Gene technology benefits agricultural industries with an increase in crop yield at reduced costs. In the United States, GM corns extensively grown by farmers are resistant to glyphosate , an herbicide. ' Bt ' gene technology called GM insect resistance (GM IR) is incorporated into the DNA of maize, soybeans, cotton, and brinjal , eliminating spraying of insecticide. The virus-resistant GM papaya saved the dying Hawaii papaya industry from the ringspot virus infestation. Presently, 90 % of Hawaiian papayas are genetically modified. Genetically engineered Innate potato reduces browning and blackspot bruising. GM apple has an appearance similar to an ordinary apple but does not brown. GMOs in Food and Agricultural Industries

7. Table 1: GM plants approved by FDA

8. Microorganisms or microbes are unicellular or cell-cluster microscopic organisms, divided into six major types: bacteria, archaea , fungi (yeasts and molds), protozoa, algae viruses . The advancement in biotechnology explores the potential of microorganisms' applications in food, paper, and textile industries. Moreover, genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) are useful in human health, agriculture, and bioremediation. Bioremediation is the application of microbial or plant enzymes to break down environmental pollutants . GMMs are used for source organism to cultivate the desired substance faster. They can also increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enable cost-effective food fortified with vitamins and minerals. Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMs)

9. Since the mid-90s, genetically modified crops, also called genetically engineered crops, steadily gain acceptance, as more and more groups in the agricultural sector have used engineered seeds for planting. However, many people still doubt the veracity of the claims of scientists about the benefits of GM crops. Skeptics say that scientists influence the research findings to protect the bi companies who own the technology. Others, with their very little or no knowledge about biotechnology, are not so keen on its safety. Environmentalists question the effect of these engineered plants that are more superior to the existing organisms in the ecosystem balance. Potential Risks of GMOs

10. Potential Environmental Risks Caused by GMOs

11. Potential Health Risks on Humans by GMOs According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the risks of GM crops and GMMs used in animal feeds to transfer to humans are negligible. No one knows the long term effects of GMOs, and the World Health Organization (WHO) agrees on continuous research and monitoring. The opposition still debates on health issues and concerns.

12. A group called The American Association for the Advancement of Science ( AAAS) voiced their opposition to GM foods labeling. They cited that the labeling will make GMOs inferior to Non-GMOs. They mentioned further that genetic modification is fundamentally the same as the natural method, selective breeding, and crossbreeding except for the process used. Researchers conducting new studies on GM crops face difficulties in field test experiments because of restrictions. Non-GMO supporters go for labeling of all GMO foods to empower consumers to decide for themselves what products are best for them. Labeling will assure non-GMO patrons who are health conscious and wary of the potential ill-effect of GMO foods not to buy them . GMOs and Labeling

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14. Many anti-GMO groups claim not enough research indicated GM crops are safe for human consumption. Some organizations reiterate that no conclusive evidence shows eating GM foods are safe. Non-GMO patrons assert on buying food only with an "organic " label. The Philippines decided not to label GM products as it would increase the cost of the product