18.3 GMO, GMF & Cloning

p.621-632

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GMO, GMF

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) – an organism that has its

genome altered or changed in some way.

Genetically modified food (GMFs) - food sources that have its

genome altered in some way.

Examples 1) Corn (GMF)→ over ½ of the corn produced today contains

recombinant DNA → for example, herbicide-resistant corn can be

sprayed with herbicide and not be harmed.2) insulin-producing bacteria (GMO)

→ in the past, insulin was only available from animal sources. Now, it can be produced by bacteria→ the gene for producing insulin is inserted into a bacterial vector, copied, and used to produce a lot of insulin

3) Rice (GMF)→ a new strain of genetically modified rice called golden rice contains more beta carotene and iron than in regular rice

4) bacteria and pollution (GMO)→ some strains of bacteria can be modified to consume PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls). These compounds are highly toxic and can build up in the food chain→ other special strains of bacteria can consume oil; can be used to clean up oil spills

Risks associated with GMOs and GMFs p. 625-627

1) Environmental threats→ some studies suggest that if herbicide-resistant plants are used, farmers will used more herbicide. The extra herbicide can leech out into water supplies→ risk of herbicide-resistant plants could cross-breed with weeds, producing “superweeds”

2) Health effects→ people concerned about long term health effects because no long term studies done

3) Social and economic issues→ people fear that since GMFs come from private companies, they would start to have control over the world food supply

4)artificial selection – human selection of particular traits (ex. Faster horses, disease-resistant plants, breeding of dogs, etc.)

Cloning p. 629

Clones – identical copy of an organism or a part of an organism

(see fig 18.22, p. 629)

Benefits of cloning:

1. speed of reproduction – occurs quickly2. elimination of disease

Risks:1. manipulation of treats2. reducing genetic variability3. embryo use and destruction4. loss of individuality

Risks of cloning:

1. manipulation of traits2. reducing genetic variability3. embryo use and destruction4. loss of individuality