Genetically Modified Genetically Modified OrganismsOrganisms

Recombinant DNARecombinant DNA

Genetically Modified Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)Organism (GMO)• An organism whose genetic material An organism whose genetic material

has been altered using genetic has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. engineering techniques.

Why can Scientists make Why can Scientists make Recombinant organisms?Recombinant organisms?

•DNA in ALL animals, plants, bacteria is DNA in ALL animals, plants, bacteria is chemically the SAME!!! chemically the SAME!!!

•Because of this, our genes (or plant Because of this, our genes (or plant genes) can be put into bacteria- this is genes) can be put into bacteria- this is called called Recombinant DNARecombinant DNA!!

•When our genes are put into the When our genes are put into the bacteria, the bacteria can “read” our bacteria, the bacteria can “read” our genes and make the corresponding genes and make the corresponding protein! protein!

Genetically modified Genetically modified organisms are used in many organisms are used in many foods…foods…• CORNCORN

Coca Cola (contains corn syrup)Coca Cola (contains corn syrup)Margarine (corn oil, canola oil)Margarine (corn oil, canola oil)FritosFritosKraft Salad DressingsKraft Salad DressingsMcDonalds French FriesMcDonalds French FriesNestle CrunchNestle CrunchNutra-sweetNutra-sweet

More GMOs are being More GMOs are being tested…tested…• BarleyBarleyBroccoliBroccoliCarrotsCarrotsGrapesGrapesPeppersPeppersRaspberriesRaspberriesStrawberriesStrawberriesSugar CaneSugar CaneWatermelonWatermelonWheatWheat

Why are GMOs being Why are GMOs being created?created?

Genes are modified or added to plants… Genes are modified or added to plants… • To make them more resistant to insect To make them more resistant to insect

pests, weed killers, frost and drought.pests, weed killers, frost and drought.• Increase the nutrients in a crop or reduce Increase the nutrients in a crop or reduce

the amount of fertilizer needed.the amount of fertilizer needed.• Corn has been modified so that it Corn has been modified so that it

produces vaccines for farm animals…produces vaccines for farm animals…

Medical Uses for GMOsMedical Uses for GMOsResearch involving GMOs has Research involving GMOs has

produced…produced…• Insulin for diabetes treatmentInsulin for diabetes treatment• Treatment for certain cancers Treatment for certain cancers • New vaccinesNew vaccines• Treatments for genetic disorders Treatments for genetic disorders

such as hemophiliasuch as hemophilia

Transgenic OrganismsTransgenic Organisms• GMO that has DNA/genes transferred GMO that has DNA/genes transferred

from another species. from another species. • For example:For example:• Bacteria with human genes Bacteria with human genes • Corn with bacterial genesCorn with bacterial genes• Tomatoes with fish genesTomatoes with fish genes

How are GMOs created?How are GMOs created?1.1.Enzymes are used to cut DNA and plasmid Enzymes are used to cut DNA and plasmid

into fragments (Restriction Enzymes)into fragments (Restriction Enzymes)2.2.DNA Fragments are combined to form new DNA Fragments are combined to form new

plasmids which are inserted into bacteria.plasmids which are inserted into bacteria.3.3.Bacteria reproduce FAST and make many Bacteria reproduce FAST and make many

copies of the recombinant plasmid.copies of the recombinant plasmid.4.4.Bacteria with recombinant plasmids may Bacteria with recombinant plasmids may

express newly added foreign genes…express newly added foreign genes…

Fish with bacterial genes…Fish with bacterial genes…

Are there any risks?Are there any risks?• What do you think? What do you think? • We will examine the potential We will examine the potential

benefits and risks of GMOs over the benefits and risks of GMOs over the next few lessons.next few lessons.