Download GMO`s Genetically Modified Organisms

GMO’s
Genetically Modified Organisms
What are GMO’s?
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GMOs are organisms whose genetic material
has been manipulated by genetic engineering
techniques
Humans have been involved in selective
crossing for thousands of years
How are GMO’s made?
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Today, GMO’s can be produced by molecular
manipulation
We can take a gene from one organism and
insert it directly into another
This advancement in bioengineering allows
genes to be inserted into organisms that
could not breed in nature
Video:
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.gen.breeding/
Why make GMO’s?
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Agriculture
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Medical
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Pesticide resistance
Increase size
Pharmaceuticals
Gene therapy
Transgenic animals
Pets
Video: http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.gen.btcorn/
Efficiency
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In the United States, the use of GM soybeans and
corn alone have:
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Increase yield
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Reduced the use of pesticides by 13 million kg from 19972009
~10%
Decrease pesticide use
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Eg. In Europe, if 50 % corn, canola, cotton, and sugar beet
were replaced with GMO’s then…
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Pesticide use would decrease by 14.5 million kg
Reduction in 7.5 hectares of land being sprayed
This would save 20.5 billion liters of diesel
Which would reduced atmospheric CO2 by 73,000 tons
Global distribution of GMO production
Problems
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Proprietary issues
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Who owns the field when pollen
from GMO’s pollinate non-GM
crops?
Creating super weeds or super
pests
Chance of GMO’s crossing with
wildlife
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Video :
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.gen.salmon/
Introduction to Activity