Download genetically modified organism (GMO)

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?
A genetically modified organism (GMO) or
genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an
organism whose genetic material has been altered using
genetic engineering techniques. These techniques are
generally known as recombinant DNA technology. With
this technology, DNA molecules from different sources
are combined into one molecule to create a new set of
genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism,
giving it modified or novel traits.
HEI MAN! WHAT DO YOU THINK
ABOUT GMO ??
A HINT OF HISTORY
The general principle of producing a GMO is to add new genetic material
into an organism's genome. This is called genetic engineering and was
made possible through the discovery of DNA and the creation of the first
recombinant bacteria in 1973, i.e., E .coli expressing a salmonella gene.
This led to concerns in the scientific community about potential risks from
genetic engineering which have been thoroughly discussed at the Asiloma
Conference in Pacific Grove, California. The recommendations laid out from
this meeting were that government oversight of recombinant DNA research
should be established until the technology was deemed safe. Herbert Boyer
then founded the first company to use recombinant DNA technology,
Genentech, and in 1978 the company announced the creation of an E. coli
strain producing the human protein insulin.
In 1986, field tests of bacteria genetically engineered to protect plants from
frost damage (ice-minus bacteria) at a small biotechnology company called
Advanced Genetic Sciences of Oakland, California, were repeatedly delayed
by opponents of biotechnology. In the same year, a proposed field test of a
microbe genetically engineered for a pest resistance protein by Monsanto
was dropped.
USES OF GMO
Examples of GMOs are highly diverse, and include transgenic
(genetically modified by recombinant DNA methods) animals such
as mice, fish, transgenic plants, or various microbes, such as fungi
and bacteria. GMOs are used for many reasons, chief among them
are their use in research that addresses questions in biology or
medicine, for the production of pharmaceuticals and, and for direct
applications aimed at improving human health (e.g., gene therapy)
or agriculture (e.g., golden rice). The term "genetically modified
organism" does not always imply, but can include, targeted
insertions of genes from one into another species. For example, a
gene from a jellyfish, encoding a fluorescent protein called GFP, can
be physically linked and thus co-expressed with mammalian genes
to identify the location of the protein encoded by the GFP-tagged
gene in the mammalian cell. These and other methods are useful
and indispensable tools for biologists in many areas of research,
including those that study the mechanisms of human and other
diseases or fundamental biological processes in eukaryotic or
prokaryotic cells.
EXAMPLES OF GMO
Transgenic microbes
Bacteria were the first organisms to be modified in the laboratory,
due to their simple genetics. These organisms are now used in a
variety of tasks, and are particularly important in producing large
amounts of pure human proteins for use in medicine.
Transgenic animals
Transgenic animals are used as experimental models to perform
phenotypic tests with genes whose function is unknown or to
generate animals that are susceptible to certain compounds or
stresses for testing in biomedical research. Other applications
include the production of human hormones, such as insulin.
Transgenic plants
Transgenic plants have been developed for various purposes. Among many,
these include 1) resistance to pests, herbicides or harsh environmental
conditions, 2) improved product shelflife, and 3) increased nutritional value.
Since the first commercial cultivation of GM plants in 1996, GM plants
tolerant to the herbicides glufosinate or glyphosate, and producing the Bt
toxin, an insecticide, have dominated the agriculutral seed market for corn
and other crops. Recently, a new generation of GM plants promising benefits
for consumers and industry purposes is entering the market.
CONTROVERSY OVER GMOs
The use of GMOs has sparked significant controversy in many
areas. Some groups or individuals see the generation and use of
GMO as intolerable meddling with biological states or processes that
have naturally evolved over long periods of time, while others are
concerned about the limitations of modern science to fully
comprehend all of the potential negative ramifications of genetic
manipulation.
While some groups advocate the complete prohibition of GMOs,
others call for mandatory labeling of genetically modified food or
other products. Other controversies include the definition of patent
and property pertaining to products of genetic engineering and the
possibility of unforeseen local and global effects as a result of
transgenic organisms proliferating. The basic ethical issues involved
in genetic research are discussed in the article on genetic
engineering.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR AND BAN
GMOs
USA
In 2004, Mendocino County, California became the first county in the
United States to ban the production of GMOs. The measure passed
with a 57% majority. In California, Trinity and Marin counties have
also imposed bans on GM crops, while ordinances to do so were
unsuccessful in Butte, San Luis Obispo, Humboldt, and Sonoma
counties. Supervisors in the agriculturally-rich counties of Fresno,
Kern, Kings, Solano, Sutter, and Tulare have passed resolutions
supporting the practice.
New Zealand
In New Zealand no genetically-modified food is sold and no medicines containing live
genetically-modified organisms have been approved for use. However, medicines
manufactured using genetically-modified organisms that do not contain live
organisms have been approved for sale.
Canada
In 2005, a standing committee of the government of Prince Edward Island in Canada
began work to assess a proposal to ban the production of GMOs in the province. PEI
has already banned GM potatoes, which account for most of its crop. Mainland
Canada is one of the worlds largest producers of GM canola.
Brazil
In Brazil, any company (public or private) who wants to find, grow and market
transgenic, must meet the demands of five agencies: the National Biosafety
Technical Commission (CTNBio), the National Health Surveillance Agency
(Anvisa), the Brazilian Institute of Environment (IBAMA), the Ministry of
Environment (MMA) and the National Council on Environment (Conama)
Our country, already released six varieties of transgenic food products: One of soy
and five of maize.
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