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Genetically
Modified
Organisms
Genetically Modified Organisms
(GMO):
- an organism whose genetic material has been
altered using genetic engineering techniques
• one or more genes from other organisms are
inserted into a living organism to give it new
characteristics
But why?
• Scientists are modifying genes of
organisms so that they contain new or
improved characteristics that could be
beneficial for humans
History of GMO
• Creation of GMOs possible because of the
discovery of DNA and other advances in
scientific technology
• First GMO;1973- E. coli expressing
salmonella gene
• First GMO with a human gene;1978- E.
Coli strain producing the human protein
insulin
Uses of GMOs
Agriculture- producing plants resistant to drought,
freezing, extreme heat, insects, parasites,
herbicides
Food- preventing moulding,
increasing nutritional value
Medicine- using animals for
research; producing
medications
Industry- producing
biodegradable plastics;
producing fuel
Genetic Engineering-How it works
1.
2.
3.
4.
a characteristic of interest (a trait we want in another organism ex.
resistance to cold) is identified and the gene is located in the DNA of
the organism
The gene is extracted from the donor organism
The gene is inserted into the cells of the organism to be modified
Organisms which contain the desired trait are selected (when it
works)
How it really works
(an example using insulin)
1. The gene which is produces
insulin in humans is identified and
isolated
2. A bacteria which is easy to grow
is selected (E. coli)
3. The gene is inserted into the
genome of the bacteria
4. The bacteria is cultured
5. Insulin produced by the bacteria
is extracted and purified
6. Insulin is injected into an
organism
Ethical Considerations
Glofish: the first genetically
modified animal to be sold as a pet
• science interfering with naturereligious and moral concerns
• genes inserted in one
organism could accidentally
incorporate into the genome of
other organisms with
undesirable outcomes
• possibility of allergic reactions
for people consuming
genetically modified foods
• traditional and native
organisms being lost due to
other better breeds
We do not yet know the environmental and health
consequences of GMOs
GMOs
• Pros
• Cons
YOU DECIDE!
Cell Cultures
Cell Cultures
Cell culturing is a process that allows cells to be
reproduced outside of their natural environment
(meaning outside of the organisms from which they
came)
•many types of cells can be used such as unicellular
microorganisms or complex plant or animal cells
Uses
•
•
•
•
Research
Testing medications
Producing vaccinations
Producing tissue such as skin
Pasteurization
• Is the process
whereby food is
heated for a period of
time in order to
destroy harmful
microorganisms.
• Ex: Raw milk ->
heating at 78.8 oC for
6 seconds ->
Pasteurized milk