Download 18.3 GMO, GMF & Cloning

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 herbicideresistant 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, diseaseresistant 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 quickly
2. elimination of disease
Risks:
1. manipulation of treats
2. reducing genetic variability
3. embryo use and destruction
4. loss of individuality
Risks of cloning:
1.
2.
3.
4.
manipulation of traits
reducing genetic variability
embryo use and destruction
loss of individuality