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Biotechnology / Bioengineering • Definition – the process of changing the genetic make-up of an organism to produce goods or services • In the past – selective breeding or artificial selection. Farmers bred plants or animals with the most desirable traits. Ex: dairy cows, racehorse, tall plants • In the present – genetic engineering. Scientists can isolate the exact gene that controls a desirable trait. This gene can be transferred from one organism to another Biotechnology / Bioengineering • What are some examples of genetically modified foods? (a) • Golden Rice a form of rice genetically modified to contain higher amounts of vitamin A (beta carotene) 3 new genes were implanted into ‘regular’ rice – 2 from a daffodil & 1 from a bacteria • (b) Long Lasting Tomatoes (Flavr-Savr) • a type of tomatoes genetically modified to contain less of the substance that causes tomatoes to rot. They remain fresh & ripe longer. Biotechnology / Bioengineering • What are some examples of genetically modified foods? (c) Insecticide B.t. Corn • a form of corn, genetically modified to produce a poison (an insecticide) that kills harmful insects. Since the corn produces its own insecticide, farmers do not need to add these to fields • the insecticide genes was transferred from a bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis OR B.t.) Biotechnology / Bioengineering • What are some goals of genetic engineering? (1) • • • • To Increase Quantity & Quality of Food produce more food per area of land (ex: a fast or large growing plant) produce pest resistant plants (ex: B.t. corn) produce plants that spoil more slowly (ex: long lasting tomatoes) all these might result in reduced cost for the consumer (2) To Enhance Nutritional Value • ex: golden rice Biotechnology / Bioengineering • What are some goals of genetic engineering? (3) To Prevent Disease • an attempt to transfer disease fighting genes to the food we eat • ex: goat’s milk might carry a vaccine against malaria (4) To Give Developing Countries A Better Food Supply • genetically engineering seeds might grow in harsh conditions, resist disease and grow larger • might be seen as part of the solution to world hunger Biotechnology / Bioengineering • What guidelines must be followed for GM Foods? • controlled through: • Canadian Food Inspection Agency – responsible for labeling & inspections of GM foods Health Canada (Food & Drug Act) – evaluates safety of GM foods 50 GM foods have been approved for use in Canada: corn, soybean, potatoes, tomatoes, canola… new GM products that have never been on the market are called Novel Products / Foods companies must notify Health Canada before marketing, advertising or selling a novel product / food so that safety testing can be completed http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/appro/index_e.html Biotechnology / Bioengineering Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods • • labeling is the responsibility of Health Canada (Food & Drug Act) guidelines for labeling • mandatory labeling if there is a health concern – ex: the novel food contains an a substance that might cause an allergy (gene taken from brazil nut was transferred to soybean) other labeling is voluntary in Canada there is a large debate surrounding this issue of labeling more likely to find ingredients in products that are from genetically modified foods rather than whole products (many processed foods contain soy) Biotechnology / Bioengineering Safety of Genetically Modified Foods • • the position of Health Canada seems to be that genetically modified foods are as safe as other foods nevertheless, consumers have some concerns: (1) introduction of chemicals that might cause an allergic reaction (2) long term studies on health have not been completed (3) ethical issues – do we have the right to genetically modify (playing God) (4) environmental issues – what are the affect of GM organisms in the ecosystem ex: pollen from B.t. corn proved harmful to caterpillars of monarch butterflies ex: Gm plants modified to be resistant to herbicides might cross with weeds to create weeds resistant to herbicide (“super weeds”)