Julie Bui
Mr. Mantoani
HSB 1- Period 1
29 October 2020
GMO Presentation Notes
Group One: Brandon Abarca, Sovannita Kheung, Jessica Le, and Alyna Rojo (Cheetos)
- Gene Name → B. Thuringiensis CrylC “delta” Endotoxin
- Original Organism → Bacillus Thuringiensis = crystalline inclusions (one or more
insecticidal endotoxins/Cry proteins)
- How Cheetos Are Made → mixture blend of corn/water, then germ that makes it spoil is
removed (provides longer shelf life)//corn = made into cornmeal
- Gene Product → Cry1C “delta” Endotoxin = Crystalline Entomocidal Protoxin
- Product Effect → common bacterial protein for virulence (pore-forming toxin), used in
crops and insecticide spray
- Reason For Transgene → determines potency during Lepidopteran Larval Development
- Highly insecticidal protein, an important mechanism to eliminate cells from insect
development
- Used to control pests/insects → useful to public health/agriculture
- Likely Crop → corn (ingredients such as vegetable/canola oil, cornmeal, cheese
seasoning, maltodextrin, salt, and citric acid)
- Interesting Facts → began in 1901 by Japanese scientist
- More than 50% of cotton and 40% of corn grown in the US are genetically
modified to produce B. Thuringiensis
- Cheetos = invented by a janitor//US military assisted in the creation and it takes
5k cows to make a year’s worth of Cheetos
- Argument Against GMOs → pros = environmental benefits (reduction in pesticide use,
less water waste, lower carbon emissions)
- Cons = negatively impact the environment through herbicides/pesticides
Group Three: Alana Choe, Scarlett Gutierrez, Kalissa Schlager, and Adrian Ochoa
(Meatballs)
- Gene Name → U. Californica Thioesterase (related to the CA Bay Laurel ← original
organism)
- Gene Product → carries the ACYL protein (ACP)//helps produce Lauric Acid
- Reason For Transgene//Product Effect → meatballs taste better and has an important role
in chain termination in de novo fatty & synthesis
- Likely Crop → laurical canola = canola oil (alternative for vegetable oil)
- Interesting Facts → first originated in Persia and it spread from the Middle East to China
- Argument Against GMOs → dangers of GMOs due to tolerance to an herbicide
(affecting the immune system) → rapeseed & canola oil = same
Group Four: Odin Debrovner, Thanh Nguyen, and Ahlina (Cat Food)
- Original Organism → Streptomyces hygroscopicus (found in soil & produces a bialaphos
chemical)
- Makes rapamycin action protein and CrFKBP12 proteins
- Function → Rapamycin protein = coat stents, treats lung diseases, and controls cell
growth (nutrients)
- Reason For Transgene → extends animal lifespan, prevents lung/liver cancer, controls
cell growth, and signals nutrients
- Likely Crop → corn, soybean meal, and grains
- Interesting Facts → streptomyces = largest genus of actinobacteria with 500+ species
- Rapamycin prevents organ transplant rejection
- Argument Against GMOs → risk of allergic reaction and crop contamination
- Also found in dog food and it extends lifespans in numerous pets
Group Five: Noah Allen, Ivory Daly, Inocencio Gonzalez, Aylim Santos, and Chelsea Uong
(Cornmeal)
- Gene Name → 3-phosphoshikimate 1- carboxy vinyl transferase = EPSP-synthase
- Original Organism → A. tumefaciens (CP4 EPSPS)
- Purpose of the Gene → tolerable toward glyphosate (= chemical) herbicides and doesn’t
damage crops
- Likely Crop → cornmeal
- Interesting Facts → corn is the third most-produced crop in the world
- One Specific Argument → resistant crops & the use of herbicides on weeds
Group Six: Xitlali Nunez, Derek Sadorra, and Asaisha Williams (Papaya/Papaya Juice)
- Original Organism → papaya (grown from seeds and is a large succulent plant)
- Gene Product → PRSV Coat Protein = a virus that causes it to change color, sink in
shape, have uneven bumps and form rings on the outside
- Product Effect → high dose of papaya = stomach irritation
- Reason For Transgene → referred to as rainbow papaya was engineered to resist harmful
bacteria-killing trees in Hawaii
- Interesting Facts → 20+ species of papaya reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease,
diabetes, etc., and benefits in anti-aging
- Argument Against GMOs → makes them go out of business when cross-pollinated
Group Seven: Nael Tesfamariam, Jocelyn Vasquez, and Malina Weerts (Golden Rice)
- Original Organism → wild rice, created by Oryza Sativa
- Rice = main food source for many countries (ex. Asian countries rely on rice)
- Gene Name → beta carotene
- Likely Crop → carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, dark leafy greens
- Interesting Fact → golden rice = one bowl is 100-150 grams can be 60% of a child’s
recommended vitamin A intake
- Reasons For Transgene → modified into a biofortified crop (a crop that is GMOed to
increase nutritional value)
- Gene Product → created in multi-gene in the genome
- Beta-carotene molecule goes into the digestive system (produces vitamin A)
- Argument Against GMO → should not be eaten because it doesn't mean it is healthy or
safe to eat
