Special Issue In Science Technology and
Society
Gemetically Modified Organism Science,
Health and Politics
MODULE 11
INTRODUCTION
This module entitled Special Issues in Science, Technology and
Society is about Genetically Modified Organisms: Science, Health
and Politics. From the early times, when ancient philosophers of
nature tried to explain all things as comings from the elements of
water, fire, air or Earth, science sought for the common
characteristics, a unifying element, in all of nature's many
phenomena.
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
Identify issues on genetically modified organisms. Discuss different
implications and impact of GMO's.
Create a research paper on the impact of GMO's in the Philippine
context.
GENETIC ENGINEERING
It was coined by Jack Williamson, author of the science fiction novel
Dragon
The reality of science laboratories or emerging field of science that quest
to preserve and prolong life.
A process of deliberate manipulation of the organism's genes, that involve
transfer of genes from other organism
GMO (GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM)
Used for an organism created through genetic engineering The WHO
(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION), defines the GMO as an "organism,
either plant, animal or microorganism, in which the genetic material
(DNA) does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination.
The development of GMO's was perceived to help in the advancement
of technology for the benefit of humans in different industries like
agriculture and medicine.
What are genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
GMOs are organisms whose genetic make-up were artificially modified
through genetic engineering. In the process, some genes will be added to the
organism, rendering a change or an addition of new traits.
Process of Making Genetically Modified Organisms:
1. The process of making genetically modified organism starts with the
identification of a trait of interest
2. The gene responsible for that trait of interest is isolated.
3. The gene is inserted to the genome of the organism being modified.
4. The GMO is allowed to grow
Before a GMOs can be produced and consumed by the
public, it must undergo a lot of processes. There will be an
assessment of its biosafety, economic feasibility, and social
acceptance, among others. GMOs have important uses. They
are used in agricultural, industrial, health and environment
purposes. There is a wide array of applications and uses for
genetically modified organisms.
GMO’s IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES
Pest Resistance
to resist certain pests,
Example: Bt. (Bacillus thuringiensis) Corn, a soil
bacterium that produces proteins which is toxic
to corn borers (worms)
Virus Resistance
to resist certain viruses
Example: GM papaya or rainbow papaya , the
effect of protein was like vaccines humans
against measles or influenza virus
Herbicide Tolerance
tolerance to herbicide
Example: Roundup Ready Soybean
Fortification
fortified with certain minerals
Example: Golden Rice
Cosmetic Preservation
resist natural discoloration
Increase Growth rate
higher yield in growth.
Example: AquAdvantage salmon
GMO’S IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND MICROORGANISMS
Flower Production – seen in modified color and extended vase life of flowers , ex.
BLUE ROSES
Paper Production – modified characteristics of trees , ex. Poplar Trees
Pharmaceutical Production –modified plants to produce products , ex. Periwinkle
Plants
Bioremediation – modified plants that can assist of polluted sites, ex. Shrub
tobacco
Enzyme and Drug Production – modified microorganisms that can produce
enzymes for food processing and medicines, ex. Artemesin
GMO’s in the medical field – production of drugs, gene therapy and laboratory
researches, ex. Humulin/Insulin
BENEFITS OF GMO’s
Higher efficiency in farming – use of pesticides in crops
Increase in harvest – increase in potential growth
Control in Fertility – controlling the purity of the hybrid seeds
Increase in Food Processing – help ease food processing
Improvement of desirable characteristics – longer shelf life, enhanced
color and taste, enhanced production or reduction of enzymes and other
microorganisms
Nutritional and Pharmaceutical Enhancement – edible vaccines for viral
and diarrheal disease
Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides
GMO’S IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND MICROORGANISMS
Flower Production – seen in modified color and extended vase life of flowers , ex.
BLUE ROSES
Paper Production – modified characteristics of trees , ex. Poplar Trees
Pharmaceutical Production –modified plants to produce products , ex. Periwinkle
Plants
Bioremediation – modified plants that can assist of polluted sites, ex. Shrub
tobacco
Enzyme and Drug Production – modified microorganisms that can produce
enzymes for food processing and medicines, ex. Artemesin
GMO’s in the medical field – production of drugs, gene therapy and laboratory
researches, ex. Humulin/Insulin
Risks and Downsides of Genetically
Modified Organisms
There are however some risks and potential complications identified with the use
GMOs.
1. Ecosystem risks – it is suggested that genetically modified organisms can
become invasive species.
Example: Bt corn is being studied for its potential impact against insect pollinators
such as bees.
2. Genetic Contamination or Interbreeding – GMOs may interbreed with types
which can cause the loss of the trait in the succeeding generations, rendering the
GMO inefficient later on.
3. Adverse effects on Health – GMOs may cause adverse effects on human health.
It may cause toxicity to humans, allergic reactions, and other unintended effects.
GMOs for human consumption are being assessed for potential health effects.
4. Social Acceptance – GMOs may be rendered useless if there is lack of
acceptance by their target consumers. Many are wary about GMOs’ potential
impacts and effects.
Example: if corn farmers are skeptical and will not use genetically modified corn
seeds, then the seeds will be useless.
5. Economic Issues and Access – GMOs might not be accessible to many. Huge
investments are needed to develop GMOs. For businesses that develop them,
there should be a return on investment and profit. This makes GMO products
expensive.
6. Animal welfare – Many GMOs are animals. Hence, animal welfare issues are
raised in the production of GMOs.
7. Pest and Antibiotic Resistance – The use of pest-killing GMOs may lead to pests
developing resistance against the GMO itself. Also, in the production of GMOs,
some use antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This can possibly contribute to the growing
problem of antibiotic resistance
TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Direct Environmental Risks
a. disruption of the natural communities ,
b. unexpected behavior of the GMO’s ,
c. cause harmful effects to ecosystem,
d. cause negative impacts to the consumer
Indirect Environmental Risks
a. alteration of agricultural practices,
b. impacts to biodiversity,
c. varied environmental impacts
TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Potential Human Health
May have adverse effects
May alter the balance of existing microorganisms in human digestive
system
Production of toxins
Production of allergens
Cloning
Mutation of genetically engineered microorganism
BIOSAFETY ON GMOs
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex)
Codex is an intergovernmental body that develops the
Codex Alimentarius, known as the International Food
Code
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
An international environmental treaty that regulates
transboundary movements of Living Modified
Organisms (LMOs)
International Trade Agreement on Labeling of GM
Food and Food Products
Give rights to importing parties to reject and accept
the GM products
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!!!
