GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

 It can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way
that it does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination.
 GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have been artificially manipulated through genetic
engineering to express new traits
There are a number of possible applications for the genetic modification of organisms:
 Agricultural crops are commonly modified to improve yield, growth rates and nutritional value
 Genetically modified animals may be used to grow human transplant tissues and organs
(xenotransplantation)
 A number of microorganisms are being considered as future clean fuel producers and bio
degraders
It was first developed in the early 1970s, commercialized in pharmaceutical applications in the early
1980s, and then agricultural applications in the early 1990s. It has been over 48 years.
Four Category of GMO
 Green genetic engineering (agriculture) (or agro-genetic engineering): Aims to develop
genetically modified plants in agriculture or the food sector (GM squash & soybeans, cotton
and corn, papaya, canola, potatoes, and apple.)
 Red/Yellow genetic engineering (medicine) Utilized in medicine, diagnostics (genetic tests) and
gene therapy as well as development and production of drugs (insulin, vaccines).
 Grey/White genetic engineering (fine chemicals for industrial use) this is the production of
enzymes or fine chemicals for industrial use with the aid of genetically modified micro-
organism (e.g. development of products for enhanced washing performance).
 Genetically Modified Animals Utilized for specific food production (e.g. dairy cows modified to
produce allergy-free milk).

Two scientist who invented GMO

 Herbert Boyen
 Stanley Cohen
Methods of Genetic Engineering
 Plasmid Method
 Biolistic Method
Isa sa mga pinagkukuhanan ng DNA upang ilipat sa ibang organismo
 Virus
 Human

Important Facts About Genetically Modified Crops

The fight to have GMO foods labeled is very heated right now. They are currently not.
GMOs are in 80% of processed foods.
The technology to genetically modify food has been around for over 20 years.
The very first GMO food to be commercially sold was the FlavrSavr tomato from California.
Soybeans, cotton, and corn are the most common types of genetically modified crops.
The Advantages of Genetically Modified Crops

1. Better For The Environment

Since GMOs require much less chemicals to thrive, the impact on the environment is lessened. The
pesticides and other chemicals commonly used on non GMO crops emit green house gases and
pollute the ground soil.
2. Resistance To Disease
One of the modifications made to the crops is an added resistance to disease that would normally kill
off the crops. This keeps the yields high and the prices for the consumers low.
3. Sustainability
GMOs provide a stable and efficient way to sustain enough crops to feed the ever growing population
of people in the world. This was the main goal of GMO crops in the first place.
4. Increased Flavor and Nutrition
Along with resistances to insects and disease, the genes of the crops can also be altered to have a
better flavor and increased nutritional value. This is good all around.
5. Longer Shelf Life
Genetically modified foods have a longer shelf life. This improves how long they last and stay fresh
during transportation and storage.
6. Keeps It Affordable
One of the biggest effects that the use of GMOs has had on our every day life is the prices of produce
and other foods. Since more crops can be yielded, the prices can be much lower.

The Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Crops

1. Cross Contamination
The pollen from the genetically modified plants is also contaminated. When this pollen is around other
plants, even things like grass or weeds, they cross pollinate. This could develop “superweeds” that
have the same resistance properties as the crops.
2. Allergies On The Rise
Ever since the introduction of GMO foods, the amount of childhood food allergies has risen
significantly. The exact link to GMO has not yet been found, but many believe this is due to
insufficient research in the area.
3. Less Effective Antibiotics
The crops that have been genetically modified have antibiotic properties put into them in order to
make them immune to certain diseases. When you eat these foods these properties are left in your
body and can make many antibiotics less effective.
4. Not Enough Testing
There has been very little testing and research done on genetically modified foods and the long
termeffects have not been discovered yet. This makes many people feel uneasy at the high use of
these foods.