Chapter 14: Genetically
Replication – the isolated gene shall be
Modified Organisms
(GMOs)
Introduction:
A  genetically modified organism (GMO) is an
organism or microorganism whose genetic
material has been altered to contain a segment of
DNA from another organism. Modern
recombinant DNA technology enables the
“stitching together” of pieces of DNA, regardless
of the source of the pieces. Since the 1980s, this
technology has been used extensively in the lab
by researchers for countless purposes: to make
copies of genes or proteins, to determine gene
function, to study gene expression patterns, and
to create models for human disease. One
application has been to generate food crops that
are modified in a way that is advantageous to
either the producer or the consumer. Currently
the GM crops on the market have bacterial genes
introduced into their genomes that encode for
pest or herbicide resistance. In theory, this
should cut down on the amount of chemicals a
farmer needs to spray, but in practice that goal
has not been realized as pests and weeds become
resistant to the chemicals being used. In this
topic, you are going to be introduced to the
concept of GMOs, how GMOs are created, and
the concept of cloning.
Genetically Modified Organisms
(GMOs)
A plant, animal, microorganism, or other
organism whose genetic makeup has been
modified using recombinant DNA methods (also
called gene splicing, gene modification, or
transgenic technology.
Process of creating a GMO:
1. Identification – identify the desired trait
from another organism to be transferred
to another.
2. Isolation – the gene containing the
desired trait will be isolated (separated)
3.
reproduced (multiplied).
4. Insertion – the isolated and replicated
trait is inserted to the genes of the
receiving organism, but only in sections
of the gene that carry the particular
characteristic.
5. Transfer – the modified gene shall be
transferred to the receiving organism.
After successful insertion, the modified
organism should be able to grow and
replicate.
Cloning
The asexual reproduction of an organism using
parent cell through genetic engineering. In 1996,
the first-ever cloned animal, Dolly the sheep, was
born.
Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety
An international agreement to ensure the safe
handling, transport, and use of living modified
organisms resulting from modern biotechnology
that may have adverse effects on biological
diversity, taking also into account the risks to
human health.
Summary:
GMOs benefit mankind when used for purposes
such as increasing the availability and quality of
food and medical care, and contributing to a
cleaner environment. If used wisely, they could
result in an improved economy without doing
more harm than good, and they could also make
the most of their potential to alleviate hunger
and disease worldwide. However, the full
potential of GMOs cannot be realized without
due diligence and thorough attention to the risks
associated with each new GMO on a case-by-case
basis.

Chapter 15: Applications,
Advantages, and
Disadvantages of GMOs
Introduction:
A  genetically modified organism (GMO) is an
organism or microorganism whose genetic
material has been altered to contain a segment of
DNA from another organism. Modern
recombinant DNA technology enables the
“stitching together” of pieces of DNA, regardless
of the source of the pieces. Since the 1980s, this
technology has been used extensively in the lab
by researchers for countless purposes: to make
copies of genes or proteins, to determine gene
function, to study gene expression patterns, and
to create models for human disease. One
application has been to generate food crops that
are modified in a way that is advantageous to
either the producer or the consumer. Currently
the GM crops on the market have bacterial genes
introduced into their genomes that encode for
pest or herbicide resistance. In theory, this
should cut down on the amount of chemicals a
farmer needs to spray, but in practice that goal
has not been realized as pests and weeds become
resistant to the chemicals being used. In this
topic, you are going to be introduced to the
Applications, Advantages, and Disadvantages of
GMOs.
GMOs in Food and Agricultural Industries
1. Pest, viral, and herbicide resistance –
plants can be modified to resist certain
pests, viruses, and herbicides.
2. Fortification – plants could be modified
to be fortified with certain minerals. (Ex.
Golden rice – rich in beta-carotene
(Vitamin A)
3. Cosmetic preservation – GMO plants
could resist natural discoloration,
making them more presentable for a
longer period of time.
4. Increase growth rate – GMOs have
higher yield compared to normal species.
GMOs in Non-Food Crops and Microorganisms
1. Flower production – GMOs have
modified colors and longer vase lives
2. Paper production – modified traits of
trees lead to higher yield of wood pulp
for paper production
3. Pharmaceutical, enzyme, and drug
productions – modified plants and other
organisms are used to produce
pharmaceutical products, making it
more affordable. Enzymes are used for
food processing, and drugs are used to
treat illnesses. (ex. insulin)
4. Bioremediation – GMOs can help in
bioremediation (biological
rehabilitation) of polluted areas
Benefits of GMOs
1. Higher efficiency in farming
2. Increase in harvest
3. Control in fertility
4. Increase in food processing
5. Improvement of desirable traits
6. Nutritional and pharmaceutical
enhancement
7. Reduction of the use of fertilizers and
pesticides
Potential Risks of GMOs
1. Risk in gene flow – modified genes could
be transferred from a GMO crop to a
wild relative or organism in the soil.
2. Emergence of new forms or resistance
and secondary pests and weed problems
– pest-resistance of GMOs could trigger
new forms of pest resistance
 3. Recombination of virus and bacteria –
the modified gene could be transferred
and integrated to viral and bacterial
genes, making new pathogens.
Summary:
GMOs benefit mankind when used for purposes
such as increasing the availability and quality of
food and medical care, and contributing to a
cleaner environment. If used wisely, they could
result in an improved economy without doing
more harm than good, and they could also make
the most of their potential to alleviate hunger
and disease worldwide. However, the full
potential of GMOs cannot be realized without
due diligence and thorough attention to the risks
associated with each new GMO on a case-by-case
basis.
Chapter 16: Gene
Therapy
Introduction:
Medical Science has detected many human
diseases related to defective genes. These
types of diseases are not curable by traditional
methods like taking readily available
medicines. Gene therapy is a potential method
to either treat or cure genetic-related illnesses.
Gene Therapy
An experimental technique that uses genes to
treat or prevent diseases. This will use the
insertion of a gene into the body using vectors
to treat diseases, instead of using drugs or
surgery.
Basic Process of Gene Therapy
1. Replacement of a mutated gene
– doctors will determine the gene that
causes the problem and will attempt to
replace this with a health gene
2. Inactivation – the mutated gene will
be “turned off” to stop the improper
functioning.
3. Introduction of new gene – a new
gene will be introduced into the body
to help fight the disease.
 The gene cannot be inserted into a
human gene or cell, the insertion shall
be through the use of a carrier or a
vector (like a virus).
Types of Gene Therapy:
1. Somatic – involves the manipulation
of genes in cells that will be helpful to
the patient, but not inherited to the
next generation.
2. Germ-line – the genetic modification
of germ cells or the origin cells that will
 pass the changes to the next
generation.

Stem Cell Gene Therapy

A type of gene therapy that uses stem cells
(mother cells) that are self-renewing. This
characteristic could be tapped to develop other
types of cells. There are two sources of stem
cells: (i) embryonic – derived from four- or
five-day-old human embryos; and
(ii) somatic – cells that exist throughout the
body after the embryonic development and are
found inside different types of tissues.

Summary:

The world is still divided over Gene Therapy.

On one hand, there are people supporting this
as it can, theoretically, extend human life
indefinitely. On the other, there are also
people who argue that with Gene Therapy, we
are sort of "playing God."