GSTS | Saint Louis University (PH)

Study guide, definitions & notes

GMO Notes - My notes
Tuesday, 2 November 2021 4:45 am

➢ GMO Notes - my notes

I. Definition of GMO
- Modification of DNA = characteristics change
• Genetic Engineering - direct manipulation of DNA
• Biotechnology - use of microorganisms, cells, or cell components to
make a product such as commercial production of foods, vaccines,
antibiotics, and vitamins

II. GMO and its applications

A. Agriculture
- Increase of dairy milk production in cows
- Bt crops
- Flavr Savr Tomato
- Weed resistant glyphosate-super weeds
- Hawaiian papaya resistant to ringspot virus
- Golden rice

B. Medicine
- Humulin, a type of insulin
- Banana vaccines

C. Manufacturing
- GM goats, with spider silk making genes

D. Bioremediation
- Engg of Poplar treees to absorb groundwater pollution
- Enviropig, better digest and process phosphurus
- More environmental friendly pig :D HAHAHA

E. Biofuel production
• Algenol, a company that creates fuel from algae

III. Risks related to GMO

1. Genetic contamination/interbreeding
2. Introduced GMO may interbreed with wild-type relatives
- Novel trait may disappear
3. Horizontal gene transfer - acquisition of foreign genes in a variety of
environmental situations.
4. Biodiversity impact
- May lead to monoculture
5. GMOs may cause allergies
6. Antibiotic resistance

GSTS Page 49