Good Evening, Everyone!

GEC 007 - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

(GMOs)
Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, you are expected to:

1. differentiate between GMOs and gene therapy;

2. discuss the benefits and risks of GMOs;
3. discuss the ethical and moral issues of genetic engineering;
4. discuss the causes of climate change;
5. explain the adverse effects of climate change on society and environment;
6. promote the significance of disaster preparedness;

Topics:
1. Genetically Modified Organisms
2. Gene Therapy
3. Climate Change
 Genetically Modified Organisms

GMOs refer to plants or animals whose genetic

materials have been altered by adding,
removing, or changing their DNA sequences in
ways that are not naturally occurring
(European Food Safety Authority, 2013).
 Genetically Modified Organisms

transfer of DNA from one species to another to

introduce desirable traits such as pest resistance,
higher nutritional value, or enhanced growth.

traits are introduced into a plant’s or an animal’s

genetic makeup, hence they are transferable to
the next generation.
 Genetically Modified Organisms

deemed as the fastest adopted crop technology

in the history of modern agriculture

Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)

Corn produces proteins that
toxic to certain insect pests
but not to humans, pets,
livestock, or other animals
 Genetically Modified Organisms

What has been modified in the GMO potato?

the expression of genes that
cause discoloration from
blackspot bruising. Genetic
engineers have not found a way
to prevent bruising but rather
hide its symptoms.

RNAi or RNA interference

 Genetically Modified Organisms

An apple a day may not brown right away

Genetically Modified Organisms
 Genetically Modified Organisms

GMO cotton is an
insect-resistant
transgenic drop
designed to
combat pests like
the bollworm.
Genetically Modified Organisms
 Philippines becomes first country to approve nutrient-
enriched “Golden Rice” for planting

23 July 2021, Los Baños, PHILIPPINES – Filipino farmers will become the first in the world to be able
to cultivate a variety of rice enriched with nutrients to help reduce childhood malnutrition, after
receiving the green light from regulators.

Golden Rice was developed by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-
PhilRice) in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to contain additional levels
of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.

Around one in five children from the poorest communities in the Philippines suffer from vitamin A
deficiency (VAD), which affects an estimated 190 million children worldwide. The condition is the most
common cause of childhood blindness, as well as a contributing factor to a weakened immune
system.

“This milestone puts the Philippines at the global forefront in leveraging agriculture research to
address the issues of malnutrition and related health impacts in a safe and sustainable way” said Dr.
Jean Balié, Director General of IRRI, a CGIAR research centre.
 Genetically Modified Organisms

What about animals that eat food made from GMO

crops?

More than 95% of animals used for meat and dairy

in the US eat GMO crops. Independent studies show
that there is no difference in how GMO and non-
GMO foods affect the health and safety of animals.
 Genetically Modified Organisms: Issues

By 2050, the world’s population is expected to

expand. Food production will double. Yet the
amount of farm land is shrinking.

GMOs are a serious risk to the environment

Stronger crops = less pesticides

 Genetically Modified Organisms: Issues

Foods can be genetically modified to improve flavor

and texture.

Big business eats small farmers

Enhanced health

Nothing tastes better than natural food.

Gene Therapy

Gene Therapy is an experimental technique for treating

disease by altering the patient’s genetic material. Most
often, gene therapy works by introducing a healthy copy
of a defective gene into the patient’s cells.

The idea is to modify the genetic information of the cell of

the patient that is responsible for a disease, and then
return that cell to normal conditions.
 Gene Therapy

Viral Transfection is used

for viral vector production
by introducing a genetic
material to a host cell
population in vitro. This
equips the cells with the
capabilities to produce
many viral copies and
secrete them into their
culture media for harvest
and subsequent use.
 Gene Therapy

● The first human to receive gene therapy took place in 1970. It was
administered to two very young West German sisters suffering from
hyperargininemia, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the production
of arginase (causing brain damage, epilepsy and other neurological
disorders). Each sister received an injection of a rabbit virus (Shope
papilloma) known to induce the production of arginase.

● 1972 - US Scientists Theodore Friedmann and Richard Roblin

published in 1972 that genetically modified tumor viruses might be
used to transfer the necessary genetic information to treat genetic
disorders in patients.
 Gene Therapy

● 1980 - discovery of retroviruses as more efficient tool

for gene transfer. Richard Mulligan discovered the first
suitable retroviral vector for gene therapy.
● 1985 - French Anderson and Michael Blease were the
first to get the approved clinical trial with gene therapy.
● 2003 - first commercial gene therapy product was
licensed in China. The first gene therapy was approved in
Europe nine years later.
Gene Therapy
 Gene Therapy

Why does our gene mutate?

What are the two types of gene therapy?

How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be distinguished?

Will the high cost of gene therapy make it available only to the
wealthy?
Good Afternoon, Everyone!
GEC 007 - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
Genetically Modified Organisms, Gene Therapy
Climate Change
Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, you are expected to:

1. differentiate between GMOs and gene therapy;

2. discuss the benefits and risks of GMOs;
3. discuss the ethical and moral issues of genetic engineering;
4. discuss the causes of climate change;
5. explain the adverse effects of climate change on society and environment;
6. promote the significance of disaster preparedness;

Topics:
1. Genetically Modified Organisms
2. Gene Therapy
3. Climate Change
Climate Change
Climate Change
Ozone Depletion
Acid Rain
Acid Rain
Thermal Inversion
Environmental Awareness
Disaster Risk