▸ alters, deletes, and modifies the DNA of living organisms
with the use of biotechnology. ▸ may reduce problems of poverty and malnutrition in the world. ▸ Genes from two different organisms that can't breed naturally are modified and artificially introduced to another organism creating a transgenic or GMO. What is a GMO? A genetically modified organism is one whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering.
Genetically modified organisms, or GMOS,
are commonly used in foods and medicines. This has led to concern about the dangers they might cause to the environment and to human health. Purpose of GMO ▸ Increase crop yields ▸ Increase shelf life ▸ Make disease and parasite resistant crops ▸ Produce more nutritious crops? THE IMPACTS OF GMO TO THE SOCIETY “ AGRICULTURE Advantages AGRICULTURE Disadvantages HEALTH Advantages HEALTH Disadvantages ENVIRONMENT
Advantages ENVIRONMENT Disadvantages GENE THERAPY ▸ Is a therapeutic delivery of nucleic acid into a patient’s cells as a drug to treat genetic disease.
▸ The new DNA usually contains a functioning gene to correct
the effects of disease causing mutation
▸ A promising treatment option of some genetic diseases
including muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis etc. Gene Mutations are the ones that cause a disease. Some well known inherited genetic disorders ▸ Cystic Fibrosis ▸ Sickle cell Anemia ▸ Hemophilia ▸ Color Blindness ▸ Muscular dystrophy etc. ▸ All these disorders are caused by the mutation of a single gene. Some medical problems may be genetic but not hereditary TYPES OF GENE THERAPY Somatic Gene Therapy transfer of DNA to body cells namely the blood cells, muscle, fat, neurons, and bone cells reproduced by mitosis. Germline Therapy transfer of DNA to gametes or cells in sexual reproduction; an egg cell and a sperm cell unite to form a zygote. CHALLENGES OF GENE THERAPY ▸ Delivering the gene to the right place and switching it on ▸ Avoiding the immune response ▸ Making sure the new gene doesn’t disrupt the function of other gene ▸ The cost of gene therapy Why is a virus also used in this technology? The Socio Economic and Political Impacts of GMO's GMO's help many underdeveloped nations acquire sustainable food security.
Population growth increases demands and
possibly the root cause of problems emerging in the society congruently affect the economy of a country Matin Qaim, an expert in international food economics and rural development, conducted many researches in Africa, Asia and America.
He concluded that Genetically Modified Crops
provided many benefits to the poor.
Debates on controversies and politics are
playing around GMO's. 3 Reasons people oppose GMO Foods 1. Rational Opposition • GMO express foreign genes which can be toxic or cause allergies • can contaminate organic crops • can promote monocultures 2. Anti Capitalist Opposition
GMO’s are produced by big corporations trying
to take over the food supply and to dominate the world. 3. Quasi-Religious Opposition
“Mother Nature knows better and we must not
try to improve her.”(Pollandri). Thanks! Any questions?