GENETICALLY MODIFIED

ORGANISMS (GMO)
Prep. By: Mr. Norodin A. Rangaig
GEC 108
 WHAT IS A GMO?
GMO From Dictionary.com
Genetically Modified Organism: an organism or 
microorganism whose genetic material has been altered by
mean of genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering (also called genetic

modification): is the direct manipulation of an
organism's genome using biotechnology and
nanotechnology. 
 WHAT IS A GMO?

 Transgenic - a gene is moved from one non-closely related species to another

 Cisgenic/intragenic - a gene is moved within the same species or a closely related
species.

RNAi -  is a biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh3-NHdjnyQ

 Subgenic - a gene is edited to amplify, delete, insert, silence or repress the gene.

CRISPR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pp17E4E-O8
 WHAT IS A GMO?
Man has been manipulating DNA in plants and animals
for millennia
EXAMPLES
 BENEFITS OF GMO
1. Higher efficiency in farming
2. Increase in harvest
3. Control in fertility
4. Increase in food processing
5. Improvement of desirable characteristics
6. Nutritional and pharmaceutical enhancement
 POTENTIAL RISKS OF GMO
1. Inadequate studies on the effects of GMO to humans and the environment
2. Promotes mutation in organisms, which the long-term effects are still
unknown
3. Human consumption might have the following effects:
- More allergic reactions
- Gene mutation
- Antibiotic resistance
- Change in nutritional value
 BIOSAFETY OF GMOS
1. Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) – responsible for the development
of standards, codes of practices, guidelines, and recommendations on food safety
(has developed principles for the human health risk analysis of GM food products)
2. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety – international environmental treaty that
regulates the transboundary movements of LMOs
3. International Trade Agreement on Labeling of GM food and food
products – an agreement that requires exporters of GM food and food products to
label their products and give rights to importing parties to reject or accept the GM
products (consumers have the right to know and the freedom to choose)
 ACTIVITY 7

1. Reflection on GMOs and its potential risks.

2. Give some examples of GMO and how it differs
to a conventional organism/species.
 ACTIVITY 8

1. Debate: GMO is good to humanity.

Affirmative team : supports the resolution
Opposing team : opposes the resolution
 ACTIVITY 8

Rules: