Choose 1 of the following biotechnology applications: in vitro fertilization DNA

Question

Choose 1 of the following biotechnology applications:

in vitro fertilization

DNA profiling

Vaccines

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Gene therapy

Research the topic that you have chosen, and answer the following questions:

Explain how the process you have chosen meets the definition of biotechnology.

Describe how the process is performed.

Explain the uses of the application.

Discuss at least 1 benefit, 1 drawback, and 1 risk of each of the processes.

Elaborate on an ethical concern, such as leftover embryos, DNA privacy, or mandated vaccines.

Explanation / Answer

Topic: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

The genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are those that receive the gene that attributes desired characteristic to the organism. These are developed by genetic engineering or recombinant gene technology. In this process, the genes are transferred between the organisms of the same species and different species and the gene expression levels are altered.

The characteristics of GMOs may be synthesizing more nutrients, disease resistance or increased yielding or many other.

About 200 genetically modified (GM) crop varieties are approved by 2012 for their use as food or feed for livestock in the United States. However, only a few of them are widely used and among these, the widely used insect resistant varieties are Bt crops.

The genes encoding crystal proteins termed cry genes have been isolated from B. thuringiensis strains and introduced into crops. These genetically modified crops are known as “Bt crops,” and are resistant to several insects. Due to their resistance towards several insects, these Bt crops are now being widely used throughout the World.

As per the studies conducted by Prof. Charles Benbrook at Washington University, US, the pesticide use was increased by 7% from 1996 to 2011 in the United States. This result is directly related to the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops. This is because, though the cultivation of GM crops initially decreased pesticide usage, the emergence of herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops. The most common form of herbicide tolerance is the glyphosate-resistant weeds. Thus, HT crops emergence is the primary factor that contributes to increased pesticide usage in GM crops.

The cultivation of GM crops is regulated by the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) according to Plant Protection Act. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the usage of GMO’s in foods and drugs under Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act. To introduce the BT crops, the agencies must require the approvals from the APHIS and the other concerned authorities. All the information regarding the donor and recipient organisms and altered gene expression levels, its effect on the nutrients used from those crops, crop-yielding, etc. must be provided. The product labeling of GM crops is not mandatory in the US as by now but may be required in the future.

Applications of genetically modified crops.

1). Increased yielding: The main purpose of genetically modified crops is to increase the yield; this is an essential character that must be meet now a day due to the increased population.

2). Development of resistance against certain diseases: By genetic engineering, the disease resistant genes can be inserted into the plant, so that, certain microns cannot infect these GM crops. This also helps in reducing pesticide usage.

3). Foods can be produced with required characteristics. For example, we can increase the shelf life of vegetable and other crops by genetic engineering.

Drawbacks of GMO:

Genetically modified crops pollute the normal crops by wind pollination, so the crops become genetically modified (cross-pollination) without the farmer’s intention. Though farmers can get high yields with less work, decreasing resistance in people is the main consequence of GMO’s. Indirectly, GMO’s already altered the food cycle; some species are now going to be extinct due to genetically modified foods (for example, herbicide-tolerant plants).

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