Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms in which the genetic materia

Question

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a manner that does not occur naturally. The technology allows individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species.

1. Describe two specific examples of a commercially used GMO.

2. What are the benefits of GM foods, in general?

3. What are the main issues of concern for human health?

4. Where do you stand on the use of GM foods?

Please reference response

Explanation / Answer

1. Bollguard seeds manufactured by Monsanto company is the best example for commercially used GMO. The company inserted genes from Bacillus thuringiensis which produce an insecticide that kill lepidopterans. The GM plants dont need pesticides to kill boll worms.

Golden rice fortified with vitamin A. Three foreign genes required for synthesis of beta-carotene are inserted into rice genome, to produce golden rice. Two of the genes are taken from daffodils and the third from a bacterium.

2. Benefits of GM foods in general: In plants: increased productivity, disease resistance, production of novel proteins or molecules in plant parts

In animals: GMO produce recombinant proteins or hetrologous proteins, production of pharmacologically active products in bacteria or animal products like milk.

3. The modified genes of the organisms have a chance to escape into the wild. If such escape occurs, unforeseen consequences may result. For example, if herbicide resistance genes excape from GM crops to wild weed population, they may become superweeds, resistant to herbicides.

4. Many of the consequences of altering an organisms genotype, are not fully worked out. Its better to with the nature than to manipulate nature.

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