MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND GMOs

GMOs Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have been altered using genetic engineering (modern biotechnology)methods The key steps involved in genetic engineering are identifying a trait of interest, isolating that trait, inserting that trait into a desired organism, and then propagating that organism. Chelsea Powell and Anna Maurer Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Chelsea Powell and Anna Maurer Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Summary of the FDA’s Inventory on Genetically Engineered Foods as of June 30th, 2015. Chelsea Powell and Anna Maurer Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

USDA Approved Genetically Modified Crops (green) currently Produced in US (gray) Not currently produced USDA Animal and Health Inspection Service

GMO? white-button mushroom that doesn’t turn brown as quickly, Kristen V. Brown; http://fusion.net/story/294575/crispr-mushrooms-usda-gmo/

GMO? Typically, genetic modification relied on techniques that splice genes from one species into another CRISPR the gene-altering/editing technique to create a white-button mushroom that doesn’t turn brown as quickly Crispr allows scientists to cut and paste gene sequences more easily than ever, means scientists can more easily alter crops without adding genes from another species. Kristen V. Brown; http://fusion.net/story/294575/crispr-mushrooms-usda-gmo/

GMO? To prevent those white button mushrooms from browning scientists just had to knock out the bit of DNA responsible for making them turn brown when you cut them Since the new crop does not contain any introduced genetic material, should it be subject to it isn’t even subject to the GMO regulations? However, could there be some off-target effects (unintended consequences)? Kristen V. Brown; http://fusion.net/story/294575/crispr-mushrooms-usda-gmo/

GM crops in Africa GM crops in Africa remain limited In 2014, the AfDB and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) published a report titled GM Agricultural Technologies for Africa: A State of Affairs. only Burkina Faso, Egypt, South Africa, and Sudan are currently growing some GM crops (cotton and maize). Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda—are piloting a variety of GM crops (banana, cassava, cowpeas, etc.).

GM crops in Africa The 2014 AfDB-IFPRI report highlights conditions necessary to increase Africa’s adoption of GM crops: increased funding for research and development to enhance biotechnology capacity Strengthen capacity of regulatory systems in order to inform decision makers. More outreach and better communication to ensure that Africans are well informed about the risks and benefits of GM crops.