OMG GMOs – Review Notes

Genetically Modified Organisms To increase crop yields, we can mix the genes of similar types of organisms and mix the genes of different organisms. Artificial selection has been used for centuries to develop genetically improved varieties of crops. Genetic engineering develops improved strains at an exponential pace compared to artificial selection. Controversy has arisen over the use of genetically modified food (GMF).

Mixing Genes Genetic engineering involves splicing a gene from one species and transplanting the DNA into another species. Figure 13-19

Genetically Modified Organisms The winged bean, a GMF, could be grown to help reduce malnutrition and the use of large amounts of inorganic fertilizers. Figure 13-20

Genetically Modified Organisms GMO- scientists directly alter the genes of organisms including crop plants and livestock In the past we’ve used artificial selection/selective breeding GM crops are modified to be- Herbicide resistant so farmers can spray herbicide on weeds w/o killing their crops Pest resistant Ice resistant (strawberries)

Biotechnology is transforming the products around us GM foods are a big business Globally in 2012, 17 million farmers grew GM foods on 170 million ha (420 million acres)—11% of all cropland 90% of U.S. corn, soybean, cotton, and canola are GM plants Most GM crops are herbicide and pesticide resistant Large-scale farmers grow crops more efficiently

Genetic engineering is like, and unlike, traditional breeding Traditional breeding changes organisms through selective breeding of the same or similar species Works with entire organisms in the field Genes come together on their own Uses the process of selection Genetic engineering mixes genes of different species Works with genetic material in the lab Directly creates novel combinations of genes Resembles the process of mutation

Genetically Modified Organisms Controversy has arisen over the use of genetically modified food (GMF). Critics fear that we know too little about the long-term potential harm to human and ecosystem health. There is controversy over legal ownership of genetically modified crop varieties and whether GMFs should be labeled.

What are the impacts of GM foods? As GM crops expanded, scientists, citizens, and policymakers became concerned Impacts on human health, but support of this has been elusive Ecological concerns over escaping transgenes They could harm non-target organisms Pests could evolve resistance They could ruin the integrity of native ancestral races and interbreed with closely related wild plants Precautionary principle = idea that one shouldn’t undertake a new action until the effects of that action are understood

Genetically Modified Organisms Concerns of GM crops include GM plants could breed with the wild variety found in nature = decrease in plant diversity GM plants could create “superpests” resistant to the GM “supercrops” Consequences of GM crops are still open for debate because it is newer technology Concern about possibly impacting human health w/ altered proteins

Genetically Modified Organisms Supports of GM crops claim they reduce carbon emissions by: Fewer pesticide applications = tractors using less fuel Herbicide resistant crops encourage no-till farming then more carbon is sequestered in the soil GM crop research suggests that GM crops reduced carbon emissions equivalent to taking 3.6 million cars off the road

Genetically Modified Organisms Environmental Benefits: Higher yields Promotes low-tillage techniques Decrease soil erosion Decrease energy consumption from machinery Lower fertilizer requirement Reduce pesticide use Drought resistance crops reduce irrigation needs

Genetically Modified Organisms Economic Benefits: Produces higher yeilds Less money spent on pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer, water Increased nutritional value Low tillage techniques: Lower fossil fuels needed and released Less pesticide/herbicide use = decrease healthcare costs for farmers

Genetically Modified Organisms Environmental Disadvantages: Insect resistant crops could reduce beneficial insects Drought resistant and salinity resistant plants increases pressure to convert semi-arid land into farmland = decrease in biodiversity in those areas Lower genetic variability Wheat varieties in China have dropped from 10,000 in 1949 to 1,000 by 1970

Genetically Modified Organisms Economic Disadvantages Higher yields = increase in soil depletion Produces sterile seeds Have patent seeds which must be purchased annually (poor farmers unable to purchase) Cost of tracking and labeling GM crops in food supply Research and development

Public debate over GM foods continues Consumers in Europe have expressed widespread unease about genetic engineering U.S. consumers have largely accepted GMOs Europe blocked import of American agricultural products from 1998 to 2003 because of concerns about the products being genetically modified The United States sued the European Union before the World Trade Organization for hindering free trade The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety lays out guidelines for open information about exported crops

Many nations label GM foods Some nations now demand that GM foods be labeled United States Senate just voted in June 2016 to require labeling Large majority of Americans would like labeling Some loopholes are present Labeling proponents: people have a right to know what they are eating Labeling opponents: labeling implies that the food is dangerous In countries where food is labeled, some products stopped being stocked due to consumer aversion