SC235 Unit Nine Dr. Angela M. Foster AIM: Image credits: Microsoft Clip Art

Genetic Engineering The simple addition, deletion, or manipulation of a single trait in an organism to create a desired change.

Genetic Engineering Gene splicing, gene cloning, molecular cloning. Process cutting a gene out of a DNA strand and inserting the gene into another DNA strand.

Transgenic Organisms Organisms altered by genetic engineering. Genetic material changed by other than random natural breeding. Gene transfer-moving a gene from one organism to another. These require skill and knowledge to be carried out properly.

Genetic Engineering Genetic material can be shared across scientific kingdoms. Food plants engineered by bacteria produce human proteins. Potential is virtually endless.

Transgenic Organisms GMO- genetically modified organism GMO free food – product in which no transgenic materials were used in its manufacture, such as soybeans used in making oils. GEO – genetically enhanced organism

Agriculture Plants transformed – insect, disease, and herbicide resistant. Animals treated engineered hormones – produce more milk, leaner meat.

What is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering is a modern form of biotechnology - a broad term describing processes such as cross-breeding, plant hybridization and fermentation. While biotechnology has been used by humans for thousands of years, genetic engineering is a relatively new and rapidly developing technology that is raising public concern. Genetic engineering focuses on the manipulation (blocking, adding, or scrambling) of the genetic material (the DNA) inside the cells of living organisms to block or add desired traits.

Examples of Genetic Engineering Anti-sense technology: A gene controlling a trait is blocked. Example tomato with delayed ripening for fresher flavor. Recombinant DNA: microorganism to plant: Transfer of genetic material from a bacterium into cells of plants. Example: Insect resistant corn plants and pesticide resistant soybeans. Recombinant DNA: human to animal: Human genes inserted into pigs to produce human hemoglobin. Recombinant DNA: animal to plant: Fish genes inserted into plants to increase tolerance to cold..

Why use Genetic Engineering? Proponents of genetic engineering claim many potential benefits of this new technology. Current medical applications include genetically engineered human insulin, human growth hormone, gene probes to detect genetic diseases, and Hepatitis B vaccine. Genetic engineering shows the greatest promise for a HIV vaccine too!

Why use Genetic Engineering? The promised benefits of genetically engineered food production include: Reduced use of pesticides Reduced use of herbicides Reduced use of fertilizers Enhanced nutrition Drought resistance Better appearance Longer shelf-life Better flavor Temperature resistance Disease resistance Increase in food supply. Decrease in world hunger.

What are the potential risks of genetic engineered foods? Opponents of genetic engineering raise concerns about the safety and ethics of creating novel organisms as well as the impact that genetic engineering will have on the environment

What are the potential risks of genetic engineered foods? Specific concerns include: Lack of long term studies on food safety. Lack of long term studies on environmental impact. Diminished opportunity for organic/sustainable agriculture Potential risk of rendering Bacillius thuringiensis (Bt), a natural biological pesticide, useless due to widespread use of Bt-engineered crops. Potential life threatening danger for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities who might unknowingly ingest altered foods to which they are allergic, sensitive, or intolerant. New genetic structure of foods might result in new allergens.

What are the potential risks of genetic engineered foods? Toxicity levels of naturally occurring food toxins might result in new allergens. Toxicity levels of naturally occurring food toxins might inadvertently be altered. Cruelty to animals. Unacceptability of creating novel organisms that would not occur through traditional means of reproduction (crossing plants and animals or unrelated species of animals). Environmental damage due to cross pollination and disturbed ecosystems. Pesticide tolerance. Herbicide tolerance Ethical and spiritual concerns.

What food products have been or are being developed with genetic engineering? Milk and other dairy products from cows administered rBGH, a genetically engineered growth hormone. Soybean, tomato, corn, and canola plants that withstand herbicide application. Corn, tomatoes & potatoes with built in pesticides. Potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupe, squash, cucumber, corn, canola, soybeans & grapes manipulated to resist plant viruses. Peppers and tomatoes engineered to resist plant fungi

What food products have been or are being developed with genetic engineering? Corn, sunflower, and soybeans engineered to contain altered levels of nutrients. Canola and peanuts with altered lipid profiles. Coffee beans with altered caffeine content. Potatoes that absorb less oil when fried. Corn and peas engineered for a prolonged shelf life. Various enzymes used to make beer, wind, fruit juice, sugar, oil, baked goods and more. Genetically engineered rennet for making cheese.

Is there any way to know if our food has been genetically altered? Not unless a labeling system is adopted. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require labeling of genetically engineered foods except when: The new genetically engineered food is nutritionally different from the non-genetically engineered versions. The characteristics of the food differ significantly from what is normally expected (e.g., the introduction of allergens or toxins).

Examples of GMO – Bacteria GMO Bacteria are used to produce the protein insulin to treat diabetes. Similar bacteria have been used to produce clotting factors to treat hemophilia. Human growth hormone to treat various forms of dwarfism.

Example GMO – Animals Mosquitoes In 2010, scientists created "malaria-resistant mosquitoes" in the laboratory. The World Health Organization estimated that Malaria killed almost one million people in 2008.

Unit 9: Discussion Board – Cloning! Image credit: Associated Press

Project Five – Due September 6 th No Late Assignments Accepted! Must be an ESSAY! APA Title Page, APA Reference Page Must have an introduction, body, and conclusion – ALL APA! Must answer ALL of the questions from the assignment. Library does not have Super Search so just do regular search or Google. Minimum of 1500 words!

My last Kaplan seminar! Image credits: Microsoft Clip Art

Questions?