1. Genetically Modified Plants Stacy Byrd Fernbank Science Center November 3, 2007

2. The end of the hunter-gatherer: AGRICULTURE Mural from Catalhoyuk excavation, Turkey 8,000 – 10,000 years ago

3. Traditional breeding methods Artificial selection for traits to create new hybrids Artificial selection for traits to create new hybrids Slow, requiring many generations Slow, requiring many generations Limited to traits within species that will interbreed Limited to traits within species that will interbreed

5. Engineered Plants Desired trait is linked to a specific gene. Desired trait is linked to a specific gene. Gene can be isolated and inserted into the target plant’s genome regardless of the relatedness of donor to recipient. Gene can be isolated and inserted into the target plant’s genome regardless of the relatedness of donor to recipient. New plant variety can be produced relatively quickly. New plant variety can be produced relatively quickly. Photo: Univ. of Minn.

6. Famous Modified Plants: Flavr Savr Tomato Flavr Savr Tomato Developed by Calgene in late 1980’s and approved by the FDA in 1994. Developed by Calgene in late 1980’s and approved by the FDA in 1994. “Antisense” technology Source: Santa Monica College Human Genome timeline

7. Famous modified plants: Golden Rice Golden Rice insertion of gene from daffodil to produce beta carotene (pro Vitamin A) Source: www.scienzz.com

8. Vitamin A deficiency in the world Source: World Health Organization

9. The most common modified crop plants in current production display one or both of these traits: Herbicide Tolerance – allows crop to be sprayed with an herbicide: kills the weeds but doesn’t damage the crop, e.g. Round-up Ready Herbicide Tolerance – allows crop to be sprayed with an herbicide: kills the weeds but doesn’t damage the crop, e.g. Round-up Ready Systemic Toxicity to Insect Pests – plant tissue produces a natural pesticide e.g. Bt cotton Systemic Toxicity to Insect Pests – plant tissue produces a natural pesticide e.g. Bt cotton

11. Plant Biotechnology “Conversations about Plant Biotechnology” videos sponsored by Monsanto Corporation. “Conversations about Plant Biotechnology” videos sponsored by Monsanto Corporation.

12. Frankenfoods ?

14. RISKS Source: www. bioteach.ubc.ca

15. RISKS to non-target species?

16. RISKS to human health? Not a single verified case of allergic reaction due to GM foods. Not a single verified case of allergic reaction due to GM foods. If a modified plant were to contain a protein from one of the most common food allergens, it would have to be labelled for the consumer. If a modified plant were to contain a protein from one of the most common food allergens, it would have to be labelled for the consumer. Could a genetically modified allergen-free peanut be on the horizon? Source: Univ. of Georgia CAES

17. The DNA Files Designing the Garden: Food in the Age of Biotechnology Some say manipulating genes in plants and animals is the solution to world hunger; others say genetically modified organisms are neither safe to eat or to grow. How do we understand what’s really on our dinner plate? Some say manipulating genes in plants and animals is the solution to world hunger; others say genetically modified organisms are neither safe to eat or to grow. How do we understand what’s really on our dinner plate? Audio Source: www. DNAfiles.org