What is a Genetically Modified Organism?

• It involves the insertion of DNA from

one organism into another OR
modification of an organism’s DNA in
order to achieve a desired trait.

Suntory "blue" rose

How does this differ from Mendel and his peas?
GM vs Selective Breeding
Selective breeding
• Slow
• Imprecise
• Modification of genes that naturally occur in the
organism
GM
Very fast
Precise
• Can introduce genes into an organisms that would
not naturally occur!
Genetically modified organisms
Biotechnology is impacting our lives
• Biotechnology: the material application
of biological science to create products
derived from organisms
• Transgenic organism: an organism that
contains DNA from another species
– Transgenes: the genes that have moved
between organisms
 GMO in Medicine
• Insulin (e.g., SemBioSys Genetics Inc-
saflower)
• Clotting factors
• Atryn (anticoagulant).
• Banana vaccines
• Cancer fighting eggs
GMO in Biofuel

Algenol Biofuels Rapeseed (i.e., canola)

 GMO in Bioremediation

Enviropig i.e., “Frankenswine”

• Poplar trees remove • Able to digest and
groundwater process phosphate
contaminants
GMO in Pesticides

• Kills caterpillars but

not poisonous to
humans
GMO in Manufacturing

• Produces silk in milk to

make Biosteel
Some genetically modified foods

Bt crops
Some genetically modified foods

Golden rice
Some genetically modified foods

Starlink corn
Some genetically modified foods

AquAdvantage salmon
 Common GM Foods

Products
• Corn
• Canola
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Squash
• Soybeans
• Flax
• Cottonseed oil
• Sugarbeets
Genetically Modified Foods
Experts say 60% to 70% of processed
foods on U.S. grocery shelves have
genetically modified ingredients.

Common GM crops:
• Soybeans
• Corn
• Cotton
 Genetically Modified Foods
Cons
• Introducing allergens and toxins to food
• Accidental cross pollination
• Antibiotic resistance
• Creation of "super" weeds and other
environmental risks
 Genetically Modified Foods
Pros
• Increased pest and disease resistance
• Grow food in harsh climate
• Increased food supply (more food/acre)
• More nutritional value
• Make drugs

Ring spot virus