Post on 26-May-2017
Group Kazi Sami Bin Eamdad ID: 1120003030
Ahmed Imran Kabir ID: 1030698030
Nabil Hasan ID: 1120332030
Nahian Al Ferdous ID: 1030685530
Course: BIO103
Section: 11
Introduction
Genetically modified foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. These techniques are much more precise than mutagenesis (mutation breeding) where an organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change. Other techniques by which humans modify food organisms include selective breeding; plant breeding, and animal breeding, and somaclonal variation.
History
Genetically Modified Foods were first put on the market in 1996.
Animal products have also been developed although as of July
2010.
In 2006, a pig was engineered to produce omega-3 fatty acid.
Researchers have also developed a genetically-modified breed of
pigs that are able to absorb plant phosphorus more efficiently.
Historically man has selectively bred food plants to produce bigger
and better crops. This was achieved by deliberately cross-pollinating
plants with desirable features.
History (Cont.)
Genetic modification (GM) takes selective breeding a step further.
Scientists are learning how to identify genes and recognize which genes
control the development of which characteristics.
They are now able to breed offspring by transplanting the desirable genes
from one plant to another.
The U.S. is the largest producer of genetically modified crops. More than
a dozen countries around the world have latched on to the technology,
including Argentina, Canada, China, Australia, India, and Mexico.
Method
Genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes.
In the process of cogenesis, genes are artificially transferred
between organisms that could be conventionally bred.
In the process of transgenesis, genes from a different species are
inserted, which is a form of horizontal gene transfer.
To do this artificially may require transferring genes as part of an
attenuated virus genome or physically inserting the extra DNA into
the nucleus of the host using a micro syringe, or as a coating on
gold nanoparticles fired from a gene gun.
Method (cont.) However, other methods exploit natural forms of
gene transfer, such as the ability of Agro bacterium to transfer genetic material to plants, and the ability of lent viruses to transfer genes to animal cells.
The method to introduce new genes into plants requires several important factors such as specific promoter, cordon usage of the gene and how to deactivate the gene.
The specific promoter must pertain to area that we want the gene to express.
Reasons to genetically modifying By genetically modifying plants in the laboratory it is
possible to have stricter control over the genes.
In nature all the genetic material from the parent plants is mixed.
With GM the desirable genes can be separated from the undesirable genes.
Reasons to genetically modifying (cont.) In nature recessive genes often "skip" several
generations.
It is also possible by GM to cross species that would not breed together naturally.
Advantages of GM Foods
Insect and pest resistance
Disease resistance
Crops that can withstand environmental stress
Herbicide tolerance
Improved nutritional value
Biopharmaceuticals
Advantages of GM Foods (cont.)
Sturdy plants able to withstand weather extremes
Better quality food crops
Inexpensive and nutritious food, like carrots with more antioxidants
Foods with a greater shelf life, like tomatoes that taste better and
last longer
Food with medicinal (nutraceutical) benefits, such as edible
vaccines – for example, bananas with bacterial or rotavirus antigens
Advantages of GM Foods (cont.)
Better quality food crops
Higher nutritional yields in crops
Inexpensive and nutritious food, like carrots with more
antioxidants
Foods with a greater shelf life, like tomatoes that taste better
and last longer
Plants such as poplar trees have been genetically engineered
to clean up heavy metal pollution from contaminated soil
Disadvantages of GM Foods (cont.)
Environmental:- Harm to other organisms.
Cross-pollination with traditional, organic plants
Spread of new, more resistant "super weeds.
Spread of new, more resistant "super pests".
Disadvantages of GM Foods (cont.)
Economical:- Major trading countries that obtain most of the benefit from the
production and trade of genetically modified crops. As the USA is the biggest producer of GMO crops, their exports may
rouse more anti-American feeling GMOs are made because it is possible to make them, not because
consumers feel their need. Possible creation of new kinds of weapons; genetic food and
beverage weapons. Widening corporate size gaps between food producing giants and
smaller ones.
Disadvantages of GM Foods (cont.)
Larger companies might have more political power.
Human health risks:- Allergenicity may have developed life-threatening
allergies to peanuts and other foods.
Genetically-modified foods have the potential to solve many of the
world's hunger and malnutrition problems.
Genetically-modified foods have the potential to help protect and
preserve the environment by increasing yield and reducing reliance
upon chemical pesticides and herbicides.
Yet there are many challenges ahead for governments, especially in
the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food
labeling.
Conclusion
Conclusion (cont.) Many people feel that genetic engineering is the
inevitable wave of the future and that we cannot afford to ignore a technology that has such enormous potential benefits.
we must proceed with caution to avoid causing unintended harm to human health and the environment.