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Overview of GMOs: Science and Ethics

1) This document discusses genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gene therapy, their uses and effects on society, and the moral and ethical issues they raise. 2) GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially altered in a lab using genetic engineering, combining genes from different species. 3) The introduction of GMO seeds in agriculture to increase crop yields is controversial due to concerns about impacts on health, the environment, and genetic diversity.

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Kim Ashley Sarmiento
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92 views3 pages

Overview of GMOs: Science and Ethics

1) This document discusses genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gene therapy, their uses and effects on society, and the moral and ethical issues they raise. 2) GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially altered in a lab using genetic engineering, combining genes from different species. 3) The introduction of GMO seeds in agriculture to increase crop yields is controversial due to concerns about impacts on health, the environment, and genetic diversity.

Uploaded by

Kim Ashley Sarmiento
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 9 Module 2: Genetically Modified Organisms:

Science, Health and Politics

This section discusses the moral and ethical issues concerning GMOs
and their impacts on society. It also sheds light on the various forms and
applications of gene therapy.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this topic, students will be able to:
1. Identify the uses and effects of GMOs and gene therapy on society,
particularly in the context of health and economy; and
2. Discuss the moral and bioethical questions concerning genetic engineering.

PRESENTATION OF CONTENTS

Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are products of artificial


manipulation and alteration of a species’ genetic material in a laboratory using
genetic engineering. Plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes may be
combined or may be crossbred to produce another kind of species that do not
naturally occur in the environment.

One of the most controversial issues in science and technology is the


introduction of genetically modified seeds in the agriculture sector that
resulted in increased crop yield. New technologies are used to artificially
develop traits in plants, such as resistance to browning and pests. With the
aim to improve harvest and the agriculture sector as a whole, humans seem
to be disinterested in preserving genetic diversity the natural way.

Genetically modified Tomato

Increase crop yield, pest resistance, and other benefits of GMOs are indeed
advantageous, yet there are also disadvantage that need to be studied
comprehensively. In addition, the growing concern with how GMOs may affect
consumers’ health and the environment needs to addressed.

Genetic engineering, usually associated with recombinant DNA


technology, is founded on the work of many scientists over the years. In 1953,
the discovery of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick opened the gates
for the countless possibilities of genetic engineering. In 1973, Herbert Boyer
and Stanley Cohen were the first scientists to genetically modify an organism
by combining genes from two different E. coli.

In 1982, the US Supreme Court ruled to allow the patenting of GMOs.


This ruling allowed the Exxon Oil company to start using a microorganism that
can consume oil.

In 1982, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first GMO
– Humulin, a type of insulin produced using genetically engineered E. coli
bacteria to be available in the market.

In 1993, FDA approved bovine somatotropin (bST), a metabolic protein


hormone used to increase milk production in dairy cows for commercial use.

In 1994, FDA approved the Flavr Savr tomato for sale on grocery stores.
This kind of tomato has a delayed-ripening effect that gives a longer shelf life
compared with natural tomatoes.

In 1995, Bt Potatoes and Corn, and Roundup Ready Soybeans were


approved safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In 1996, weeds resistant to glyphosate, the herbicide used for many GMO
crops, were detected in Australia. Research shows that the super weeds are 7
to 11 times more resistant to glyphosate than the standard susceptible
population. In the same year, Dolly, the first cloned animal, was born.

In 1997, the European Union ruled in favor of mandatory labeling on all


GMO food products, including animal feed.

In 1998, a genetically papaya in Hawaii was found to be resistant to the


Ring spot virus and produced the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin, an insecticide
that is not harmful to humans.

Starting 1999, over 100 million acres worldwide are planted with
genetically engineered seeds.

In 2000, golden rice was developed in the Philippines to address vitamin


A deficiency, which is a public health issue in Asian countries where rice is a
staple food crop. Golden rice is a variety (Oryza sativa) genetically modified to
biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, in the edible parts of
rice. Additional three beta-carotene-synthesized genes differentiate the golden
rice from its parental strain. The introduction of golden rice from its parental
strain. The introduction of golden rice was opposed by environmental and
anti-globalization advocates because this GMO was thought to compromise
food production, nutrition, and financial security.

APPLICATION- “IMAGINATION MO LANG ANG LIMIT”

Activity 3 Module 2 “Imagination mo lang ang limit”

Draw a possible GMO in a ¼-sized illustration board using your art materials.
In conceptualizing a GMO, think of the features or characteristics that you
imagine it possesses and its potential impacts on society. Be ready to share
your output in class. Answer the questions that follow.
1. What is your GMO, its modified characteristics and features?
2. In what ways do you think this GMO can positively impact society?
3. What ethical issues or concerns may arise as a result of this GM

Assignment 3 module 2 GMOs in Food


Instructions: search the internet for edible products that make use of GMOs
as ingredients. Choose a particular GMO and research on it. Paste a photo of
your chosen GMO and answer the question.
“How does the use of a GMO ingredient in the product reduce the drawbacks of the
same product that use non GMO ingredient? “

Common questions

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The development of GMOs is primarily driven by the aims to increase agricultural efficiency, enhance food security, and address specific health issues, such as with golden rice's vitamin A enhancement. These motivations reflect societal values of progress and innovation, as well as challenges like feeding a growing population and combating malnutrition. However, they also highlight tensions between technological advancement and the preservation of ecological and cultural practices .

The legal and regulatory landscape has evolved to allow greater commercialization of GMOs, as seen with the US Supreme Court ruling in 1982 that permitted the patenting of GMOs, facilitating companies like Exxon Oil to utilize GMOs industrially. The FDA has approved various GMOs for commercial use, such as Humulin and Bt crops, signifying regulatory support for GMO commercialization. In Europe, the EU's 1997 decision for mandatory labeling of GMO products reflects regulatory measures to ensure consumer awareness .

GMOs have been designed to increase crop yield, pest resistance, and shelf life. For example, Bt corn and Roundup Ready soybeans are engineered for better pest and herbicide resistance, while the Flavr Savr tomato has a delayed ripening feature. However, an unintended challenge that has arisen is the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds, posing new agricultural hurdles as these 'super weeds' require higher herbicide concentrations to manage .

Ethical concerns regarding GMOs and gene therapy include potential health risks to consumers, environmental impacts such as loss of genetic diversity, and moral questions on the extent of human intervention in natural processes. Ethical debates often focus on the safety of consuming GMOs, the socio-economic implications for farmers, especially those in developing countries, and the moral implications of genetically altering living organisms for human benefit .

Potential health risks from consuming GMOs include allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, and unforeseen genetic mutations. Critics argue that GMOs might carry inherent risks due to altered proteins that could induce allergies in sensitive individuals. Reliance on genetic modifications might also lead to the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes, posing public health challenges. These risks necessitate rigorous testing and regulation to ensure consumer safety .

Dolly's creation underscored the advanced capabilities of genetic engineering beyond GMOs, stirring public debates about the ethical and moral implications of cloning. It heightened awareness and scrutiny over genetic technologies, prompting discussions about the acceptable extent of genetic manipulation in living organisms and their potential ecological and ethical repercussions .

Public policy plays a critical role in the adoption and labeling of GMOs, balancing scientific innovation with consumer rights. Policies such as the EU's 1997 mandatory GMO labeling reflect a commitment to transparency, allowing consumers to make informed choices. Such policies can influence market adoption rates and public acceptance, highlighting the need for regulations that ensure safety while fostering innovation .

Widespread GMO cultivation can lead to increased agricultural productivity and economic gains for farmers using the technology. However, it may also result in dependency on proprietary seeds and related agrochemicals, increasing costs and reducing access to traditional seed varieties. In developing nations, this can exacerbate economic inequalities and reduce farmer autonomy, sparking debates on food sovereignty and economic justice .

Golden rice, developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, highlighted the potential of GMOs to address public health issues. However, it also sparked controversies, with opponents arguing that it could undermine food sovereignty, nutrition, and financial security. Critics feared that the reliance on genetically modified crops might overshadow traditional, sustainable agricultural practices, fueling debates over the long-term impacts on health and the environment .

The discovery of DNA's structure in 1953 by Watson and Crick was pivotal, setting the stage for genetic engineering advances. This was followed by Boyer and Cohen's 1973 breakthrough in creating the first genetically modified organism by combining genes from different E. coli strains. The use of recombinant DNA technology further advanced the field, allowing for the production of insulin through genetically engineered bacteria in 1982 .

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