Author’s and Topic’s Profile:

Name: JC L. Sabas
Email: [Link]@[Link]
CP Number: 0907-591-9562
Topic: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
Subtopic: Process of Making Genetically Modified Organisms
Uses of Genetically Modified Organisms
Overview
The objective of this document is to introduce what Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMOs) are. This paper also will discuss the step-by-step process of creating
GMOs. Also, uses of GMOs will also be tackled on the text and examples of GMOs will
be given.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the unit, I am able to:
1. describe what Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are;
2. elaborate the process of creating GMOs; and
3. value the importance of GMOs in our society.

Content:

WHAT ARE GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) are organisms such as plants, animals, or
microbes that had its genetic makeup changed in a way that does not happen normally
through mating or natural recombination. Genetic engineering methods, which entail the
insertion of new genes or the modification of already-existing genes, are used to
accomplish this transformation in an attempt to alter its characteristics.

PROCESS OF CREATING GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

1. Identification of a Trait of Interest
The initial step on creating GMOs is the identification of a trait of interest where
scientists first select a feature of interest they hope to improve or add to an organism (e.g.
greater nutritional value, insect resistance). This will be followed by gene sourcing where
they look for a creature that already contains the gene which cause its phenotype.

2. Gene Isolation
Isolation of the gene comes after identification of the phenotype. It will be done by
extraction of the gene that codes for a desired characteristics which will be followed by
cloning or creating several copies for further development like modification and
insertion.
3. Gene Insertion
Insertion comes next after isolation. The isolated genes are transferred to the intended
organism through a vector, usually a plasmid or virus. The vector is introduced through
different genetic engineering methods:
1) electroporation, process of using an electric pulse to introduce DNA into cells
by creating temporary pores in the cell membrane;
2) biolistics, method for the delivery of nucleic acid to cells by high-speed particle
bombardment (gene gun);
3) Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a
soil phytopathogen that naturally infects plant wound sites and causes crown gall
disease via delivery of transferred (T)-DNA from bacterial cells into host plant
cells through a bacterial type IV secretion system (T4SS).

4. Growth and Development:

After the gene is inserted to through a vector and via various genetic engineering
methods, the organism is allowed to grow and cultured in a controlled laboratory
environment wherein it is continuously tested and assessed to determine whether or not
the creation of GMO is successful and has met the intended requirements.

5. Regulatory Approval and Commercialization:

After it has passed the intended requirements and grew well under laboratory conditions,
it will go through field trials wherein assessment of its performance on actual conditions
will be observed. Biosafety assessments will also be done to evaluate possible threats to
human health and environmental impacts.

Also, its economic feasibility is measured considering different variables such as

manufacturing expenses, consumer demand, and possible income. But, before being
available to the market, it will go through regulatory commissions for proper permits and
approvals.

USES OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

GMOs are developed and used in various fields of human life from biotechnology,
medicine, agriculture, and many more areas. For this part, we will be discussing the
different examples of genetically modified organisms.

1. BT Cotton – a pest resistant cotton whose genes were inserted with the soil-dwelling
bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis which causes the plant cells to produce insecticidal
protein properties called Bt toxin which are effective against the damaging caterpillar
cotton pests such as budworms and bollworms. Its natural insecticidal properties
increase its resistance from pest infestation thus increasing yield and efficiency. It has
been approved for commercialization in the Unites States in 1995 and it has secured
the permit to be propagated in the Philippines last August 24, 2023.

2. Golden Rice – a genetically modified rice created by inserting three genes on the
targeted plant embryo using the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. These genes
 include a bacterium (phytoene desaturase) and two daffodil genes (phytoene synthase
and lycopene beta-cyclase). It is named for its color which is cause by beta carotene,
a provitamin A which is a plant pigment the body converts into vitamin A as needed.
Unlike the ordinary rice, golden rice has the ability to synthesize beta carotene on its
endosperm, the largest and starch part of the rice seed, unlike the ordinary rice where
its only stored on the outer part of the grain.

As rice is a staple food to many Asian countries with Vitamin A deficiency cases, this
innovation will be a great way to combat it. Moreover, it does not require any special
cultivation process and is reported to have the same yield and performance to that of
the ordinary rice.

3. GM Mosquitos – is a transgenic mosquito created using the technique called

embryonic microinjection where an engineered DNA is inserted on freshly laid
mosquito eggs which activates or inactivates a target gene. Depending on the
procedure and inserted gene, GM mosquitos may perform differently:
 produces SM1 protein which prevents the entry of plasmodium- a malarial
bacterium on a mosquito’s stomach thus breaking the bacteria’s life cycle.
 inserted with a self-limiting gene which prevents the offspring of a female
mosquito from surviving to adulthood.

Fear not from being bitten by GM mosquitos because only adult male mosquitos are
being released as they lack the mouthparts like the female ones who are capable of
piercing through the skin.

4. Xenotranspalntation – (xenos, Greek word meaning “foreign”) involves the process of

using living cells, tissues, or organs from nonhuman source for human
transplantation. Also known at heterologous transplant, this technique has been
thought to provide hope with regards to organ scarcity. Attempts of this are not new
because in history, it largely resulted to failure due to high recipient rejection rates.

To those who favor xenotransplantation, they argue to use pigs instead of primates for
they have less rights and are likely to feel less pain. But in contrast, animal rights
activists and philosophers are pointing that it is unethical to inflict pain to sentient
nonhuman beings and make them suffer in order to suffice human consumption.

5. Glofish – a glowing fish which is a product of genetic engineering wherein a GFP

(green fluorescent protein) from a jellyfish is inserted to an ordinary fish during its
early stage of development for it to express bioluminescent properties. Unlike the
other vibrant varieties of pet fish which are injected with dyes and lose their colors as
it grows, glofish pass their glowing colors to its offspring.

Initially, its objective is for it to be used in environmental research as it was thought

to detect water pollution where it changes and reacts to contaminated waters. But
now, it is being cultivated for ornamental fish pet trade. Some of its species include
the following: Zebra fish (Danio rerio), Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), Tiger
 barbs (Puntius tetrazona), Rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum), and
Betta (Betta splendens).

ASSESSMENT:

DIRECTION: Choose the letter or the correct answer

1. It is an organism which had its genetics modified and intervened by the insertion of new genes
through different engineering methods.
a. Genetic Modified Organs c. Genetically Modified Organism
b. Genetics Mediated Operation d. Genetically Mediated Organism

2. The process of creating GMOs have how many major processes?

a. 5 b. 6 c. 7 d. 8

3. As part of the identification of a trait of interest, researchers look for a creature that already
has the desired phenotype. Phenotype means?
a. desired characteristics c. edited gene
b. unwanted traits d. observable traits

4. In gene isolation, after extracting the gene which causes the phenotype, scientists will create
several copies of the extracted genes. That process is called?
a. editing b. insertion c. cloning d. copying

5. The isolated genes through the help of different engineering methods is inserted to the
intended organism via?
a. vector b. gene gun c. valium d. gene bubble

6. During the fourth stage, the organism is allowed to grow and cultured on what type of
environment?
a. harsh environment c. greenhouse and nursery
b. actual conditions d. laboratory-controlled environment

7. It is important to allow the GMO to grow and continuously monitor its growth and
development because?
a. to identify the possible income we may obtain from it
b. for us to be able to plan on how we can commercialize it
c. to determine whether or not it has met the intended requirements
d. for us to see it grow and develop

8. GMOs go through field trials wherein their performance on __________ conditions are
evaluated and assessed.
dire actual harsh moderate

9. This type of assessment is done to evaluate possible threats to human health and environment.
a. biohazard b. biosafety c. biographical c. bio mitigation
10. Below are variables being considered in measuring economic feasibility EXCEPT:
a. target market c. duration of process
b. manufacturing expenses d. expected profit

11. Below are examples of Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) discussed except:
a. golden rice b. glofish c. genetically modified rice d. peach-mango tree

12. What properties does a BT Cotton possess through BT Toxin?

a. experimental properties c. strength properties
b. insecticidal properties d. hypoallergenic properties

13. It is the one responsible for the golden color of the golden rice.
a. Vitamin B12 b. Vitamin A c. beta sucrose d. beta carotene

14. Aside from the color, it is the distinct characteristic of the golden rice from ordinary rice.
a. ordinary rice may be infested with pests unlike golden rice.
b. golden rice has the ability to synthesize beta carotene on its endosperm.
c. it has the ability to withstand strong winds.
d. golden rice performs better in terms of agricultural yields than the ordinary.

15. A technique used to create GM Mosquitos wherein an engineered DNA is inserted on freshly
laid mosquito eggs.
a. ribonucleic desaturation c. embryonic microinjection
b. neurologic insertion d. zygotic microinjection

16. The SM1 protein on mosquitos prevents the entry of plasmodium in their system. A
plasmodium is…
a. dengue fever c. leptospiral bacterium
b. chikungunya fever d. malarial bacterium

17. Also known as heterologous transformation, it is the process of using living cells, tissues, or
organs from nonhuman source for human transplantation.
a. mesotransplantation c. exotransplantation
b. stratotransplantation d. xenotranslantation

18. xenos is a Greek word for?

a. of the same kind b. changeable c. foreign d. experimental

19. The GFP (green fluorescent protein) inserted to the ordinary fish in order to create glofishes
came from what animal?
a. jellyfish b. firefly c. dragonfly d. starfish

20. The initial purpose of the glofish is to be used in?

a. experimentation c. agricultural exploration
b. ornamental display d. environmental research
ANSWER KEY
1. C 6. D 11. D 16. D
2. A 7. C 12. B 17. D
3. D 8. B 13. D 18. C
4. C 9. C 14. B 19. A
5. A 10. C 15. C 20. D

Link for the Google Form quiz: [Link]

References:

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