Genetically Modified Organisms

1. Go to my wikipage : oconnorbiology.greenwich.wikispaces.net

2. Click on the Google Forms link

3. Answer the questions.

4. With the students in your row compare the resources you used. Rank in order which resources were the most reliable to the least reliable.

5. Be prepared to defend your ranking.

Who has eaten corn in the last week?

Who has eaten margarine in the past week?

Who has a baby in their family?

From Shelf to Table: GM Foods Everywhere

• How prevalent do you think GMFs are in your diet?

• What questions do you have after watching this video clip?

GMO/GMF

• What is it?

• Do we need it?

• Is it safe?

Traditional vs Genetically Modified Food

Think - Pair - Share

• What is the difference between organic and conventional farming?

• How would you include genetically modified food in this explanation?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/engineer/

Pennsylvania Farm

Selective Breeding

• It occurs between plants/animals of the same species (dog dog)

• Imprecise: breeder may not get the exact results they want right away (desired gene may not have been passed along)

• Takes a long time to get desired results

Transgenic Engineering

• It can occur between different types of species(human bacteria)

• Precise: the desired gene is inserted into the organism

• Desired results can result much quicker

Humans selected for different characteristics of the Wild Mustard plant and eventually created many new types

of vegetables.

Transgenic Engineering

Human Insulin

What is the function of the insulin protein?

http://www.abpischools.org.uk/res/coResourceImport/modules/hormones/en-flash/geneticeng.cfm

How is Human Insulin Produced By Bacteria?

Genetic Engineering: Processes and Hopes

Read the New York Times Article: Growers Fret Over a New Apple That Won’t Turn Brown

– The LEFT side of the class will highlight the PRO’s mentioned in this article

– The RIGHT side of the class will highlight the CON’s mentioned in this article

Reasons to Genetically Modify Food

Chicken Breast Enlargement

Do you think big chicken

companies genetically modify

their chickens?

Think - Pair - Share

• What are suggestive reasons why agriculture scientists should develop genetically modified organisms?

#1. Nutritionally enhance food products (ex. Golden rice)

Suggested Reasons to Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms

Is 10% better than nothing?

#2. Slow down ripening of produce (ex. Flavr Savr ® tomato)

Suggested Reasons to Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms

#3. Tolerant to:– Pathogenic bacteria or viruses (ex. Papaya)– Herbicides (ex. Roundup Ready ® corn)– Pests & Insects (ex. Bt Corn)

Suggested Reasons to Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms

Weed Free CropsHerbicide Resistant Crop: GM plants that are not

harmed by herbicide sprays

Pest - Insect Free CropsBuilt-inInsecticide/PesticideCrop:

GM plants that can kill an insect or pest that feeds on the plant (ex. Bt Corn)

#4. Faster growth & increase in yields (Ex. Corn, Soy, Canola, Salmon)

Suggested Reasons Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms

#5. Other “convenient” needs (ex. Arctic apple ®, Glo Fish ® )

Suggested Reasons Grow/Eat Genetically Modify Organisms

Are there RISKS associated with GMO’s?

#1. Risk of: pollen-pollution caused by cross pollination. Gene transfer to non-target

species.

Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms

#1. Risk of: unintended harm to other plants and animals

Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms

#3. Reduced effectiveness of pesticides/insecticides or herbicides.

Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms

#4. Risk of: Unknown side effects for humans

Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms

#5. Risk of: economic concerns of monopolization

Suggested Reasons AGAINST Genetically Modify Organisms