Genetic Engineering and GMO Technology Explained

What is Genetic Engineering?

Genetic engineering is the direct modification of an organism’s genome, which is the list of specific traits (genes) stored in the DNA. Changing the genome enables engineers to give desirable properties to different organisms. Organisms created by genetic engineering are called genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the use of organisms and their genetics in industries to make products.

How is it Possible?

Because all living organisms have DNA, by moving DNA from one organism to another, it is possible to transfer different traits.

The GMO Process

• All genetic changes affect the protein synthesis of the organism.
• By changing which proteins are produced, genetic engineers can affect the overall traits of the organism.
• Genetic modification can be completed by a number of different methods:
  • Inserting new genetic material randomly or in targeted locations
  • Direct replacement of genes (recombination)
  • Removal of genes
  • Mutation of existing genes

GMO Bacteria

Bacteria are the most common GMOs because their simple structure permits easy manipulation of their DNA. One of the most interesting uses for genetically modified bacteria is the production of hydrocarbons (plastics and fuels) usually only found in fossil fuels.

• Cyanobacteria have been modified to produce plastic (polyethylene) and fuel (butanol) as byproducts of photosynthesis.
• E. coli bacteria have been modified to produce diesel fuel.

Examples of Genetic Modification

Banana Vaccines

A modified virus injected into a sapling tree causes the bananas to contain virus proteins.

Venomous Cabbage

Scorpion genes added to the cabbage prevent insects from eating it.

Reasons to Genetically Modify Crops

• Insect resistant
• Herbicide resistant
• Drought/freeze resistant
• Disease resistant
• Higher yield
• Faster growth
• Improved nutrition
• Longer shelf life

GMO Concerns

What are some concerns regarding genetically modified foods and animals?

• Risk to human health; unsafe to eat
• Harm to the environment and wildlife
• Increased pesticide and herbicide use
• Farmers’ health
• Seed and pollen drift
• Creation of herbicide-resistant super weeds

Nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, have enacted significant restrictions or full bans on the production and sale of genetically modified organism food products, and 64 countries now have GMO labeling requirements.