GMO: SCIENCE, HEALTH AND POLITICS Flashcards
Define GMO.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) refer to living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, whose genetic makeup has been altered through the use of genetic engineering techniques. These techniques allow scientists to introduce new traits or characteristics into an organism that would not occur naturally, such as resistance to pests or diseases, improved nutritional content, or increased crop yields. GMOs have been developed to address a number of important issues in agriculture, such as food security and sustainability. In summary, GMOs have significant benefits in the areas of agriculture, health, and industry, but it’s also important to consider the potential risks and uncertainties associated with their use, as well as the ethical and social implications.
Explain the principles behind cloning ang genetic engineering.
Cloning and genetic engineering are both based on the principles of genetics and molecular biology. Cloning refers to the process of creating an identical copy of a living organism, or a group of cells, through asexual reproduction. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, refers to the manipulation of an organism’s genetic makeup for a specific purpose. Both cloning and genetic engineering are based on the principle of genetic manipulation, which is the ability to change the genetic makeup of an organism in order to achieve a desired trait or characteristic. Both of these techniques have been widely debated in society due to their ethical, social, and environmental implications, which is why scientists and researchers are expected to consider these impacts before implementing such techniques.
What are the major issues that need to be addressed in the regulations of GMOs?
There are a number of major issues that need to be addressed in the regulations of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including:
Safety Concerns, Labeling, Contamination, Socio-economic impact but in my opinion, the Impact on the biodiversity of the planet should be prioritized. Regulations need to address the potential impact of GMOs on biodiversity, which is the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. These are just some of the many issues that need to be addressed in the regulations of GMOs, and it’s important for regulations to be based on sound scientific evidence and to be continuously reviewed and updated as new information becomes available.
How do GMOs impact the environment?
The impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the environment is a complex and controversial topic. While GMOs have been developed with the aim of increasing crop yields, reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, and making crops more resistant to environmental conditions, there are also concerns about their potential negative effects on the environment. Additionally, the use of GMOs in agriculture can also lead to a decrease in the use of traditional farming practices, such as crop rotation, which can negatively impact soil health, and lead to an over-reliance on a single crop, increasing the risk of crop failure. That is why it’s important to consider the specific context and characteristics of each GMO and its intended use, as well as to continue monitoring their impact on the environment.
Are GMOs safe?
The safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a complex and controversial issue. GMOs have been developed with the aim of increasing crop yields, reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, and making crops more resistant to environmental conditions. These GMOs can offer potential benefits such as reducing the use of harmful chemicals, improving crop yields and making food more affordable.
On the other hand, there are concerns about their potential negative effects on human health and the environment. Some studies have suggested that GMOs may cause allergies or other health problems. However, these studies have not been able to establish a definitive link between GMOs and health problems.
Give examples of GM plants and animals.
Examples of genetically modified (GM) plants include:
Roundup Ready soybeans, which have been modified to tolerate the herbicide glyphosate, allowing farmers to more effectively control weeds.
Golden rice, which has been modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, in order to address vitamin A deficiency in developing countries
Examples of genetically modified animals include:
GloFish, which are zebrafish that have been genetically modified to fluoresce, originally developed as a tool for monitoring water pollution.
Enviropig, a pig developed by scientists at the University of Guelph in Canada that has been genetically modified to produce less phosphorus in its manure, which could reduce environmental pollution.
Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of GMOs
Advantages of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) include:
Improved food quality: GMOs can be modified to increase the nutritional value of foods, such as the golden rice, which has been modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, to address vitamin A deficiency in developing countries.
Reduced costs for farmers: GMOs can be designed to reduce costs for farmers by making crops more resilient, reducing the need for expensive inputs like pesticides and herbicides.
Disadvantages of GMOs include:
Environmental risks: GMOs can have unintended impacts on the environment, such as the potential to harm beneficial insects and other organisms, or to create “superweeds” that are resistant to herbicides.
Health risks: There is a concern that GMOs may pose health risks, such as the potential to cause allergic reactions or to introduce new toxins into the food supply. However, these risks are yet to be proven.
How are GMOs produced?
Identification of a specific gene or group of genes of interest: Scientists will identify the specific gene that they want to modify in an organism. After identifying the gene they then will Isolate the gene using a technique called recombinant DNA technology. They will then insert it into a vector, transport the gene and the host will start to transform. Once the host organism has been transformed, it will be grown and screened to identify the organisms that have successfully incorporated the gene of interest into their DNA. It is worth noting that the process of producing GMOs can vary depending on the organism and the specific gene being modified, and the process of producing GMOs is continually evolving with new technologies and methods being developed.
Which types/varieties of GMOs are already applied in ASEAN member countries?
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a diverse region and different ASEAN member countries have different policies and regulations regarding the cultivation and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Some ASEAN member countries have embraced GMOs, while others have placed stricter regulations on their cultivation and use.
Here are a few examples of GMOs that are already being applied in some ASEAN member countries:
Thailand: Bt papaya is another genetically modified crop that is being grown in Thailand. This papaya has been modified to resist the ringspot virus, which is a major problem for papaya growers in the country.
Philippines: Bt eggplant (also known as Bt talong) is a genetically modified eggplant that has been developed to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a major pest of eggplant. It was approved for commercialization in the Philippines in 2013.
It is worth noting that there are also some ASEAN member countries that have strict regulations on GMOs and have not yet approved any GMOs for commercial cultivation such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
