Chapter 5 Lesson 1 Genetically Modified Organisms

CHAPTER
When Technology and Humanity cross

5
LESSON 1: GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:
o Discuss the ethics and implications of GMOs.

o Discuss the major impacts (both potential and realized) of GMOs.
ENGAGE
1. What do you think is the value of creating genetically modified organism?

2. What are some of the concerns surrounding GMOs?
DISCUSSIONS
GMO contains DNA that has been altered using genetic engineering. Genetically modified
animals are mainly used for research purposes, while genetically modified plants are common in
today‟s food supply. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. Let‟s break it down word by
word. Genetically refers to genes. Genes are made up of DNA, which is a set of instructions for how
cells grow and develop. Second is modified. This implies that some change has been made. Lastly,
we have the word Organism. When it comes to GMOs, many people only think of crops. Yet an
„organism‟ isn‟t just a plant; it refers to all living things, including bacteria and fungi. With that in mind,
GMOs are living beings that have had their genetic code changed in some way. While conventional
breeding, which has been going on for centuries, involves mixing all of the genes from two different
sources, producing a GMO is much more targeted. They insert a gene or two into individual cells in a
lab rather than crossing two plants out in the field. Yet, as mentioned earlier, GM technology can also
be used on microorganisms. For example, bacteria have been genetically modified to produce
medicines that can cure diseases or vaccines that prevent them. A commonly used medicine that
comes from a genetically modified source is insulin, which is used to treat diabetes.
Genetic Engineering
As was mentioned in the Introduction, the DNA of an organism is altered or modified to create
a new organism. This process is called Genetic Engineering. It uses recombinant DNA technology to
alter the genetic makeup of an organism. It is also called Gene splicing, Recombinant DNA, or
Genetic modification.
DNA from organism A DNA from Organism B Recombinant DNA or

(Ex: tiger) (Ex: wolf) Genetic modification
Genetic engineering is possible because the genetic code is universal- all living things have A
(adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine) in their DNA. ACGT is an acronym for the four
types of bases found in a DNA molecule.
Role of enzymes in Genetic engineering
To create a Genetically Modified

Organism through the process of
Genetic engineering, enzymes are
necessary. Enzymes significantly speed
up the rate of chemical reactions that
take place within cells. In the process of
genetic engineering, two enzymes are
utilized. These are restriction enzymes
and ligase.
In the illustration, restriction enzyme cuts the DNA while ligase glues pieces of DNA together.
Essentially there are five stages in genetic engineering, these are:
1. Restriction enzyme cuts the DNA into Fragments

2. DNA from another organism is cut using the same enzyme
3. Two fragments stick together by complimentary base pairing.
(Earlier in this lesson, the four types of bases found in the DNA
molecules were mentioned namely adenine, cytosine,
thymine, and Guanine or ACTG. Complimentary base pairing
means that the DNA guanine always hydrogen bonds to
cytosine and adenine always binds to thymine.)
GUANINE ADENINE
CYTOSINE THYMINE
4. Two fragment stick together by complementary base- pairing

5. DNA ligase pastes of glues the sugar phosphate backbones
6. Production of recombinant DNA molecule
Typical Genetic Engineering Protocol
As a result of Genetic Engineering, bacterial cells can be “factories” that produce human
insulin for diabetics. The choice of organism is a bacterium due to the relative ease of modifying their
chromosomes. Moreover, Bacteria are unicellular and reproduce asexually making them replicate
faster. An important characteristic of a bacterium is its plasmids. Plasmids are small circular pieces of
DNA. The plasmid of a bacterium is used to reproduce recombinant DNA.
The illustration below shows the process on how human insulin is created.
ROLES OF GMOs ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR ECOGENETICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (CEEH,
2013)
1. PEST RESISTANCE- resists certain pest. Ex. Bt Corn. The DNA of the corn has been modified with
the gene of Bacillus Thuringiensis, a soil bactirium that produces proteins which is toxic to corn
borers (worms).
2. VIRUS RESISTANCE- resists certain viruses. Ex. Papaya ring spot virus (PRSV). The protein of PRSV
was introduced to papaya plant through plant tissues which tuned out to resistant to the virus
itself. (LIKE VIRUS)
3. HERBCIDE TOLERANCE- tolerates herbicides. Ex. Roundup Ready soybean. Glyphosphate, an

herbicide for weeds, was introduced to soybeans making it tolerant to the herbicide itself.
Farmers can spray the herbicide killing the weeds but not the soybean.
4. FORTIFICATION- fortified with certain minerals. Ex. Golden Rice. Beta- carotene, a precursor of
Vitamin A, was introduced through biosynthesis genes to the rice, making the rice grains
fortified with vitamin A.
5. COSMETIC PRESERVATION- resists natural discoloration. Ex. Arctic Apple. They are genetically
modified to suppress the browning of apple due to the superficial damage.
6. INCREASED GROWTH RATE: higher yield in growth than normal species. Ex. Aqua Advantage
salmon. A gene from ocean, an eel- like fish was introduced to Pacific Chinook salmon,
making the salmon grow faster than its normal rate.
GMOs in NON- FOOD CROPS AND MICROORGANISMS
1. PAPER PRODUCTION- modified characteristics of trees for higher yield of paper production. Ex.
Poplar trees.
2. PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION- modified plants to produce pharmaceutical products. Ex.
periwinkle plants.
3. BIOREMEDIATON- use of modified plants that can assist in the bioremediation of polluted sites.
Ex. Shrub Tobacco
4. ENZYME AND DRUG PRODUCTION- use of modified microorganisms that can produce enzymes
for food processing and medicines.
5. GMOs in the Medical Field- Ex. Humulin
BENEFITS OF GMOs
1. Higher efficiency in farming

2. Increase in harvest
3. Control in fertility
4. Increase in food processing
5. Improvement of desirable characteristics
6. Nutritional and pharmaceutical enhancement
7. Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF GMOs
1. Inadequate studies on the effects to humans and the environment

2. GMOs promote mutation in organisms, long term effects are unknown.
3. Human Consumption
 More allergic Reactions
 Gene Mutation
 Antibiotic resistance
 Nutritional Value
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
1. Risk in gene flow

2. Emergence of new forms of resistance and secondary pests and weed problems
3. Recombination of virus and bacteria to produce new pathogens.
POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS OF GMOs
1. May have an adverse effects because it is not naturally or organically produced

2. May alter the balance of existing microorganisms in the human digestive system.
3. May produce toxins
4. Production of allergies may have adverse effects on Humans.
References:
Macnamara, D., Valverde, V., & Beleno III, R. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. Quezon City:
C&E Publishing, Inc.
Serafica, J. J., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib, B. N., & Alata, E. P. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society.
Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Taguiling, M. (2019). Science, Technology and Society. Plaridel, Bulacan: St. Andrew Publishing House.
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-
crops-and-732/
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/genetically-modified-organisms/
Name: ____________________________________________
Program, year, and section: _______________________
Activity 16: Answer the following questions in 3-5 sentences. Detach the worksheet once
finished.
1. Decide whether you agree or disagree with the following statements and defend your chosen
answer.
a. Any new organism that has been engineered or modified should be tested for safety
before it is sold to the public as food.
AGREE DISAGREE
REASONS: REASONS:
b. Farms that choose not to use patented seeds be protected.
AGREE DISAGREE
REASONS: REASONS:
c. GMOs help with global food production and security.

AGREE DISAGREE
REASONS: REASONS:
2. In your opinion, how are GM food regulated in the Philippines?
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3. Identify and explain one (1) benefit of GMOs and one (1) risk of GMOs.
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CHAPTER

When Technology and Humanity cross

LESSON 1: GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM

o Discuss the ethics and implications of GMOs.

1. What do you think is the value of creating genetically modified organism?

DNA from organism A DNA from Organism B Recombinant DNA or

Role of enzymes in Genetic engineering

To create a Genetically Modified

1. Restriction enzyme cuts the DNA into Fragments

4. Two fragment stick together by complementary base- pairing

Typical Genetic Engineering Protocol

3. HERBCIDE TOLERANCE- tolerates herbicides. Ex. Roundup Ready soybean. Glyphosphate, an

GMOs in NON- FOOD CROPS AND MICROORGANISMS

1. Higher efficiency in farming

POTENTIAL RISKS OF GMOs

1. Inadequate studies on the effects to humans and the environment

1. Risk in gene flow

POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS OF GMOs

1. May have an adverse effects because it is not naturally or organically produced

b. Farms that choose not to use patented seeds be protected.

c. GMOs help with global food production and security.

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