You may see this at the supermarket…

• What does it mean?

Genetically Modified Organisms

Recombinant DNA

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)• An organism whose genetic material

has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Genetically modified organisms are used in many foods…• CORN

Coca Cola (contains corn syrup)Margarine (corn oil, canola oil)FritosKraft Salad DressingsMcDonalds French FriesNestle CrunchNutra-sweet

More GMOs are being tested…• BarleyBroccoliCarrotsGrapesPeppersRaspberriesStrawberriesSugar CaneWatermelonWheat

Why are GMOs being created?

Genes are modified or added to plants…

• To make them more resistant to insect pests, weed killers, frost and drought.

• Increase the nutrients in a crop or reduce the amount of fertilizer needed.

• Corn has been modified so that it produces vaccines for farm animals…

Medical Uses for GMOsResearch involving GMOs has

produced…• Insulin for diabetes treatment• Treatment for certain cancers • New vaccines• Treatments for genetic disorders

such as hemophilia

Transgenic Organisms• GMO that has DNA/genes transferred

from another species. • For example:• Bacteria with human genes • Corn with bacterial genes• Tomatoes with fish genes

How are GMOs created?1.Enzymes are used to cut DNA into

fragments2.DNA Fragments are combined to form

new plasmids which are inserted into bacteria.

3.Bacteria reproduce FAST and make many copies of the recombinant plasmid.

4.Bacteria with recombinant plasmids may express newly added foreign genes…

Fish with bacterial genes…

Are there any risks?• What do you think? • We will examine the potential

benefits and risks of GMOs over the next few lessons.