Genetically Modified:food

By Asha Chandrawat Msc. biotech,. Int 7th sem

Introduction
Genes are made of DNA and, if DNA is like an information library,
genes are like individual instruction books. The instructions in genes allow them to make proteins which are the building bocks of life. They make up the structural parts of the organism and may make other sorts of molecules like starch, oil, fibre, or fat, which are used within the organism.

Genetic modification (GM) Genetic modification (GM), genetic manipulation (GM) and genetic engineering (GE) all refer to the same thing the use of modern biotechnological techniques to change the genes of an organism, such as a plant or animal

Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. The DNA of genetically modified organisms has been altered through genetic engineering. that does not occur naturally

Genetic engineering
Identification and isolation of a gene ( which expresses a desirable trait, with the aid of restriction enzymes.)

Recipient plant or animal is selected

Gene is inserted and incorporated into its genome (through a vector such as Agrobacterium, through a gene gun shooting an elemental particle covered in plasmid DNA, electroporation, or a virus.)

Newly inserted gene becomes part of the genome of the recipient and is regulated in the same way as its other genes.

Technology for genetic modification

Besides others ,two methods used to introduce a new DNA (gene) in plant cell:a) Transfection with Agrobacterium tumefaciens: This bacterium infects the plant and transfers its DNA to the plant.

b) "shot-gun" technique: This technique is also called biolistic transformation which was developed by Sanford in 1987. Used for plants not suitable to be modified by transfection with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Whose cells walls enzymatic digestion is very difficult. Biolistic transformation can be used to transform all kind of plants, bacteria, moulds, algae and animals.

Examples of GM food:Food Properties of the genetically modified variety Resistant to glyphosate or glufosinate herbicides Variety is resistant to the Papaya ringspot virus. Modification Herbicide resistant gene taken from bacteria inserted into soybean New gene added/transferred into plant genome

Soybeans Hawaiian Papaya

Tomatoes

Variety in which the production of the A reverse copy (an antisense enzyme polygalacturonase (PG) is gene) of the gene responsible for suppressed, retarding fruit softening the production of PG enzyme after harvesting. added into plant genome Resistance to certain pesticides, High- New genes added/transferred into sucrose cane. plant genome Produces its own bioinsecticide (B.t. Gene from the bacterium Bacillus toxin) thuringiensis added to the plant. Genetically modified to contain high amounts of Vitamin A (beta-carotene) "Golden rice" Three new genes implanted: two from daffodils and the third from a bacterium

Sugar cane Sweet corn

Rice

Why GM foods? Are GM foods safe? What are investigation criteria's? Why and What are Controversies?

How Detection of GM foods done?

What is Coexistence and traceability?

Why GM foods?
Improve crop protection(Herbicide or disease resistance) Better crop yield, especially under harsh conditions(scarcity, inc. in price). Nutrition or pharmaceuticals, vaccine delivery

Are GM foods safe?

GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health to general population in the countries.

What are investigation criterias?

The safety assessment of GM foods generally investigates: (a) Direct health effects (toxicity), (b) Tendencies to provoke allergic reaction (allergenicity). (c) nutritional or toxic properties. (d) The stability of the inserted gene. (e) Any unintended effects which could result from the gene insertion.

What are controversies?

more than enough food in the world ,hunger crisis is caused by problems in food distribution and politics. Environmental hazards Unintended harm to other organisms Reduced effectiveness of pesticides Gene transfer to non-target species Human health risks Allergenicity Unknown effects on human health Economic concerns Bringing a GM food to market is a lengthy and costly process Patent enforcement may also be difficult

Detection of GM food?
Done using molecular techniques like DNA microarrays or qPCR. These tests screen genetic elements (like p35S, tNos, pat, or bar) or eventspecific markers for the official GMOs (like Mon810, Bt11, or GT73). The array-based method combines multiplex PCR and array technology to screen samples for different potential GMOs , combining different approaches (screening elements, plant-specific markers, and event-specific markers). Controls are necessary to avoid false positive or false negative results.

What is Coexistence and traceability?

Existence of GM foods together with non- GM foods without labelling or separation is co- existence. Not required by:- United States and Canada Still exercised by :- European Union, Japan, Malaysia and Australia, their governments have required labeling so consumers can exercise choice between foods that have genetically modified, conventional or organic origins. For traceability, the OECD has introduced a "unique identifier" which is given to any GMF when it is approved. This unique identifier must be forwarded at every stage of processing.

REFERENCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://go635254.s3.amazonaws.com / http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://wsd.waupaca.k12.wi.us http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.diseaseproof.com