Biotechnology Exam #3 W 7/9 Human resource production and use Worldwide Grain Production per Person http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/2008/Update69.htm ~60 percent of the world grain harvest is consumed as food, ~36 percent as feed, and ~3 percent as fuel. While the use of grain for food and feed grows by roughly 1 percent per year, that used for fuel is growing by over 20 percent per year. http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/2008/Update69.htm Land use in USA, 1997 Artificial Selection (breeding) HunterGatherer Industrial Agricultural Modern cows were bred from earlier bovine species. from Teosinte Maize By artificial selection that began ~10,000 years ago. Different foods from one species of plant. Created by artificial selection. Wild member of Brassica oleracea: small side buds Artificial selection Number of Individuals 1. Select individuals that have the largest side buds and breed them. 2. Of the offspring, select individuals that have the largest side buds and breed them. 3. Of the offspring, select individuals that have the largest side buds and breed them. 4. After several generations, bud size increases dramatically. 0 Brussels sprouts: extremely large side buds 1 2 Size of buds (cm) 3 Agricultural HunterGatherer Industrial Genetic Engineering: Direct manipulation of DNA nucleus from DNA: the Information DNA RNA cytoplasm to proteins: the Actors protein We can now insert new genes or modify existing genes of organisms CB 20.2 Millions of Hectares Global area planted with GM crops http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/agri_biotechnology/gmo_planting/257.global_gm_planting_2006.html Texas = 70 ha % of Total US Acres Common GM Crops in the U.S. http://blog.wired .com/wiredscien ce/2007/09/mon santo-ishap.html Why Change a Plant’s DNA? • Can change plant so that it has new or different characteristics – Produce needed protein – Insect resistance (Bt toxin) – Herbicide resistance (Round-up) – Drought or other stress resistance Types of Genetically Modified Crops Herbicide Tolerance; Insect Resistance; Viral Resistance % of Total US Acres Common GM Crops in the U.S. http://blog.wired .com/wiredscien ce/2007/09/mon santo-ishap.html Is Genetically Modifying Plants a Good Idea? Texas = 70 ha http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/agri_biotechnology/gmo_planting/257.global_gm_planting_2006.html Is Changing an Organism’s DNA a Good or Bad Idea? • Genes flow within species and between species. • Are GM foods safe for the environment? • Are herbicide or insect resistant plants safe to eat? • Are GM foods profitable for: – Consumers, Farmers, and Companies? Pollution in Gulf of Mexico from run-off in the Mississippi river Qu i c k T i m e ™ a n d a T I F F (U n c o m p re s s e d ) d e c o m p re s s o r a re n e e d e d t o s e e t h i s p i c t Pollen is easily transferred from plant to plant, and to related species. Genetic information moves. GM crops found in Oaxaca and other MX states GM crops illegal Genetic information moves, and is self-replicating. GM crops found in Oaxaca and other MX states GM crops illegal Is Changing an Organism’s DNA a Good or Bad Idea? • Genes flow within species and between species. • Are GM foods safe for the environment? • Are herbicide or insect resistant plants safe to eat? • Are GM foods profitable for: – Consumers, Farmers, and Companies? N. Am. Forest An interconnected ecosystem Qu i c k T i m e ™ a n d a T IF F (Un c o m p re s s e d ) d e c o m p re s s o r a re n e e d e d t o s Danger of GM crops to other organisms Danger of GM crops to other organisms Danger of GM crops to other organisms Danger of GM crops to other organisms Danger of GM crops to other organisms Many Questions, but Few Answers? • Genes flow within species and between species. • Are GM foods safe for the environment? • Are herbicide or insect resistant plants safe to eat? • Are GM foods profitable for: – Consumers, Farmers, and Companies? % of Total US Acres Common Genetically Modified Crops Starlink corn Many Questions, but Few Answers? • Genes flow within species and between species. • Are GM foods safe for the environment? • Are herbicide or insect resistant plants safe to eat? • Are GM foods profitable for: – Consumers, Farmers, and Companies? Where does the information about genetically modified foods come from? Many Questions, but Few Answers? • Genes flow within species and between species. • Are GM foods safe for the environment? • Are herbicide or insect resistant plants safe to eat? • Are GM foods profitable for: – Consumers, Farmers, and Companies? Patents give 17 year monopoly for inventor Examples of current patents: •Atryn- antithrombin produced in transgenic goats (in milk) has anti-clotting properties •Evolutec has patents on proteins in tick saliva for use as anti-inflammatory •GTG in Australia has patents on non-coding human DNA for detecting risk af various diseases •Harvard patented cancer susceptible mouse •Over 70 U.S. patents for use of Indian neem tree Neem, say the women, helps babies sleep, keeps flies away, is a cosmetic, a disinfectant and a pesticide. Its leaves make good cattle fodder, its twigs are good for teeth and gums. It is used, they say, for snake bites, malaria, hysteria, high blood pressure, pain relief, skin diseases and a host of other ailments. Over 70 U.S. patents for use of Indian neem tree Neem, say the women, helps babies sleep, keeps flies away, is a cosmetic, a disinfectant and a pesticide. Its leaves make good cattle fodder, its twigs are good for teeth and gums. It is used, they say, for snake bites, malaria, hysteria, high blood pressure, pain relief, skin diseases and a host of other ailments. Over 70 U.S. patents for use of Indian neem tree One was rejected due to previous use in indigenous Indian culture Concerns of developing nations vs. industrialized countries Bioprospecting Lack of research on third world problems. (tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, dysentery… Not profitable. Where does the information about genetically modified foods come from? Millions of Hectares Global area planted with GM crops http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/agri_biotechnology/gmo_planting/257.global_gm_planting_2006.html Texas = 70 ha Biotechnology Exam #3 W 7/9