Introduction. Genetic engineering or genetic modification of corn refers to using molecular techniques or other similar techniques of biotechnology to add slight quantities of chromosomal material to the atomic structure and composition of corn, to protect it against infestation by pests, harm caused by herbicides or to increase its quality 4. In general, genetically modified corn is wired to resist herbicides and to produce its own insecticide. The trait in corn which tolerates herbicides is produced using tissue culture selection and a chemical called mutagen ethyl methanesulfonate 1. The trait in genetically modified corn that produces insecticide has a certain protein that is poisonous to some insect pests called Bt Toxin, hence the reason why genetically modified corn is also called Bt corn 3. How does it work? The transformation of normal corn into Bt corn involves extraction of the required gene from the donor organism, Bacillus thuringiensis,1 which is a bacteria that occurs naturally in soils. The genetic material is extracted from this bacterium to manufacture a certain form of proteins (Bt delta endotoxin) which has the ability to kill harmful larvae of the Lepidoptera species 5 such as the famous European Corn borer and the Southwestern corn borer. However, this gene is not implanted on its own. A combination of the gene and other genetic material such as a promoter sequence that partly determines how the new trait will come out or be articulated in the corn is also implanted 5. Such traits may include articulation of the protein in particular parts of the corn or at specific time periods. Examples of such promoters include herbicide and antibiotic tolerance promoters which are frequently used in identifying which cor... ... middle of paper ... ... digestive systems. Conclusion Many debates are still being held by environmental agencies, food and drug control institutions and other scientific research organizations and specialists on the viability of using genetically modified foods in general. The general opinion is that the safety standards should be considered before a genetic modification is made. This is by comparing the risks of such a modification to the opportunity cost of maintaining the unmodified version. Several measures should be taken to ensure that certain effects of genetically modified foods are under control, for instance the creation of super weeds through cross pollination between Bt corn and crop weeds can be averted by using control regions where farmers plant unmodified corn in fields next to the Bt corn or planting of sterile male Bt corn to prevent the spread of pollen to crop weeds.
Evidence has shown that the corn we know today is quite different from the first time it was domesticated in Mexico. Although researchers and the academic world acknowledge that corn began its world journey in Mexico, they are unsure as to the time and location of the earliest domestication (American Society of Plant Biologist). Through genetics, teosinte is found to be corn’s wild ancestor. Although the two do not look much alike, at a DNA level they are surprisingly alike, such as having the same number of chromosomes and a remarkably similar arrangement of genes (The University of Utah).
A GMO is a plant or animal that has been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or other plants and animals. Most of the combinations which are used could not possibly occur in nature on its own. The intention of the process is to create a new beneficial trait such as creating its own pesticide or make it immune to herbicides. This would allow the crop such as Bt co...
One of the most prominent crops in the GMO industry is Bt corn. The Bt pesticide stands for Bacillus Thuringiensis. Scientists transferred the Bt gene into the corn to create a crop that produces its own pesticides. As the corn matures, it grows stronger poi...
In the video, “Genetically Modified Crops: Hope vs. Hype”, reveals that a Cornell study followed-up by Iowa state researchers show that “pollen from GMO corn is killing the larvae of the Monarch butterflies, which is not at all what the corn 's designers intended” (“Genetically Modified Crops: Hope vs. Hype”). GMO seeds are contaminating our environment, which were presumed safe before. Genetically-modified organisms are the unorthodox procedure of moving genes from one species to a completely different and unrelated species. These unnatural transferring of genetics are causing death among insects. Undeniably, nature 's long-lived ways are safer compared to the bio-tech 's short-lived ways. They hold many uncertainties. Such as, Niagara
A debate is ragging over the advancements being made in genetic engineering. Scientist discovered that genes are the map of every aspect of a living organism, this has furthermore led to the prospect of altering this coding. By modifying one’s genes parents will one day be able to pick the color of their unborn child’s eyes and farmers will have the ability to develop plants that will produce bigger and healthier harvest. With the growing anticipation that some feel towards genetically modified crops others question it effects on the surrounding environments. Often pesticides are more heavily relied on for genetically modified crops and some cases have found pollination decreased in areas dominated by GM plants. Since there are so many aspects of genetic modification that have yet to be explored, much more research is required before distributing GM seeds internationally, but from the information already available the sides have begun to divide.
2. Field Deposition of Bt Transgenic Corn Pollen: Lethal Effects on the Monarch Butterfly. Hansen, Jesse and Obrycki, John J. October 2002. Oecologia. v125 n2 pp. 241-248 <http://www.springerlink.com/app/home/contribution.asp?wasp=d8jhtkxwwplceb6qnq96&referrer=parent&backto=searcharticlesresults,2,2;journal,1,1;linkingpublicationresults,id:100458,1>
Bt is added to GM corn. Bt is an insect repellent harmless to humans. Bt works when a pest bites into the corn. In a short period of time the protein toxins of Bt destroy the pests’ stomach. Along with Bt there are many other genetic modifications done to corn. Some scientists think that GM corn may have introduced new allergens. Also, genes that were given to GM corn may have contaminated surrounding fields due to pollination. To stop the spread of genes, scientists used terminator technology. What this did is it made the pollen sterile, so it could not
There are many positive views on the genetic altering of corn. Consumers always look for the shiny, beautiful food with delicious taste. By genetically engineering corn, it can become sweeter and have a better overall appearance. (16) Along with this pleasing appearance, comes its improved resistance for insects, disease, and other pests. This means that new forms of corn now possesses the ability to overcome pests and even weeds that once weakened or killed the young plants. As a result, corn can be grown where there used to be a lot of infestation. (13) In the process, this would also kill insects. Furthermore, corn has more nutritional benefits. Corn now has additional vitamins and minerals because of genetic engineering to provide greater
The term ‘genetic engineering’ covers several methods of manipulating genetic material, otherwise known as genetic manipulation; recombinant DNA technology and gene therapy in humans(Atkinson, 1998). This technique is not only used for genetic transfer between plants; but, genes from non-plant organisms can be used as well. A known example of this is the transfer of the B.t gene found in corn and other crops. The B.t gene, or otherwise known as ‘Bacillus thurngiensis (Bt)’; is a naturally occurring bacterium that create proteins with crystals that are fatal to insect larvae (Whitman, 2000). These B.t genes have
Pick up a box of cornflakes; chances are you’re looking at genetically modified food. Genetically modified food can be found everywhere, in the supermarkets, farms, houses, etc., but no one really knows about it. One of the most popular genetically modified foods is BT Corn. BT corn is genetically modified corn; engineered to keep pests away from the crop. BT is an acronym for common soil-inhabiting bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis. Although these revolutionized genetically modified food may sound innovative, there are ethical issues that need to be considered, such as effects on the environment and effects on human health.
Genetically modified corn is incredibly beneficial to farmers and consumers. Not only is corn beneficial, but a healthy alternative as well. With the help of biotechnology these corn crops are made to only contain the desirable traits without the undesirable traits present. Plant breeders and other scientists have made it so modified corn is useful in individuals everyday lives. Corn is broken down scientifically to create other foods, bathroom items, pharmaceutical medicines, tires and more. “Modified corn, produces medically valuable drugs and enzymes that are safer and cheaper” (“Corn and Soybean Digest”). Corn has many useful traits that are healthy for individuals, physically and healthy entirely
Genes were successfully introduced into plants in 1983 by both biologists at Washington University and Monsanto–a huge leader in the agricultural biotechnology field (Stone). The first modifications dealt with insect resistance by encoding genes with crystalline proteins. Bacillus Thuringiensis, more commonly known as BT, is a bacterium that produces these toxic, crystalline proteins. These toxins target and attack a wide range of insects and nematodes, reducing the need for chemicals. In 1999, scientists developed a new type of corn that could withstand applications of herbicides, which are toxic substances used to destroy unwanted vegetation. Referred to as, “RoundUp Ready Corn,” it could survive these deadly substances. The government approved
The current use of technology for GMOs can be very useful. Less pesticide is needed to be used due to insect pest resistant
Genetic engineering is a way in which specific genes for an animal or plant can be extracted, and reproduced to form a new animal or plant. These new organisms will express the required trait for that gene. This practice is a very controversial topic within the scientific world. It is being implemented in various areas such as agriculture even though there are many alternatives that can be found for genetic engineered crops, such as organic materials and reducing leeching of the soil. The controversy regarding this practice occurs as it is believed to contribute both negative and positive implications and dangers, not only to oneself but the environment as a whole. Genetic engineering increases the agricultural economy, the yields of agricultural produce, and also causes negative effects on the ecosystem.
Insecticides extracted from the bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis, known as Bt, have been commonly used to reduce pest populations and increase crop yields in modern agriculture. This insecticide has been credited for having the least amount of damage on the environment compared to synthetic pesticides. The application of Bt, however, has proven to be inefficient, primarily because the pesticide does not efficiently target underground pests and because the effects of the pesticide does not last for a significant amount of time. So, genetic engineers proposed that in order to increase the efficiency of the application of Bt insecticide on crops, genetically modified crops containing the genetic material from Bacillus Thuringiensis bacteria should be introduced into the market for farmers to grow in order to have the pesticide be efficiently delivered by having the plant produce the insecticide itself. In this manner, the effects of the insecticide would persist for a greater amount of time because the plant would produce the insecticide continuously, while root tunneling pests would also be affected as a result of the direct delivery of the Bt toxins in the roots of the crops. The integration of Bt toxic genes into the plants’ genetic material would also prevent exposure of this insecticide towards non-target insects.