Genetically Altered Food

1. Genetically Altered Food WHAT? Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

2. Genetically Altered Food WHAT? Aulanni’amBiochemistry LaboratoryChemistry DepartmentBrawijaya Universityaulani@brawijaya.ac.id Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

3. What is genetically altered food? • A gene from one species is synthetically inserted into a different kind of species, this could never happen naturally. • For this to happen the natural species barriers of the recipient plant are deliberately overcome and broken down. • Typically done by a virus which acts as a ‘vector’ to overcome a plants protective mechanisms and insert the new genes. • The virus will help to express the gene in order to turn on the functionality of these new genes.This process is called “Gene Expression” Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

4. Forms • There are two common forms of genetically altered food crops. • The first, plants are modified to be resistant to MHR (Mansoto Herbicide Roundup)tm. This is done so farmers can kill weeds without killing the young seedlings. • The second, Plants are modified to contain within its genetic structure a pesticide called BT (Bacillus Thurngiensis). Mostly used with corn. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

5. How to Genetically Engineer a Plant • Scientists use chemical "scissors“(restriction enzymes) to isolate a piece of DNA (a gene). The gene isolated may be useful because it codes for a protein which could help a plant resist disease or insects, or be able to grow without too much water. This desirable gene could be isolated from an animal, a bacterium, or another plant. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

6. How to • 2. Once the gene is isolated, it needs to be placed into a plant cell. Cells are very small, so you need a clever way of doing this. • One way you can do this is to link the isolated gene to a circular ring of genetic material called a plasmid (manufactured). • A plasmid can be absorbed by a bacterium which transfers the plasmid to plant cells. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

7. P T In the above plasmid, the YELLOW gene is one that gives the bacterium resistance to one antibiotic (eg Penicillin). The GREEN gene gives resistance to a different antibiotic (eg Tetracycline) Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

8. P Cut here T By using special enzymes, we can make a cut in the midst of ONE of theseantibiotic resistance genes.In this example, we will cut open the ‘T’ gene Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

9. Prepared human gene Next, we introduce the prepared HUMAN gene to the mixture. If all goes according to plan, the human gene will fit into the cut in the plasmidso that the green ‘T’ gene will no longer work correctly. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

10. How • 3. Once the DNA is inside the cell, it migrates to the plant's nucleus, where the genetic material is permanently integrated into the chromosomes. • 4. The bioengineered plant cells are then grown in a special culture (a sort of nutrient bath). In a few months, a fully formed plant grows from the altered cells. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

11. The food fuss • The fuss revolves around one phrase: genetic modification. • One side argues that genetic modification of food enhances the quality and nutritional value of existing foods as well as generating new ways to produce that food. • The other side questions the technology’s safety and long-term effects, arguing that we simply don’t know what we’re putting in our mouths. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

12. Many foods we eat each day are products of genetic modification. • Or a genetically modified potato plant that is developed to resist a certain harmful beetle eliminates the need for chemical pesticides. • Supportersargue that using biotechnology in the production of food products has many benefits. • GM foods are used to introduce traits that a product wouldn’t normally have; can improve the nutritional value of products; and can produce cheaper and more environmentally-friendly fertilizers. And, say the supporters, all of this is done safely. • all foods go through rigorous tests to ensure they’re safe, and the standard for ‘safe’ is the food that’s already being sold in grocery stores. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

13. bOVINE GrOWTH HOrMONE • -rBGH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone), is a genetically engineered variant of the natural growth hormone produced by cows. • Injection of this hormone forces cows to increase their milk production by about 10%. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

14. bOVINE GrOWTH HOrMONE • -rBGH milk is contaminated by the GE hormone which can be absorbed through the gut and induce immunological effects. • -rBGH milk is chemically and nutritionally very different from natural milk. • -rBGH milk is supercharged with high levels of a natural growth factor (IGF-1), excess levels of which have been incriminated as major causes of breast, colon, and prostate cancers. Aulani "GE" Presentation 7

15. thank you... Aulani "GE" Presentation 7