Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of plant genetic engineering?
What is the primary goal of plant genetic engineering?
- Enhance nutrient composition and food quality (correct)
- Decrease crop yields
- Reduce food security
- Increase the need for pesticides
Which of the following methods is commonly used for plant genetic engineering?
Which of the following methods is commonly used for plant genetic engineering?
- Cloning
- Hydroponics
- Natural selection
- Gene Gun (correct)
What is one of the safety concerns related to genetically modified foods?
What is one of the safety concerns related to genetically modified foods?
- Faster growth rates
- Potential to cause allergies (correct)
- Increased vitamin content
- Enhanced flavor
How do genetically modified foods provide a benefit for the world's growing population?
How do genetically modified foods provide a benefit for the world's growing population?
Which of the following is NOT a method of plant genetic engineering?
Which of the following is NOT a method of plant genetic engineering?
What is one of the advantages of using genetic engineering over traditional methods?
What is one of the advantages of using genetic engineering over traditional methods?
One goal of plant genetic engineering is to develop crops that can:
One goal of plant genetic engineering is to develop crops that can:
Which impact of genetically modified foods is studied to confirm their safety?
Which impact of genetically modified foods is studied to confirm their safety?
What is the purpose of the Ames test in relation to foods?
What is the purpose of the Ames test in relation to foods?
Which organization has established a process for assessing the safety of GM foods?
Which organization has established a process for assessing the safety of GM foods?
What is a requirement for breeders to sell officially certified seeds?
What is a requirement for breeders to sell officially certified seeds?
What distinguishes GE crops from non-GE crops in terms of safety oversight?
What distinguishes GE crops from non-GE crops in terms of safety oversight?
How is the oversight of breeders' organizations described?
How is the oversight of breeders' organizations described?
Which organization is NOT involved in developing safety guidelines for GM foods?
Which organization is NOT involved in developing safety guidelines for GM foods?
Why is certified maize seed primarily grown in the U.S.?
Why is certified maize seed primarily grown in the U.S.?
What common misconception exists about the requirement for obtaining seed certification?
What common misconception exists about the requirement for obtaining seed certification?
What is the primary purpose of the safety assessment for GM foods?
What is the primary purpose of the safety assessment for GM foods?
Why is a case-by-case assessment necessary for GM foods?
Why is a case-by-case assessment necessary for GM foods?
What aspect besides intended effects should be considered in the safety assessment?
What aspect besides intended effects should be considered in the safety assessment?
What does the comparative approach in GM food assessment focus on?
What does the comparative approach in GM food assessment focus on?
What is NOT a goal of the safety assessment for GM foods?
What is NOT a goal of the safety assessment for GM foods?
Which of the following statements about the safety assessment of GM foods is true?
Which of the following statements about the safety assessment of GM foods is true?
What is an example of an unintended effect of genetic modification that should be considered?
What is an example of an unintended effect of genetic modification that should be considered?
What aspect is considered during the identification of hazards in GM foods?
What aspect is considered during the identification of hazards in GM foods?
What is one significant challenge suggested by detractors of Bt maize?
What is one significant challenge suggested by detractors of Bt maize?
How does the labeling policy affect consumer behavior towards GM products?
How does the labeling policy affect consumer behavior towards GM products?
What outcome is associated with a mandatory GMO labeling policy compared to a voluntary one?
What outcome is associated with a mandatory GMO labeling policy compared to a voluntary one?
Which aspect can influence consumer choice in relation to GM labels?
Which aspect can influence consumer choice in relation to GM labels?
Why might non-GM products be priced higher in the market?
Why might non-GM products be priced higher in the market?
What is a potential effect of incomplete GMO information disclosure?
What is a potential effect of incomplete GMO information disclosure?
What do labeling policies potentially do to the demand for GM products?
What do labeling policies potentially do to the demand for GM products?
Which benefit do firms experience from implementing non-GM product labels?
Which benefit do firms experience from implementing non-GM product labels?
What is the primary purpose of MON810 Bt-maize?
What is the primary purpose of MON810 Bt-maize?
Which protein is produced through the genetic alteration of MON810?
Which protein is produced through the genetic alteration of MON810?
Which insect pest is NOT mentioned as being controlled by MON810 Bt-maize?
Which insect pest is NOT mentioned as being controlled by MON810 Bt-maize?
What conclusion did the GMO Panel reach regarding new hazards associated with MON810?
What conclusion did the GMO Panel reach regarding new hazards associated with MON810?
What impact was observed during field testing of MON810 compared to non-transgenic control plants?
What impact was observed during field testing of MON810 compared to non-transgenic control plants?
What is the key component that the GMO Panel assessed in the renewal application for MON810?
What is the key component that the GMO Panel assessed in the renewal application for MON810?
How is MON810 Bt-maize classified commercially?
How is MON810 Bt-maize classified commercially?
What does dendotoxin refer to in the context of MON810?
What does dendotoxin refer to in the context of MON810?
What is the primary benefit of genetically modified maize MON810?
What is the primary benefit of genetically modified maize MON810?
Which regulatory body primarily oversees the use of Bt maize in the United States?
Which regulatory body primarily oversees the use of Bt maize in the United States?
What is the origin of the toxic gene used in MON810?
What is the origin of the toxic gene used in MON810?
Which of the following insects are specifically targeted by the protein produced in MON810?
Which of the following insects are specifically targeted by the protein produced in MON810?
What regulatory act allows the Environmental Protection Agency to oversee Bt maize?
What regulatory act allows the Environmental Protection Agency to oversee Bt maize?
Which organization issued an Experimental Use Permit for field testing of MON810?
Which organization issued an Experimental Use Permit for field testing of MON810?
What characteristic was pivotal for Monsanto’s genetically modified corn?
What characteristic was pivotal for Monsanto’s genetically modified corn?
What is a key concern expressed by skeptics regarding Bt maize?
What is a key concern expressed by skeptics regarding Bt maize?
Flashcards
What is a GMO?
What is a GMO?
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. This can be done by introducing genes from another organism, deleting genes, or modifying existing genes.
Why use genetic engineering?
Why use genetic engineering?
Genetic engineering is a faster and more precise way to modify organisms compared to traditional methods, which are slower and less precise.
Plant Transformation
Plant Transformation
Plant transformation is the process of introducing new genetic material into a plant cell.
What are the goals of plant genetic engineering?
What are the goals of plant genetic engineering?
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What is Agrobacterium tumefaciens?
What is Agrobacterium tumefaciens?
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How does a gene gun work?
How does a gene gun work?
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What is Genome Editing?
What is Genome Editing?
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How are GMO foods assessed for safety?
How are GMO foods assessed for safety?
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What is the Ames test?
What is the Ames test?
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Modified DNA in food: Potential transfer to consumers?
Modified DNA in food: Potential transfer to consumers?
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Who assesses the safety of GM foods in Australia and New Zealand?
Who assesses the safety of GM foods in Australia and New Zealand?
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Who sets international guidelines for GM food safety?
Who sets international guidelines for GM food safety?
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What is the role of breeders' organizations and seed certifying agencies?
What is the role of breeders' organizations and seed certifying agencies?
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Is certification of seeds required in all cases?
Is certification of seeds required in all cases?
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How does the safety assessment of GE crops compare to non-GE crops?
How does the safety assessment of GE crops compare to non-GE crops?
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What is the general approach to safety assessment for all crop varieties?
What is the general approach to safety assessment for all crop varieties?
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Case-by-case assessment
Case-by-case assessment
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Comparison with conventional foods
Comparison with conventional foods
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Intended and unintended effects
Intended and unintended effects
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Substantial equivalence
Substantial equivalence
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Safety assessment goals
Safety assessment goals
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Unintended effects of genetic modification
Unintended effects of genetic modification
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Risk assessment framework
Risk assessment framework
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Comprehensive safety assessment
Comprehensive safety assessment
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Bt maize (MON810)
Bt maize (MON810)
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
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Bt gene
Bt gene
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
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Federal Plant Pest Act (FPPA)
Federal Plant Pest Act (FPPA)
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Lepidopteran larvae (caterpillars)
Lepidopteran larvae (caterpillars)
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Coleopteran larvae (beetle grubs)
Coleopteran larvae (beetle grubs)
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Non-target Effects of Bt Maize
Non-target Effects of Bt Maize
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Gene Flow of Bt Maize
Gene Flow of Bt Maize
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Insect Resistance to Bt
Insect Resistance to Bt
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Compatibility of Bt Maize Control
Compatibility of Bt Maize Control
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Consumer Preference for Non-GM Products
Consumer Preference for Non-GM Products
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Presence-Focused Labeling
Presence-Focused Labeling
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Absence-Focused Labeling
Absence-Focused Labeling
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Partial GMO Information Disclosure
Partial GMO Information Disclosure
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What is Bt-maize?
What is Bt-maize?
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What is Cry1Ab protein?
What is Cry1Ab protein?
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Why is the European corn borer a concern for corn farmers?
Why is the European corn borer a concern for corn farmers?
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How does MON810 Bt-maize combat the European corn borer?
How does MON810 Bt-maize combat the European corn borer?
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What was Monsanto's original focus for MON810 Bt-maize's development?
What was Monsanto's original focus for MON810 Bt-maize's development?
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Does MON810 Bt-maize also protect against other pests?
Does MON810 Bt-maize also protect against other pests?
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What are some environmental benefits of Bt-maize?
What are some environmental benefits of Bt-maize?
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Why is Bt-maize sometimes met with controversy?
Why is Bt-maize sometimes met with controversy?
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Study Notes
Biosecurity and Research Bioethics [APB1304]
- The course covers biosecurity and research bioethics.
- The course is part of the School of Biotechnology.
Lecture 6: Genetically Modified Organisms
- The lecture is about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- The topic is given by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Gabr.
What is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?
- GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
- These techniques allow the insertion of new genes from one species into a completely unrelated species.
- GMOs are used to enhance agricultural performance and produce pharmaceutical substances.
Ethics and Marketing of GMOs
- Ethical considerations surrounding the use of GMOs are discussed.
- The marketing strategies related to GMOs are evaluated.
Why Are Foods Genetically Modified?
- Genetic engineering offers a faster and more precise method of altering organisms compared to traditional methods.
- Traditional methods are slower and less accurate.
Plant Genetic Engineering: Plant Transformation
- Traditional breeding techniques have been used to alter genomes, but these are limited by natural variation.
- Genetic engineering allows for precise control over introduced genetic changes.
- GMOs, including crops, are used in agriculture and other applications.
Aims of Plant Genetic Engineering
- Increased crop yields.
- Reduced costs for food or drug production.
- Reduced need for pesticides.
- Enhanced nutrient composition and food quality.
- Resistance to pests and disease.
- Greater food security, and medical benefits to the world's growing population.
- Developing crops that mature faster and tolerate environmental stressors.
- Other applications, including the production of nonprotein (bioplastic) or nonindustrial (ornamental plant) products.
Methods of Plant Genetic Engineering
- Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
- Gene Gun.
- Genome Editing.
Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer
- Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a natural tool for transferring DNA into plant cells.
- The process uses a Ti plasmid to transfer desired genes into the plant's genome.
Gene Gun
- The gene gun is a method for introducing DNA into plant cells using high-velocity microprojectiles.
- The DNA-coated microcarriers are shot into the cells.
Genome Editing
- The process involves identifying a target gene and creating guide RNA (gRNA) to target and edit the gene.
- It involves the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Foods
- Research has studied the impact of GMOs on human health, focusing on the following:
- Safety of the product in terms of allergies, cancer, and organ damage (kidneys, liver, heart).
- The ability of the food to cause unintended mutations or increase mutation rates (Ames test).
- The ability of modified DNA to transfer to human DNA and its potential effects on fertility, embryos, and offspring.
Regulation of GM Foods
- Breeders' organizations and seed certifying agencies provide oversight in the sale of seed.
- This oversight is voluntary; companies can produce and sell seed without certification.
- There is scrutiny accorded to GE crops and an analysis to meet the demands of producers and consumers.
- Countries such as food standards Australia and New Zealand, have established processes for assessing the safety of GM foods.
How Does Ensuring GM Foods Are Safe?
- The safety assessment is done within the established risk assessment framework used in respective countries.
- Identifying new risks related to the genetic modification.
- Assessing risks under intended use conditions.
- Determining if new use conditions are needed for safe use.
- Comparing GM foods to conventional foods.
Case Study: Bt Maize
- Bt maize has revolutionized pest control.
- Some people remain skeptical of this new technology.
- Maize are challenged with lepidopteran larvae (i.e., caterpillars) that feed on stalks, ears, or leaves, and coleopteran larvae.
- A gene from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produces the toxin, was modified and added. to genetically modified maize.
- Regulations related to MON810 are primarily handled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). under acts like FIFRA and FFDCA.
GMO Labeling Policy and Consumer Choice
- Most scientists claim GMOs in foods are safe, however, many consumers remain skeptical.
- Different labeling policies influence consumer choices.
- Presence-focused and absence-focused labeling b
- oth reduce demand for GM products.
- Label design choices, like color, impact consumer attitudes and willingness to pay.
Main Questions
- Does labeling policy affect consumer purchase decisions ?
- Does labeling policy influence other choice factors like price and willingness to shop in the given category?
- Does the completion and nature of disclosed information impact buying decisions?
- Do consumers react differently to GMO labeling based on format/design?
GMO Labeling and Vertical Differentiation
- GMO labels create vertical differentiation by signaling non-GMO products as better.
- Consumers may be drawn away from considering factors like price.
- Voluntary labeling policies can still decrease market demand for GM products.
Summary of Additional Information
- A timeline depicts key moments in GMO development and regulation.
- Key considerations for GMO safety are highlighted.
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