Divine Word College of Legazpi GE 07 

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, ARTS AND SCIENCES Science, Technology, and Society

Legazpi City 2nd Semester
June

Genetically Modified Organisms

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

 Identify issues on genetically modified organisms (GMOs);

 Explain different implications and impact of GMOs; and
 Create a research paper on the impact of GMOs in the Philippine context.

What is GMO??

“GMO as an “organism, either plant, animal, or microorganism, in which the genetic material
(DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural
recombination.” -World Health Organization

GMOs in Food and Agricultural Industries

 Pest resistance- genetically modified plants to resist certain pests.

 Virus resistance- genetically modified plants to resist certain viruses.
 Herbicide tolerance- genetically modified plants to tolerate herbicide.
 Fortification- genetically modified plants fortified with certain minerals.
 Cosmetic preservation- genetically modified plants resist natural discoloration.
 Increase growth rate- a genetically modified organism that has higher yield in growth
than normal species.
 Flower production- GMOs in flower production are seen in modified color and extended
vase life of flowers.
 Paper production- modified characteristics of trees for higher yield of paper production.
 Pharmaceutical productions- modified plants to produce pharmaceutical products.
 Bioremediation- use of modified plants that can assist in the bioremediation of polluted
sites.
 Enzyme and drug production- use of modified microorganisms that can produce
enzymes for food processing and medicines.
 GMOs in the medical field- genetic engineering is playing a significant role from
diagnosis to treatment of human-dreaded diseases. It helps in the production of drugs,
gene therapy, and laboratory researches.

Benefits of GMO’s

 Higher efficiency in farming  Improvement of desirable

 Increases in harvest characteristics
 Control in fertility  Nutritional and pharmaceutical
 Increase in food processing enhancement
 Reduce the use of fertilizer and
pesticides

Potential risks of GMOs

 1. Since genetic engineering is still a young branch of science, there are inadequate
studies on the effects of GMOs to humans and the environment.

2. Genetic engineering promotes mutation in organisms which the long term effect is still
unknown.

3. Human consumption of GMOs might have the following effects:

– More allergic reactions

– Gene mutation

– Antibiotic resistance

– Nutritional value

4. Risk in gene flow

5. Emergence of new forms of resistance and secondary pests and weed problems
6. Recombination of Virus and Bacteria to Produce New Pathogens

Direct and Indirect Environmental Risks caused by GMOs

Direct environmental risks:

o May cause disruption of the natural communities through competition or
interference
o The possibility of unexpected behavior of the GMOs in the environment of it
escapes its intended use and may post threats or become pest
o May cause harmful effects of ecosystem processes of GMOs interfere with the
natural biochemical cycles
o The persistence of GMO genes after its harvest which may cause negative
impacts to the consumer of GMO products

Indirect environmental risks:

o Alternation of agricultural practices
o May have impacts to biodiversity caused by the alternation in agricultural
practices
o May have varied environmental impacts due to GMOs interaction and release in
the natural environment.

Potential Human Health Risks caused by GMOs

o Consumption of GMOs may have adverse effects since it is not naturally or organically
produced.
o Consumption of GMOs may alter the balance of existing microorganisms in the human
digestive system.
o Production of toxins may be detrimental to human health
o Production of allergens may have adverse effects on humans
o Other potential risks:
o Human Genome Project (HGP)
o Mutation of genetically engineered microorganisms
o Cloning

Biosafety on GMOs

International organizations developed principles and treaties that somehow ensure

biosafety on GMOs. Some of these initiatives are:
 1. The Codex Alimentarius Commission
2. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
3. International Trade Agreement on labeling of GM food and food products

GMO’s in Philippine Context

Introduction of GMOs in our country created issues and controversies similar to other
countries with GMO

o The GMO concern started in the 1990s with the creation of the National Committee on
Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) through E.O. No. 430 of 1990.
o In 2002, the Department of Agriculture released Administrative Order No. 8, the
guidelines for the importation and release into the environment of GM plants and plant
products
o The Philippines was marked to be the first country in Asia to approved commercial
cultivation of GMOs when GM corn planting was approved in 2002
o In 2004, the Philippines was classified by International Service for acquisition of agri-
biotech applications as one of the fourteen biotechmega countries which grow 50,000
hectares or more of GMO crops annually.
o In 2006, the Philippines became part of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
o In 2010, the Orgaic Agriculture Act was issued, encouraging organic agriculture than
GMO-related agriculture.
o In 2012, Representative Teddy Casiño, together with other congressmen, filled a bill
pushing for the mandatory labeling of GM food and food products.

THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS

1. How would you reconcile the advantages and disadvantages that GMO’s bring to
humans?
2. When do you think should the pursuit of GMO’s research stop?
3. Is genetic engineering a pure scientific process or it is indeed an act of humans playing
like God?

4. Dr. Suzuki has suggested that science cannot be left to the scientists.

• Discuss who makes the decisions in the above cases.

• If the society makes the decisions, how do we better ensure a scientifically literate society?

LEARNER’S ACTIVITY

Designer Genes

DEBATE

Purpose: To examine the competing perspectives on genetically modified foods (GMOs).

Background: Genetic engineering offers the possibility of using genes to modify existing
plants or create new ones. Critics would argue that this can be a dangerous game. The
following activity is intended to engage students in this debate.

Procedure:
• Discuss the implications of genetically modified foods and choose a method (letter to the
editor, PowerPoint presentation, video, etc.) to report on and inform others of your findings
and conclusions.
 Group yourselves based on your opinions (If you agree or disagree).

Topics:
A. Use of genetically modified milk from animals for human baby consumption.
 B. Economic concerns over moral issues on Genetically Modified food and food products.

Resources:
 Serafica, J. J., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib, B. N., & Alata, E. P. (2018). Science,
Technology, and Society. Manila, Philippines: Rex Printing Company Inc.

 The New York Times: “Drought Resistance Is the Goal, but Methods Differ”:
 https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/business/23drought.html?ref=thefoodchain

 “Genetically Modified Foods; Harmful or Helpful?”:

 https://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php

 World Health Organization, Food Safety: “20 Questions on Genetically Modified

Foods”:
 https://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/

 PBS: “Genetically Modified Foods”: https://www.pbs.org/video/chicago-tonight-

august-14-2014-genetically-modified-foods/

 What’s The Deal with GMO’s (No.4909):

 https://www.pbs.org/video/whats-the-deal-with-gmos-no-4909-fhkl8ls/

Extension

1. Write an individual research paper on impacts of GMOs on one of the following topics:
a. Golden Rice of the International Rice Research Institute
b. Genetically modified organism produced by Philippine researchers.
c. Issues on Philippine biosafety policies.

Research Paper Outline:

I. Title
II. Introduction
III. Stand
IV. Evidences
V. Conclusion
VI. References

You can use this diagram as a guide.

Research
Paper Rubric:
Mandia.(2013). Rubric for Research Paper Evaluation. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Rubric-for-research-paper-evaluation-
Mandia-2013_fig1_272810525