Genetic Engineering

and the Society

Module 10
 Genetic Engineering

▸ alters, deletes, and modifies the DNA of living organisms

with the use of biotechnology.
▸ may reduce problems of poverty and malnutrition in the
world.
▸ Genes from two different organisms that can't breed
naturally are modified and artificially introduced to
another organism creating a transgenic or GMO.
What is a GMO?
A genetically modified organism is one
whose genetic material has been altered
using genetic engineering.

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOS,

are commonly used in foods and medicines.
This has led to concern about the dangers
they might cause to the environment and to
human health.
Purpose of GMO
▸ Increase crop yields
▸ Increase shelf life
▸ Make disease and
parasite resistant crops
▸ Produce more nutritious
crops?
THE IMPACTS OF
GMO TO THE
SOCIETY
“
AGRICULTURE
Advantages
AGRICULTURE
Disadvantages
HEALTH
Advantages
HEALTH
Disadvantages
ENVIRONMENT

Advantages
ENVIRONMENT
Disadvantages
GENE THERAPY
▸ Is a therapeutic delivery of nucleic acid into a patient’s cells
as a drug to treat genetic disease.

▸ The new DNA usually contains a functioning gene to correct

the effects of disease causing mutation

▸ A promising treatment option of some genetic diseases

including muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis etc.
Gene Mutations are the ones that
cause a disease.
Some well known inherited genetic disorders
▸ Cystic Fibrosis
▸ Sickle cell Anemia
▸ Hemophilia
▸ Color Blindness
▸ Muscular dystrophy etc.
▸ All these disorders are caused by the mutation
of a single gene. Some medical problems may
be genetic but not hereditary
TYPES OF GENE
THERAPY
Somatic Gene Therapy
transfer of DNA to body cells namely the
blood cells, muscle, fat, neurons, and bone
cells reproduced by mitosis.
Germline Therapy
transfer of DNA to gametes or cells in
sexual reproduction; an egg cell and a sperm
cell unite to form a zygote.
CHALLENGES OF GENE THERAPY
▸ Delivering the gene to the right place and
switching it on
▸ Avoiding the immune response
▸ Making sure the new gene doesn’t disrupt the
function of other gene
▸ The cost of gene therapy
Why is a virus
also used in this
technology?
The Socio Economic and Political
Impacts of GMO's
GMO's help many underdeveloped nations
acquire sustainable food security.

Population growth increases demands and

possibly the root cause of problems
emerging in the society congruently affect
the economy of a country
Matin Qaim, an expert in international food
economics and rural development, conducted
many researches in Africa, Asia and America.

He concluded that Genetically Modified Crops

provided many benefits to the poor.

Debates on controversies and politics are

playing around GMO's.
3 Reasons people oppose GMO Foods
1. Rational Opposition
• GMO express foreign genes which can be toxic or cause
allergies
• can contaminate organic crops
• can promote monocultures
2. Anti Capitalist Opposition

GMO’s are produced by big corporations trying

to take over the food supply and to dominate
the world.
3. Quasi-Religious Opposition

“Mother Nature knows better and we must not

try to improve her.”(Pollandri).
Thanks!
Any questions?