BIOB 110cs 1st Edition Lecture 22 Biotechnology and GM Crops The goal of biotech is not introduce new proteins enzymes Crown Gall Caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens Some of the bacteria s DNA is put into the plant and can be replaced with a desirable gene called a transgene Selectable Marker Gene i ii A selectable marker gene created resistance to an antibiotic It transforms the plant tissue Only genes with transgene can survive and make new plans Gene Gun Coats DNA on micron sized particles made of gold o Gold is inert doesn t react nontoxic and very dense The gun shoots particles into pieces of the leaf Some of this DNA will become a part of the genome GM Crops Advantages Food is cheaper to produce less pesticides less fertilizer Simpler production scheme for farmers Sustainable efficient use of farmland Better react to stress conditions Reduces food shortages More nutritious and safe food Makes less expensive pharmaceuticals Round up Ready Crops Roundup is a herbicide that kills all plants Inhibits and enzyme that exists only in plants and bacteria Does not stay in the soil or affect groundwater Soybeans corn and other crops have been implemented with a gene that is roundup resistant GM Crops Concerns The technology is considered unnatural Encourages dependency on chemicals Unknown effects on human health may cause allergies Could cause transgene escape loss of biodiversity superweeds Biotech companies could gain a monopoly anti big business GM Crops regulation USDA US Department of Agriculture regulates greenhouse and field studies ecological safety EPA US Environmental Protection Agency regulates environmental safety toxicology food tolerances and experimental use FDA US Food and Drug Administration regulates general food safety
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