Genetically modified food

1. GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS
NITHIN S A
UHS18PGD304

2. What are genetically-modified crops?
 The term GM crops or GMOs (genetically-modified organisms) is most commonly used
to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest
molecular biology techniques.
 These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as
increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content.
 The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding.
 Genetic engineering, on the other hand, can create plants with the exact desired trait very
rapidly and with great accuracy.
 For example: plant geneticists can isolate a gene responsible for drought tolerance and
insert that gene into a different plant. The new genetically-modified plant will gain
drought tolerance as well.
 Not only can genes be transferred from one plant to another, but genes from non-plant
organisms also can be used.
 The best known example of this is the use of B.t. genes in corn and other crops.
Deborah B. Whitman, 2000

3. History
 First genetically modified crop plant an antibiotic resistant tobacco plant in
1982.
 First field trails occurred in France and the USA in 1986.
 First country to allow commercialized transgenic plants introducing a virus
resistant tobacco in 1992 in China.
 First genetically modified crop approved for sale in the U.S FlavrSavr tomato
in 1994.
 Bt cotton is the genetically modified organisms cotton variety, which
produces an insecticide to bollworm it is produced by Monsanto.
 Bt cotton was first approved for field trials in the United states 1993, and first
approved commercial use in the United states in 1995.
 Bt cotton was approved by the Chinese government in 1997.

4.  Only Bt cotton is allowed to be commercially grown in India till now.
 Bt cotton approved by the government of India in 2002.
 In 2002, a joint venture between Monsanto and Mahyco introduced Bt cotton
to India.
 Leading countries of genetically modified crops worldwide in 2015, based
on planted acreage (in million hectares)
1. USA
2. Brazil
3. Argentina
4. India

5. General GM crops process
The Process for GM has 8 steps and begins with:
1.Isolation of the gene(s) of interest- A chromosome is used to identify the
gene(s) responsible for the desired trait in the organism.
1. Insertion of the gene(s) into a transfer vector- The desired trait is put into
the plasmid.
2. Plant transformation- The plasmid contained inside Agrobacterium
tumefaciens cells transfers the plasmids and new gene into the plants
chromosomes.
4. Selection of the modified plant cells- Selectable marker genes are used to
favor the growth of the cells containing the trait as apposed to the non-
transformed cells.
Tripathi, 2013

6. 5. Regeneration into whole plants via tissue culture- In this step they take
explants (plants/cells) onto media containing nutrients development of cells plantlets
that once rooted are put in pots controlled in environmental conditions.
6.Verification of transformation and characterization of the inserted DNA
fragment- Tests are done to determine the number of copies, if intact, and doesn’t
interfere with other genes. These tests are done to see if the gene is functional.
7.Testing of the plant performance- Here we see or test and see if the resulted
plant grown in a greenhouse has acquired the favoured traits and if it has any
unwanted characteristics.
8. Safety assessment- Now more test carried out to see plants performance.
Environmental safety assessments and other Safety assessments.
Tripathi, 2013

8. Indirect Direct
Most widely used
More economical
More efficient
Transformation success is 80-85%
Agrobacterium mediated
gene transfer
 Particle bombardment or
micro projectile
 Direct DNA delivery by
Microinjection
 Gene splicing
 Electroporation
Chandler and Brugliera, 2011
Gene transfer methods

9. Techniques involved in GM crops
1. Bacterial carriers
The bacterium Agrobacterium can infect
plants, which makes it a suitable carrier for
delivering DNA.
Tripathi, 2013

10. 2. Biolistic
 The selected DNA is attached to
microscopic particles of gold or the
metal tungsten.
 Like firing a gun, these DNA-laden
particles are shot in to the target
cells using a burst of gas under
pressure
Tripathi, 2013

11. 3. Electroporation
Electroporation, or electropermeabilization, is a genetic engineer technique in which
an electrical field is applied to cells in order to increase the permeability of the cell
membrane, allowing genes or DNA to be introduced into the cell.
Tripathi, 2013

12. 4. Gene splicing
 A term used to refer to the process by which the DNA of an organism is cut and
a gene, perhaps from another organism, is inserted. (genetic engineering and
recombinant DNA).
 Gene splicing often used in industry to allow single celled organisms to produce
useful products, such as human insulin. It is also used in the production of
genetically modified organisms.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition

13. 5. Microinjection
 Microinjection is a technique of delivering
foreign DNA into a living cell through a
glass micropipette.
 The holding pipette holds a target cell at the
tip when gently sucked.

14. Abiotic stress
tolerance
Transgenic
Technology
Goal of GMO

15. GM foods in the world
1. Cotton
2. Rice
3. Soy bean
4. Sugar cane
5. Tomatoes
6. Sweet corn
7. Canola
8. Potato
9. Papaya
10.Sugar beet
11.Apple

16. Genetically modified Flowers

17. Chlorophylls and
carotenoids are in
chloroplasts
Anthocyanins
are in the
vacuole
Site of color accumulation

18. Factors on flower colorperception
pH of the vacuole:
 pH of the vacuole is acidic
 Small changes of pH have visible effects on flower color
Metal ions:
 Metal complexing has a blueing effect on flower color
Co-pigmentation:
 Co-pigmentation of anthocyanins with the colourless flavonols and
flavones is an important factor influencing pigmentation.
 Co-pigmented flowers give a mauve colour, whereas in the absence of
flavonols maroon flowers are formed.
low pH to high pH
Tanaka et al., 2009

19. Blue carnation
 Florigene scientists located the blue gene in petunia in 1991
and patented in 1992.
 Petunia gene didn’t work in roses, so FLORIGENE scientists
used their techniques on carnations— a much easier species to
manipulate than roses.
 In 1996, Florigene developed mauve-coloured carnation,
FLORIGENE Moondust and it was the world's first
genetically modified flower onsale.
 In 1997, developed second genetically-modified carnation,
FLORIGENE Moonshadow with a richer and true purple
colour.
 Successfully developed a range of transgenic violet carnations
by introduction of a F3′5′H (Flavonoid 3’,5’ hydroxlase) gene
together with a petunia DFR gene into a DFR-deficient white
carnation.
Moondust
Moonshadow
Fukui et al., 2003

20. Blue Rose
Why a natural rose could not have the true blue colour?
 "Flavonoid 3', 5'- hydroxylase“ is one of the key enzymes involved in the flavonoid
biosynthesis for blue colour development which is deficient in rose.
 Natural rose did not have delphinidin.
 pH of cell sap is 4.0-4.5 (acidic).
 Cell sap is govern by 7 genes and each gene contributes 0.5 pH
The transgenic rose variety ‘‘Applause’’ was
commercially released in Japan in 2009
Tanaka et al., 2009)

21. Blue Gene Technology
 In April of 2005, Suntory Ltd. and Florigene Ltd. announced the production of a
blue rose by introducing three transformation constructs simultaneously into
roses:
(1) Turn off’the rose
DFR gene
(2) Insert pansy gene
to open the ‘blue’door
(3) Insert Iris DFR gene
to make blue pigment
www.suntory.com and www.florigene.com.au

23.  Petunia X hybrida ‘Mitchell’ plants transformed with 35S:etr1-1 (line Z00-35-10)
were obtained.
 These plants are insensitive to ethylene and have a delayed flower senescence
phenotype.
 Experiments also utilized non-transformed wild-type (WT) Petunia X hybrida
‘Mitchell’.
 In this study, 35S:etr1-1 transgenic petunias have been used to see how ethylene
regulates flower senescence.
 Aim of this research is to compare the senescence programmes in ethylene sensitive
(WT) and ethylene in-sensitive (35S:etr1-1).
Brennick et al., 2005

24. Ethylene sensitive (WT)
Ethylene in-sensitive
etr1-1
Fig.1 Natural senescence of unpollinated wild-type (WT) Petunia3hybrid ‘Mitchell’ flowers
and P. hybrida transformed with 35S:etr1-1 (A). Ethylene production (B)
Brennick et al., 2005

25. ETR1-1 - Makes plants ethylene insensitive
Long Lasting Flowers
Etr1-1
Control Etr1-1Control Etr1-1
Brennick et al., 2005

26. Genetically modified Vegetables

27.  Flavr Savr (also known as CGN-89564-2; pronounced "flavor saver"), a genetically
modified tomato, was the first commercially grown genetically engineered food to be
granted a license for human consumption.
 Through genetic engineering, Calgene (California company) hoped to slow down the
ripening process of the tomato and thus prevent it from softening, while still allowing
the tomato to retain its natural colour and flavour.
 The tomato was made more resistant to rotting by adding an antisense gene which
interferes with the production of the enzyme polygalacturonase.
 The enzyme normally degrades pectin in the cell walls and results in the softening of
fruit which makes them more susceptible to being damaged by fungal infections.
Flavr Savr
Martineau et al., 2001

29. Cold tolerant tomatoes
 Scientists have created a frost resistant tomato plant by adding an antifreeze gene from a
cold water fish to it. The antifreeze genes come from the cold water flounder, a fish that
can survive in very cold conditions.
 The flounder has a gene to make chemical antifreeze. This is removed from the
antifreeze DNA and is joined onto a piece of DNA called a plasmid. This hybrid DNA,
which is a combination of DNA from two different sources, is known as recombinant
DNA.
Foolad, 2007

30. Pathway for cold tolerant tomatoes using antifreeze gene

31. Vitamin rich tomatoes
 The Agrobacterium naturally infects plants by causing various diseases. By replacing that
gene with desirable ones, results into the new genetic makeup with advantageous traits.
 The bright orange color of carrots comes from beta-carotene, which works as the
precursor for the synthesis of vitamin A in our body.
 So by inserting this color gene into the tomato, enhance its appearance as well as its
vitamin A level to the desired level.
Romer et al., 2000

33. Protein enriched potatoes forNASA
 Nick named 'protato' the protein packed genetically modified (GM) potato
contains 60 per cent more protein than a wild-type potato and has increased
levels of several amino acids.
 To provide sufficient protein and amino acids to astronauts with their complete
nutritional requirements, a tuber-specific protein amaranth seed albumin (AmA1)
has been used to transform potatoes.
 The AmA1 protein has a well-balanced amino acid profile. In fact its amino
acid composition exceeds values recommended by the W.H.O. for a nutritionally
rich protein.
 This protein was used due to its non-allergenicity in its purified form. When the
AmA1 gene was inserted into a potato, 2.5 to 4 fold increases in lysine, tyrosine,
methionine and cysteine content and 35 to 45% increases in total protein content
was reported in transgenic tubers.
Chakraborty, S. et al. 2010

34.  Bt Brinjal is a GM crop created by inserting crystal protein gene (Cry 1Ac) gene from
the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into Brinjal.
 The insertion of the gene gives Brinjal plant resistance against lepidopteron insects like
the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) and Fruit Borer (Helicoverpa
armigera)
Bt Brinjal
B Choudhary and K Gaur (2008)

35.  The genetically modified Innate potato was approved by the United States Department
of Agriculture in 2014.
 It is designed to resist black spot bruising, browning and to contain less of the amino
acid asparagine that turns into acrylamide during the frying of potatoes.
 Acrylamide is a probable human carcinogen, so reduced levels of it in fried potato foods
is desirable.
 The 'Innate' name comes from the fact that this variety does not contain any genetic
material from other species (the genes used are "innate" to potatoes) and uses RNA
interference to switch off genes.
Innate potato
Tracy. et,al. 2014

37.  Russet Burbank potato plants have been genetically improved to resist insect attack and
damage by Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) by the insertion of a
cryIIIA gene.
 A modified gene that dramatically improved plant expression of protein was utilized.
 Its expression in Russet Burbank potato plants resulted in protection from damage by all
insect stages in the laboratory and in dramatic levels of protection at multiple field
locations.
 Analysis of these genetically modified potatoes indicated that they conform to the
standards for Russet Burbank potatoes in terms of agronomic and quality characteristics
including taste.
Frederick et al, 1993

38. Yieldloss(%)
Defoliation(%)
No of days No of days
--O--
Control plants sprayed with chemical insecticides
Control Russet Burbank potato plants without insecticide treatments
Potato plants expressing the cryIIIA gene
Frederick et al, 1993

39. A photograph of the results of a whole plant growth chamber CPB bioassay.
Frederick et al, 1993

40. A photograph of two dissected CPB female adults; the beetle on the left (A) fed on a
control plant, and the beetle on the right (B) fed on a plant expressing the cryIIIA gene.
Frederick et al, 1993

41. Genetically modified Fruits

42. Transgenic Papaya
 Papaya cultivation is threatened by papaya ring spot virus, a disease that sharply lowers
the fruit yield.
 The University of Hawaii developed a ring spot virus disease resistant papaya.
 To do this, certain viral genes encoding capsid proteins were transferred to the papaya
genome.
 These viral capsid proteins elicit something similar to an “immune response” from the
papaya plant.
 The first resistant papaya varieties were grown commercially in 1999 in Hawaii.
 These genetically modified papayas are approved for consumption both in US and in
Canada.
Nap et al., 2003

44.  Arctic apples are a group of trademarked apples that contain a nonbrowning trait
introduced through biotechnology.
 Specifically, gene silencing reduces the expression of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), thus
preventing the fruit from browning.
 The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015, and the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency, Government of Canada in 2017, determined that Arctic apples are as
safe and nutritious as conventional apples.
 Developing nonbrowning Arctic apples relies upon a technique called RNA-
interference (RNAi).
 This approach enables silencing of PPO expression to less than 10% of its normal
expression, but does not change other aspects of the apple.
Arctic apples
USDA APHIS. July 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2014.

46. ADVANTAGES OF GM CROPS

47. Pest resistance
 Farmers typically use many tons of chemical pesticides annually.
 Consumers do not wish to eat food that has been treated with pesticides because of
potential health hazards.
 Run-off of agricultural wastes from excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers can poison
the water supply and cause harm to the environment.
Bt corn
Deborah B. Whitman, 2000

48. Herbicide tolerance
 Crop plants genetically-engineered to be resistant to one very powerful
herbicide could help prevent environmental damage by reducing the amount of
herbicides needed.
GM soybean Conventional crop
Deborah B. Whitman, 2000

49. Disease resistance
 There are many viruses, fungi and bacteria that cause plant diseases.
 Plant biologists are working to create plants with genetically-engineered resistance to
these diseases.
Cold tolerance
 Unexpected frost can destroy sensitive seedlings.
 An antifreeze gene from cold water fish has been introduced into plants such as tobacco
and Tomato.
 With this antifreeze gene, these plants are able to tolerate cold temperatures that normally
would kill unmodified seedlings.
Deborah B. Whitman, 2000

50. Drought tolerance/salinity tolerance
 As the world population grows and more land is utilized for housing instead of food
production, farmers will need to grow crops in locations previously unsuited for plant
cultivation.
 Creating plants that can withstand long periods of drought or high salt content in soil and
groundwater will help people to grow crops in formerly inhospitable places
Pharmaceuticals
 Medicines and vaccines often are costly to produce and sometimes require special
storage conditions not readily available in third world countries.
 Researchers are working to develop edible vaccines in tomatoes and potatoes.
Deborah B. Whitman, 2000

51. Nutrition
 Impoverished peoples rely on a single crop such as rice for the main staple of their diet.
 However, rice does not contain adequate amounts of all necessary nutrients to prevent
malnutrition.
 If rice could be genetically engineered to contain additional vitamins and minerals,
nutrient deficiencies could be alleviated.
Strain of "golden" rice containing an unusually high
content of beta-carotene (vitamin A).
Deborah B. Whitman, 2000

52. Other modified traits
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=Biocon

53. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=Biocon

54.  Genetically-modified foods have the potential to solve many of
the world's hunger and malnutrition problems.
 To help protect and preserve the environment by increasing
yield and reducing reliance upon chemical pesticides and
herbicides.
Conclusion

55. B Choudhary; K Gaur (2008). "The development and regulation of Bt brinjal in India
(Eggplant/Aubergine)". ISAAA Briefs: 42–43.
Chakraborty, S. et al. Next generation protein-rich potato by expressing a seed protein gene
AmA1 as a result of proteome rebalancing in transgenic tuber.
doi: 10.1073/pnas.1006265107 (2010)
Tracy, Tennille (November 20, 2014). "Genetically Modified Potato Wins Approval From
USDA". Wall Street Journal.
Nap, J.P., Metz, P.L.J., Escaler, M and Conner, A.J. 2003. The release of genetically modified
crops into the environment. Plant J 33(1): 1-18.
Foolad, M. R. (2007). "Current Status Of Breeding Tomatoes For Salt And Drought
Tolerance". Advances in Molecular Breeding Toward Drought and Salt Tolerant Crops.
pp. 669–700. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-5578-2_27. ISBN 978-1-4020-5577-5.
Römer, S.; Fraser, P. D.; Kiano, J. W.; Shipton, C. A.; Misawa, N.; Schuch, W.; Bramley, P.
M. (2000). "Elevation of the provitamin a content of transgenic tomato plants". Nature
Biotechnology. 18 (6): 666–669. doi:10.1038/76523. PMID 10835607.
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The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition.
www.suntory.com and www.florigene.com.au
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fragmentation and induction of a senescence-specific nuclease are delayed during corolla
senescence in ethylene-insensitive (etr1-1) transgenic petunias., Journal of Experimental
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USDA APHIS. July 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2014
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=Biocon
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