This is for a college course.

1. GENETIC EDITING

2. The Human Genome Project
■ It began in 1990 to sequence the human genome
■ Other organisms vital to science were sequenced as well.
■ Scientists wanted to know more information so we could better study diseases and
their possible cures.
■ Has led to better understanding of evolution as well
■ It ended in 2003.

3. What Has It Led To?
■ Other projects have stemmed from it:
– The Human Vaccine Project
– More interest in evolution
– More research in mice and fruit fly genomes
– Research in cutting, transferring, and applying new DNA in foreign organisms
(transgenic organisms)

4. Transgenic Organisms
■ Contain information from two or more sources
■ Many say they should not be created.
– Violates religion
– Not enough information on how they work long-term

5. What Classifies?
■ TOs may be animals or plants.
■ Fish are common specimens used for experiments.
– Ex.) Zebrafish are used to study bioluminescence.
■ Universities with top agricultural programs focus on crop production.
■ As more research is done, the public is slowly starting to show more approval for
these projects.

6. GMOs
■ GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are organisms made from two or more
sources that are able to crossbreed.
■ Commonly sold to the public.
■ Many sidestep USDA inspection
– Face FDA inspection
■ New genes make species hardier and more likely to survive against the elements and
disease.
– Ex.) A cisgenic apple species that is resistant to blight.

8. Why Do We Need This Research?
■ We started this research as a way to better understand how the human body works.
■ Through time, we have noticed an increasing trend in the world population, so more
food is needed.
– 9 billion people by 2050
■ This research is a way to find that food.
■ These people also face disease, so this research has two goals.
– Cures for diabetes and cancer may be on the horizon.

9. Facing Change
■ Humans are a species that normally accept change without doing much to change it.
■ With gene editing, we are changing what we are told we would never be able to.