Genetically modified foods are derived from organisms that have had their DNA artificially altered to produce desired characteristics. Recombinant DNA technology is used to transfer genes between organisms, such as adding fish genes to tomatoes to allow them to survive frost. Potential benefits include increased crop yields, reduced pesticide use, and improved nutrition. However, there are also risks like unintended harm to human health from new allergens or to the environment. Government agencies regulate GM foods for safety but labeling is only required in some countries. Overall, GM foods could help address hunger but require cautious assessment of risks.

1. GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
Presented By : Saritha Sadanandan Pillai
2nd MSc Biotechnology
SAS SNDP Yogam College,
Konni

2. THINK FOR A WHILE….

3. What do you mean by Genetically Modified ?
 Containing a genetic material that has been artificially
altered so as to produce a desired characteristic.

4. GENETICALLY MODIFIEDFOODS
• Genetically modified (GM) foods derived from organisms whose
genetic material (DNA) has modified in a way that it does not
occur naturally by introduction of a gene from a different
organism.
• It does not occur naturally.
• GM foods are described in many different names:
 Genetically Engineered crops
 Transgenic or Biotech crops
 Genetically modified organism (GMO)

5. ARTIC FISH DNA

6. How the Genes are Modified ?
By Recombinant DNA Technology –
Steps-
1. Restriction enzymes used to cut DNA segments from a
desired genome.
2. DNA ligases are used to paste the DNA segments on to the
other genome.
3. Thus, we get a recombinant genome.

7. History
• 1988- first genetically modified enzymes.
• 1990’s- Approval of first recombinant enzyme- Chymosin (rennet
preparation)
• 1994- first genetically modified food Flavr Savr Tomato, developed
by Calgene.
• 1995- first pesticide producing crop- Bacillus thureingenesis Potato
(Bt Potato) – USA
• 2006- Palmer amaranth – weed that competes with cotton.
• 2015- first genetically modified animal- Aqua advantage Salmon
The salmon were transformed with a growth hormone and a
promoter from an ocean pout enabling it to grow year round
instead of only during spring and summer.

8. Process
• GMO’s are generated and tested in the laboratory for
desired qualities.
• Modification- add, removed, expression is increased or
silenced or number of copies of a gene is increased or
decreased.
• Satisfactory strains produced are applied for regulatory
approval to field- test them (“Field release”).
• Approved specimens (seeds, cuttings, breeding pairs etc.)
are cultivated and sold to farmers.
• The farmers cultivate and market the new strain.

9. Manipulating the dna
• The whole process of genetic modification consists of
Manipulating the DNA.
• It allows certain genes to be identified, copied and brought into
other organisms in more specific ways.
Modifying Plants and Animals
• Plasmid is taken out from the bacteria and the clone gene is
replaced with a restriction enzyme.
• For animals this is done by injecting millions of copies of the
gene into the nucleus of a fertilized egg.
Modifying foods
• Certain genes and chemicals are injected into food such as
Bananas, to make it larger & for stay riper longer – Cisgenesis
genes are artificially transferred.

10. How are animalsand plants targeted ?
Animals - Microinjection
The microinjection method uses a fine needle to inject a
solution of DNA into a developing embryo

11. Plant- Agrobacterium that normally infects plants with
disease is used to infect plant with gene of interests .
A particle gun is used to shoot small bits of metal coated
with the gene into the plant.

12. Examples:
1. Golden Rice – genetic engineered crop
 It is capable of producing Beta- Carotene- precursor of vitamin A
 Developed by Ingo Potrukus (Sweden) and Peter Beyer (Germany)
 Two daffodil genes and one bacterial gene that carry out the
synthesis of Beta- carotene from Geranylgeranyl di phosphate
(GGDP), transferred to rice callus.
 Plants regenerated from such callus produce golden rice
 It contains all enzymes responsible for synthesis of beta carotene
from GGDP.
 Endosperm synthesizes.
 DE husked rice appears golden brown color- golden rice
 Consumed- synthesis of vitamin A
 Will reduce deficiency in people suffering from under nutrition.
 Reduce diarrhea, respiratory problems and measles.

13. Process:

15. benefits of gm foods
 Easing of world hunger
 Development of crops that can be grown in marginal soil.
 Reduced strain on non-renewable resources
 Development of drought resistant crops
 Development of salt-tolerant crops
 Development of crops that make more efficient use of nitrogen
and other nutrients
 Reduced use of pesticides and herbicides
 Development of pest resistant crops
 Reduced herbicide use is better for the environment and reduces
costs for farmers

16. Contd.
 Improved crop quality
 Development of frost resistant crops
 Development of disease resistant crops
 Development of flood resistant crops
 Improved nutritional quality
 Development of foods designed to meet specific
nutritional goals

17. Whomakes sure that gm foodsare safe?
Government agencies regulate gm foods
GM foods in US are required to be labeled only if the
nutritional value is changed or a new allergen is introduced.

18. possible risks….
• Insects may provide resistance to pesticide producing GM crops
• Herbicide tolerant crops may cross-pollinate weeds, resulting in
“super weeds”
• Certain gene products may be allergens, thus causing harm to human
health
• There may be unintended harm to wildlife and beneficial insects

19.  ALLERGENICITY
 In India, hundreds of laborers picking cotton and working in
cotton ginning factories developed allergic reactions when
handling the BT cotton. This didn’t happen with the non-Bt
varieties. (investigation reports)
 Hospital records: “Show that victims of itching have increased
massively within years and all of them are related to BT cotton
farming”

21. Labeling
• GM Food labeling was introduced to give consumers the
freedom to choose between GMOs and conventional
products.
• Essentially, if a foodstuff is produced using genetic
engineering, this must be indicated on its label.
• Labeling empowers the buyer. In order to choose between
products with or without genetically modified organisms,
consumers need transparent, controllable and straight
forward labeling regulations.
• Labeling requirements: for neutral information only - not
for warning

25. Conclusion
Genetically modified foods can potentially solve
many hunger malnutrition problems in the world,
as well as help protect and preserve the environment
by increasing yields and replacing, reducing
reliance upon chemical pesticides and herbicides.
However it is important to proceed with caution to
avoid unfavorable consequences for the
surroundings and our health, considering that
genetic engineering technology is very powerful.

27. What's your decision ?