1. Genetically Modified Organisms

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)


  Organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering
• Genetic engineering


  Manipulating and modifying the genes of an organism using technology
• Uses of GMOs

  • Produce medicines
  • Produce genetically modified foods
  • Scientific research
• GMO Plants


  • Specific modification performed on a plant's genome
• How GMO Plants are Made

  1. Identify the trait of interest

  2. Isolate and copy the gene of the desired trait

  3. Insert the gene into the DNA of the plant

  4. Grow the newly modified plant to ensure it has adopted the desired trait
• Methods of DNA Transfer

  • Particle Gun/Gene Gun
  • Viruses and Bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens
• Agricultural Biotechnology: GMO Crops

  • Use of genetic engineering and modifying plant crops primarily to help farmers address agricultural issues thus achieving higher crop yields, less crop loss, longer storage life, better appearance, better nutrition, or some combination of these features
• The three most common traits found in GMO crops

  • Resistance to insect damage
  • Tolerance to herbicides
  • Resistance to plant viruses
• Animal GMOs

  Whose genetic material has been altered by adding, changing, or removing certain DNA sequences in a way that does not occur naturally
• Why are animals being genetically modified?

  • Used as "models" to study the function of specific genes and its relation to health and disease
  • Faster growing of animals
  • Used for biomedical production, producing pharmaceuticals or human proteins used in medical treatments
• Animal GMO: Methods in GM Animals

  1. DNA Microinjection

  2. Embryonic Stem Cell-Mediated Transfer

  3. Retrovirus-mediated transfer
• Pharmaceutical products produced by GMO Animals

  • Antithrombin (Goat)
  • Human Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (Sheep)
  • CI Esterase Inhibitor (Ruconest) (Rabbit)
• Genetically Modified Microbes (GMMs)


  Microorganisms that have undergone modifications to possess desirable traits or capabilities that are not naturally occurring in the original organism
• Steps to create GMMs

  1. Gene Identification and Isolation

  2. Gene Cloning

  3. Transformation

  4. Selection and Screening

  5. Expression and Optimization

  6. Scale-Up and Production

  7. Characterization and Testing
• Essences of Genetically Modified Microbes

  • Can be used as vaccines to protect against infectious diseases
  • Can be harnessed as sources of useful molecules
  • Useful in biotechnology and industrial applications
  • Can be a great aid in research