ENV 2376 Test 2 Review - Chapter 4

Explain the mechanism by which genetically modified organisms are produced.

A desirable trait such as resistance to insects or frost from different species, and when that trait is found and a gene is isolated, it is spliced into the plant's genes in order for the trait to manifest itself within the plant.

Why might biotechnology be considered a positive technology in terms of production?

Biotechnology makes the production process cheaper and more bountiful. Crops are more likely to make it to maturity and yields are larger, allowing larger populations to be sustained.

Two sets of international agreements apply to genetically modified foods. What are those agreements and what do they do? 137

Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity- 2003, ratified by 82 countries. The protocol seeks to protect countries from risks associated with imports of genetically engineered organisms. It requires exporting countries to provide information about the way scientists modified the food item, label all genetically modified products, and adhere to the importing country's national biosafety laws and risk assessment procedures. World Trade Organization (WTO) - To prevent discrimination based on biodiversity, the WTO requires a country refusing imports to base its decision on scientific evidence of food or environmental safety.

Lesher described the increasing use of genetically modified (gm) crops for human consumption. She identified a number of issues associated with the use of the crops. List and describe two of those issues.

Gene flow- the transfer of genetically modified genes to non-target organisms by natural processes, such as drifting pollen--has raised concerns. This has led to a loss of genetic variety. Food Safety- scientists don't always know how new genes will function within a plant, in other organisms up the food chain, and ultimately in the human body.

Lesher discussed the possibility of 'segmented markets' for GMOs, what is that and what issues did she identify as potential problems?

Separate markets for genetically altered and conventional foods. Issues may arise, including price increases for consumers, as crops must be stored and shipped separately.

What was the "Green Revolution" and how did it incorporate traditional breeding techniques? What were the necessary elements to make the Green Revolution successful?

The Green Revolution is a research movement that began in Mexico between the 1930s and 1960s led by Norman Borlaug. Borlaug employed agricultural techniques such as artificial selection and the application of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and the use of hybridized seeds in order to make agriculture a more high-yielding industrial activity.

Brower's article was entitled "Canary in the Cornfield". What was the article about? What does the title mean?

The article was about the effect that Bt corn has had on the Monarch population. The title refers to canaries in mines which were used to test the safety of the air and give a warning to the miners. The monarchs are a canary in the cornfield because they are a telling sign that our current agricultural practices may not be totally safe.

How did Losey (124) characterize the way in which transgenic pollen harms Monarch larvae?

The monarch larvae that feed on milkweed leaves with Bt pollen eat less, grow more slowly, and suffer higher mortality rates than larvae that are not exposed to Bt pollen.

How has genetic modification threatened the future of cultivated crops? What are the advantages of genetic modification?

The most serious environmental threats involve a loss of valued species and the movement of genetically modified genes to non-target plants, insects, and animals. The pollen of genetically modified plants can intermingle with non GM crops and pass on those genes as well, reducing genetic variety in the world. Genetic modification makes crops that grow more uninhibited due to a resistance to pests and the elements.

Why was the Cornell article opposed by the biotech company? What were the responses of the industry to publication of the Cornell paper?

The principle argument put forward by biotechnology companies was that the benefits of using Bt corn far outweigh the environmental costs of the pesticides it replaces. The reason appears to truly be, however, that the field started to receive a lot of negative publicity after the paper was published. The Cornell paper was met with agricultural companies opening web pages downplaying and ridiculing the study.

Differentiate between traditional breeding techniques and genetically manipulated organisms.

Traditional breeding techniques use the process of artificial selection, where only the crops that display attributes favorable to breeders are allowed to reproduce. Genetically manipulated organisms undergo gene splicing to insert favorable traits into crops such as the arctic flounder gene found in many strawberries.