PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Sciences

GE-STS
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY
AND SOCIETY

Genetically
Modified
Organisms

Module 5
 Table of Contents

Content Page

Title Page
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………….1
Learning Outcomes………………………..…………………………...………………2
Overview…….………………………………………………………………….............3
Initial Activity…………………….………………….......………………………………4
5.1 Genetically Modified Organism…………………….....................5
5.2 GMO’s in Food and Agricultural Industries….……………..…....6
5.3 GMO’s in Non-Food Crops and Microorganisms…….…..….….8
Learning Check..................................................………………….………..……....9
5.4 Risks of Applications of Recombinant DNA technology…..…..10
5.4.1 Risks to Biodiversity..............................................................10
5.4.2 Risk to Humanity...................................................................11
5.5 Ethical Concerns in Recombinant DNA technology..................11
Evaluation……………………………………………….……………..……….…...….12
Lesson in Action……………………………………………………...………….….....13
Rubrics…………………………………………………………...…………….............14
2
References………………………………………………………………….................15

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 Learning Objectives

After going through in this module, you should be able to:

✔ LO1 Determine the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in

the local community.

✔ LO2 Discuss the ethical issues associated with GMOs.

✔ LO3 Argue the pros and cons of GMO’s.

✔ LO4 Prove or disprove the beneficial use of GMOs

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 Overview
We now know that when humanity and Pick it!
technology cross, robotics are born. What if we • Friedrich Miescher first isolated DNA in 1869.
go far beyond that? What if, in addition to • Francis Crick and James Watson discovered
robotics, we could modify living things according DNA’s structure in 1953.
to our liking?
• Paul Berg combined genes from two different
We, humans, continue to seek viruses for the first time in history in 1972.
improvement in our way of living. We have • Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen made the
invented robots and other technologies with a
first GM bacteria in 1973.
desire for ease and comfort. But there are
drawbacks as we battle for civilization and time. • Rudolf Jaenisch made the first GM animal, a
According to the United Nations, there are 7.8 mouse, in 1974.
billion humans currently inhabiting Earth. Our • Herbert Boyer and Robert Swanson founded
population is exponentially growing that our
Genentech, the first genetic engineering
natural ecosystem can’t compensate for our
demands. In this regard, there is a need to company, in 1976.
increase food production and other • Michael W. Bevan, Richard B. Flavell, and
life-supporting resources. Modern science Mary-Dell Chilton made the first GM plant, an
engaged in genetic engineering to addressed
antibiotic-resistant strain of tobacco, in 1983.
such alarming issues. Genetic engineering
(a.k.a., recombinant DNA technology) has been • The first GMO animal is the GloFish, a Zebra
the focus of research and innovation for the fish modified to glow in the dark.
past decades to achieve a sustainable and • Scientists agree that GMO foods are no more
technology-driven world.
dangerous than any other kind of food.
Since then, genetic engineering is • Studies show that GMO crops have fewer
already a beneficial resource in various aspects. chances of mutating compared to non-GMO
This ranges from agriculture, manufacturing up crops. 4
to the field of medicine. Innovations under this
technology resulted in practical rewards such as • Scientists have developed GM livestock, but
new medical therapies and increased none have approval for commercial use as of
agricultural yields. On the other hand, there are 2019.
dilemmas and ethical concerns with the
• Over 12% of global farmland grows GMO
utilization of the said technology. A promise of
“feeding the world and sustainability” is being crops as of 2016.
prompt to us, should we continue taking its
risks? Source: https://facts.net/science/gmo-facts)

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 Initial Activity

Let’s Keep in Track!

Fill the KWL chart below.

Know Wonder Learned

Before going through this module, Before or while going through this After going through this module,
write what you think you know module, record your questions write down what you have learned
about GMO’s . about the topics. about GMO’s .

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 Discussion
Let's Begin. Brace yourself and prepare to be amazed as we reveal one of science's
magic.
Recombinant DNA technology is a process involving the alteration of the genetic
make-up of one’s organism. In 1973, Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen, discovered a
method causing a certain bacteria to produce foreign proteins by editing its genetic material,
this kick-started the field of genetic engineering (Britannica, 2020).
One of the great success stories of GMOs was that of Rosalie Ellasus in 2001. Ms.
Ellasus, a former overseas Filipino worker turned farmer, once attended the Integrated Pest
Management- Farmers Field School and was then introduced to Bt Corn, a genetically
modified corn that is resistant to the destructive Asian corn borer (no insecticide spraying
was needed). She then volunteered for demo-testing in her field. Bt Corn yielded 7.2 tons
per acre as compared to a regular yield of 4.2 tons per acre (Serafica, et al., 2018).

5.1 Genetically Modified Organism

Genetically modified organism (GMO) is the term used to refer to an organism

created through recombinant DNA technology. By definition, GMO is any organism, in which
its genetic material (DNA) has been manipulated to produce phenotypic traits, such traits
would not occur naturally (by mating or natural recombination) (WHO, 2014). Below is a
diagram of how genetic modification of a plant is done.

Figure 5.1 Genetic Engineering Process

©BENJAMIN/CUMMINGS

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 Discussion
There are three main methods of genetic engineering which are the plasmid method,
the vector method, and the biolistic method.

1) Plasmid Method. This method utilizes small circular pieces of DNA of bacteria (called
plasmids) with the aid of restriction enzymes. It is the most commonly used method of
modifying the genetic material of any organism (Adnan, 2010). Figure 5.1 entails how the
plasmid method is done.

2) Vector Method. This method, unlike the plasmid method, uses a virus that serves as a
vector (carrier) of the desired trait. The process involves the introduction of the desired
trait into the virus, the virus is then inserted into the host cell and will soon replicate
expressing all the desired features. Promising results have been associated with this
method (Adnan, 2010).

3) Biolistic Method. Also known as the gene gun method. It is done by firing a gene gun
containing the desired genes into the host. The process is similar to that of vaccination. It
is mainly for the engineering of the plants (Adnan, 2010).
5.2 GMO’s in Food and Agricultural Industries
1. Pest resistance- these are plants genetically modified to resist certain pests.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/

Bt corn, a.k.a. transgenic corn, has been

modified to produce Cry proteins (insecticidal
proteins). The gene was acquired from Bt (Bacillus
thuringiensis), a bacterium found in soils, which
HYG-5058

naturally produces it. This species of corn does not

require insecticides when planted (Bessin, n.d.).
7

2. Virus resistance- these are plants genetically modified to resist certain viruses.
cle/13013/japan-opens-up-to-gm-hawaiia
http://www.fruitnet.com/americafruit/arti

GM papaya or rainbow papaya was inserted

with the genetic sequence of the papaya ringspot
virus (PRSV), a once rampant disease during the
mid-1990s in Hawaii, making it a 100% virus-resistant
plant (Serafica, et al., 2018).
n-papaya

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 Discussion
3. Herbicide tolerance- these are plants genetically modified to tolerate herbicide.
https://www.agronom.com.ua/ne-

Roundup Ready Soybeans (RR soybeans) or

"glyphosate-tolerant" soybeans have been modified
gmo-soya-eto-prosto/

to withstand the herbicide glyphosate. Spraying an

entire field of RR Soybeans with glyphosate will kill
only the weeds. It was first planted commercially in
1996 (Serafica, et al., 2018).

4. Fortification- these are plants genetically modified fortified with certain minerals.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gol

Golden Rice `was inserted with a gene that

codes for Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A,
making the rice grains fortified with Vitamin A
(Serafica, et al., 2018).
den_rice

5. Cosmetic preservation- these are plants genetically modified to resist natural discoloration.
https://www.nature.com/news/genetica
lly-modified-apple-reaches-us-stores-b
ut-will-consumers-bite-1.22969

Artic Apple has been genetically engineered

to prevent it from browning due to superficial
damage. This was done by blocking the enzyme
which causes the apple to brown (Baker, 2018).

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 Discussion
5.3 GMO’s in Non-Food Crops and Microorganisms

1. Paper production- tress are modified for a higher yield of paper production.
https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/pop

An example is poplar trees. Lignin is a complex

polymer in poplar trees that is removed from wood to make
paper through kraft process, a gene that codes for ferulic
acid were inserted in young poplar trees, the lignin structure
then modified, making lignin easier to breakdown (Serafica,
et al., 2018).
lar-tree

2. Pharmaceutical productions- plants are modified to produce pharmaceutical products.

https://www.nature-and-garden.com/gard
ening/madagascar-periwinkle.html

Periwinkle plants were added with bacterial genes

enabling them to attach halogens such as chlorine or
bromine to a class of compounds called alkaloids that the
plant normally produces. Many alkaloids have
pharmaceutical properties, often added to antibiotics and
other drugs that can make medicines more effective or last
longer in the body (Serafica, et al., 2018).

3. GMO’s in the medical field- significant benefits of genetic engineering is evident in the
medical field. 9
https://www.humulin.com/insulin-optio

In 1996 happened a breakthrough, it's when

Humalog was approved and was made commercially
available. Humalog or Humulin is insulin production by
genetically modified bacteria. A gene from the human
pancreas, which codes for the production of insulin, was
introduced to a bacteria enabling it to produce insulin
identical to that of human insulin (Serafica, et al., 2018).
ns

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 Learning Check
My Best Buddy!

Everyone loves pets! Keeping them would do wonders for our health. Now,
imagine you have the power to select all the characteristics that your heart desires for a
pet, someone that you are longing for and dreaming of. In designing your ideal pet, you
may combine traits present in other organisms or delete the unwanted. Draw your best
buddy below, give it a name, and indicate where those characteristics were derived.

10

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 Discussion
5.4 Risks of Applications of Recombinant DNA technology
On the above discussion, suffice to say that there are overwhelming benefits and rewards
brought about by this genetic engineering. But there are also several risks associated with its
application.
Since Recombinant DNA technology plays with living organisms of unpredictable nature,
unpredictable risks arise overtime. GMO’s, once released in the environment, from the predicted
change in physical traits, would cause an unpredictable change in biodiversity and it will be
irreversible.
A. Risks to Biodiversity

The release of genetically modified plants into the environment could have
disastrous consequences for biodiversity. Birds, insects, and other animals that rely on
specific crops for survival may be unable to consume genetically engineered crops due
to the introduced gene or modification. They may be allergic to the new characteristics or
recognize them as poisonous. As a result, these animals would have to find alternative
food sources or face starvation. It would have ramifications for the entire food chain as
well as predator-prey relationships. Furthermore, introducing a genetically modified
organism (GMO) into the environment may displace indigenous fauna and flora. If the
new strain outperforms the parent strain, it may annihilate the wild strain or take over the
habitat (Gatew and Mengistu, 2019).

Other identified major risks are the following:

1. Risk in gene flow- there is a potential risk of the modified gene to be transferred
from the GMO crop to its wild relative or organism in the soil and humans (when 11
ingested) (Serafica, et al., 2018).

2. Emergence of new forms of resistance and secondary pests and weed

problems- GMO crops resistant to certain pesticides may trigger a new form of pest
resistance while GMO herbicide-tolerant crops may lead to the overuse of the
herbicides which may trigger a new form of weed resistance (Serafica, et al., 2018).

3. Recombination of Virus and Bacteria to Produce New Pathogens- the modified

gene can be transferred and integrated into the viral or bacterial genes which may
lead to its gene modification or mutation (Serafica, et al., 2018).

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 Discussion
B. Risk to Humanity

Because the goal of genetic engineering is to improve the quality of human life, it
is critical to discuss the potential adverse effects of genetic engineering on humans.
Genetic material can enter the human body through food, bacteria, viruses, vaccines
and, pharmaceuticals. In most GMO-derived foods, a marker gene has been introduced
alongside the gene that represents the desired characteristic. If the marker genes were
successfully transferred, the organism would develop new antibiotic resistance. Humans
who consume food containing these genes may face complications, especially if they are
unaware of the presence of the genes. People may develop antibiotic resistance if they
consume foods containing antibiotic resistance genes on a regular basis. Furthermore,
there is a risk that genetically modified foods will have lower nutritional quality than
non-modified foods (Gatew and Mengistu, 2019).

Other potential risks that raise major concern are:

1. Human Genome Project- mapping of human genes to provide a framework for

research and studies in the field of medicine. It was feared that the ability to produce
human genetic information would create biases and give much power to people
holding the information (Serafica, et al., 2018).

2. Mutation of genetically engineered microorganisms- GM bacteria and viruses

may mutate to become more resistant and virulent that may cause more dreadful
diseases for human beings (Serafica, et al., 2018)

5.5 Ethical Concerns in Recombinant DNA technology

Recombinant DNA technology is often viewed as an act of "human playing God"

or putting humans themselves in the place of the Almighty Creator. This technology 12
allows humans to alter and manipulate forms of life that were created in thy perfection.
Gatew and Mengistu (2019) stated that by genetically modifying organisms, a
scientist assumes that this extremely new science, including natural evolution and
natural selection, is better for populating the world than God or any other Creator. The
basic premise of this so-called "playing God-argument" is that God has established
invisible boundaries between God's realm and the realm of humans. Those who cross
this line are guilty of hubris or excessive pride. Any such argument would also be
dependent on religion's more specific assumptions about the relationship between God,
humans, and animals. The issue is determining where this line exists..

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 Evaluation
We have just unfolded one of science greatest mysteries. Let us now unleash
the power of science within you by completing the following tasks.

A. Short Answer
Answer the following questions concisely. (5 points each)

1. Do you think the pursuit of GMO research should stop? Why or why not?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______

2. Is genetic engineering a purely scientific process, or is it indeed an act as humans

playing God? Explain your answer.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______

13

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 Lesson in Action!
Part A. GMO Profiling

Profile at least five (5) GMOs in your locality. Identify all the modified
characteristics and provide an original photo (a photograph taken by you) for each
organism. You may utilize the template below. (10 points each)

Part B. Debate on the benefits and risks of GMO.

Instructions:
1. Debate will be done during the synchronous session.
2. The class will be divided into two teams; affirmative and negative.
3. The affirmative must advocate the benefits of GMOs while the negative will
insist on the risks associated with GMOs.
4. Each team has four or five constructive speeches and four or five rebuttal
speeches. The affirmative gives the first constructive speech, and the rebuttals 14
alternate: negative, affirmative, negative, affirmative. The affirmative has both
the first and concluding speeches of the debate.
5. During the debate, no changes to a team's viewpoint are authorized.
6. The instructor will serve as the moderator.
7. Each team will be graded with a rubric attached herewith. The highest possible
score is 40 points.

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 Rubrics
Debate Grading Rubric

Criteria 10 7-9 4-6 1-3 Grade:

Organization &
Clarity:
Completely clear Mostly clear Clear in some Unclear and
Main arguments
and orderly and orderly in parts but not disorganized
and responses are
presentation all parts overall throughout
outlined in a clear
and orderly way.

Few or no real
Some decent
Use of Argument: Very strong and Many good arguments given,
arguments, but
Reasons are given persuasive arguments or all arguments
some
to support the arguments given given, with only given had
significant
resolution throughout minor problems significant
problems
problems

Use of Poor cross-exam

cross-examination or rebuttals,
and rebuttal: Decent
failure to point
Excellent Good cross-exam
Identification of out problems in
cross-exam and cross-exam and and/or
weakness in Affirmative/Neg
defense against rebuttals, with rebuttals, but
Negative team’s ative team’s
Negative team’s only minor with some
arguments and position or
objections slip-ups significant
ability to defend failure to defend
problems
itself against itself against
attack. attack.

15
Presentation Style:
Tone of voice,
clarity of
expression, Very few style
Most style Few style
precision of All style features features were
features were features were
arguments all were used used, none of
used used
contribute to convincingly them
convincingly convincingly
keeping audience’s convincingly
attention and
persuading them of
the team’s case.

TOTAL SCORE:
©http://www.csun.edu/~ds56723/phil338/hout338rubric.htm
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 References
Adnan, A. (2010, June 6). Genetic Engineering and its Methods. Biotech Articles.
https://www.biotecharticles.com/Others-Article/Genetic-Engineering-and-its-Methods-79.
html

Baker A. (2018, JANUARY 15). Arctic Apples: A Fresh New Take on Genetic
Engineering. Biology and Medicine.
http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/arctic-apples-fresh-new-take-geneticengineering/#:
~:text=Arctic%20apples%20are%20genetically%20engineered,was%20altered%20using
%20biotechnology%20tools.

Bessin, R. (n.d.). Bt-Corn: What it is and How it Works. University of Kentucky College of
Agriculture. https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef130

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2020, May 22). Genetic engineering.

Encyclopedia

Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/genetic-engineering

Gatew, H., Mengistu, K. (2019). Genetically modified foods (GMOs); A Review of Genetic
Engineering. Journal of Life Science and Biomedicine, 9 (6): 157-163.
http://www.jlsb.science-line.com/

Lallanilla, M. (2019, July 8). What Are GMOs and GM Foods? Live Science.
https://www.livescience.com/40895-gmo-facts.html

Quianzon, C & Cheikh, I. (2012, July 16). History of insulin. National Center for
Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3714061/
16
Serafica, J. P. J., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib, B. N. Jr., Alata, E.J.P. (2018). Science,
Technology and Society (1st ed.). Rex Book Store, Inc. 856 Nicanor Reyes Sr. St.,
Manila. 133-148.

Prepared by:

Aranga, Ryan N.
CS-BPS Faculty

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