CAPIZ STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology
GE 108- Science, Technology and Society

LESSON 3
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS: SCIENCE, HEALTH, AND POLITICS

Course Description

The course is designed to enable students to appreciate, in broad terms the social impact of
developments in science and technology at the global and national level. This includes a review of the
history of science technology globally – from the prehistoric era all the way to today’s advances in
sciences and technology and similarly in the Philippines, including policy. The historical survey, which is
grounded on an understanding of basic science concepts, will examine how these developments have
affected the course of human society, politically, economically and socially (including culturally).

Overview

Genetic engineering is an emerging field of science. Its quests are to preserve and prolong life.
Some are approved by experts and government authorities for human use and consumption while others
are kept in institutional research laboratories subject for more experiments. There are advantages and
disadvantages in using genetic engineering in both fields of medicine and food and agriculture. The
major concern of the opponents is the long-term effect of GMOs to humans while the proponents’
flagship is the success stories of the GMO recipients

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

• Identify issues on genetically modified organisms (GMOs);
• Discuss different implications and impact of GMOs; and
• Create a research paper on the impact of GMOs in the Philippine context.

Indicated Learning Content

Chapter III: Specific Issues in Science, Technology, and Society

Lesson 1: The Information Age
Lesson 2: Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
Lesson 3: Genetically Modified Organisms: Science, Health, and Politics
Lesson 4: The Nano World
Lesson 5: The Aspects of Gene Therapy
Lesson 6: Climate Change

Discussion

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

- It is the term used for an organism created through genetic engineering.
- “…which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by
mating or natural recombination”
 - The development of GMOs was perceived to help in the advancement of technology for the
benefit of humans in different industries.
GMOs in Food and Agricultural Industries
1. Pest resistance – genetically modified plants to resist certain pests
2. Virus resistance – genetically modified plants to resist certain viruses
3. Herbicide tolerance – genetically modified plants to tolerate herbicide
4. Fortification – genetically modified plants fortified with certain minerals
5. Cosmetic preservation – genetically modified plants resist natural discoloration
6. Increase growth rate – a genetically modified organism that has higher yield in growth than normal
species
GMOs in Non-Food Crops and Microorganisms
1. Flower production – GMOs in flower production are seen in modified color and extended vase life of
flowers.
2. Paper production – modified characteristics of trees for higher yield of paper production
3. Pharmaceutical productions – modified plants to produce pharmaceutical products
4. Bioremediation – use of modified plants that can assist in the bioremediation of polluted sites
5. Enzyme and drug production – use of modified microorganisms that can produce enzymes for food
processing and medicines
6. GMOs in the medical field – It helps in the production of drugs, gene therapy, and laboratory
researches.
Benefits of GMOs
• Higher efficiency in farming
There will be less use for herbicides/pesticides, and lower cost for labor and cultivation.
• Increase in harvest
GMO crops resistant to pests and diseases means increase in potential growth and harvest.
• Control in fertility
Controlling the purity of the hybrid seeds (GMO seeds) ensures higher yields.
• Increase in food processing
Altered characteristics of GMO crops help ease food processing.
• Improvement of desirable characteristics
GMOs offer longer shelf life, enhanced color and taste, enhanced production or reduction of
enzymes, and other modified characteristics of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Nutritional and pharmaceutical enhancement
GMO crops like maize are fortified with lysine and Golden Rice fortified with vitamin A and iron.
There are now edible vaccines for viral and diarrheal diseases.
• Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides
Potential Risks of GMOs
• Opponents of GMOs have the following major concerns:
 1. Since genetic engineering is still a young branch of science, there are inadequate studies on the
effects of GMOs to humans and the environment.
2. Genetic engineering promotes mutation in organisms which the long term effect is still unknown.
3. Human consumption of GMOs might have the following effects:
- More allergic reactions
- Gene mutation
- Antibiotic resistance
- Nutritional value
• Potential Human Health Risks caused by GMOs
1. Consumption of GMOs may have adverse effects since it is not naturally or organically
produced.
2. Consumption of GMOs may alter the balance of existing microorganisms in the human digestive
system.
3. Production of toxins may be detrimental to human health.
4. Production of allergens may have adverse effects on humans.
• Other potential risks that raise major concern are:
1. Human Genome Project (HGP);
2. Mutation of genetically engineered microorganisms; and
3. Cloning.
Biosafety on GMOs
International organizations developed principles and treaties that somehow ensure biosafety on GMOs.
Some of these initiatives are as follows:
• The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex)
• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
• International Trade Agreement on labeling of GM food and food products
GMOs in the Philippine Context
• In 1998, National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines developed the guidelines on the planned
release of GMOs and potentially harmful exotic species.
• In 2002, the Department of Agriculture released the guideline for the importation and release into the
environment of GM plants and plant products.
• In 2004, the Philippines was classified by International Service for acquisition of agri-biotech
applications as one of the 14 biotech mega countries.
• In 2006, the Philippines became part of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
• In 2010, the Organic Agriculture Act was issued, encouraging organic agriculture than GMO-related
agriculture.
• In 2012, Representative Teddy Casiño, together with other congressmen, filed a bill pushing for the
mandatory labeling of GM food and food products.
• In December 2015, the Supreme Court ordered to put an end to the field testing of GMO Bt eggplant.
• On March 7, 2016, five government agencies passed a Joint Department Circular No. 1, series of 2016
on rules and regulations for the research and development, handling and use, transboundary movement,
release in the environment, and management of the genetically modified plant and plant products
derived from the use of modern biotechnology.

Activities

1. Agree or Disagree. Discuss the topics below according to your opinions. (CHOOSE ONE ONLY)
Topics:
a) Use of genetically modified milk from animals for human baby consumption
b) Economic concerns over moral issues on GM food and food products

Exercise/Drill

1. How would you reconcile the advantages and disadvantages that GMOs bring to humans?

Evaluation

1. What are the GMOs in Food and Agricultural Industries? Give at least 5.

2. Is genetic engineering a pure scientific process or it is indeed an act of humans playing like God?
 LESSON 4: THE NANO WORLD

Course Description

The course is designed to enable students to appreciate, in broad terms the social impact of
developments in science and technology at the global and national level. This includes a review of the
history of science technology globally – from the prehistoric era all the way to today’s advances in
sciences and technology and similarly in the Philippines, including policy. The historical survey, which is
grounded on an understanding of basic science concepts, will examine how these developments have
affected the course of human society, politically, economically and socially (including culturally).

Overview

Nanotechnology is an advanced interdisciplinary field that encompasses science and technology

that manufactures materials of great help to the improvement of various areas of society. It is a field that
needs to be explored, not only by known experts but also neophytes, in order to advance our knowledge
of science and technology. Before we engage in nanotechnology, we need to take into account the
social, ethical, and environmental concerns of using such nanomaterials.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

• Define nanotechnology;
• Characterize nanoscale;
• Describe the various uses of nanotechnology;
• Discuss concerns on the use of nanotechnology; and
• Explain the status of the use of nanotechnology in the Philippines.

Indicated Learning Content

Chapter III: Specific Issues in Science, Technology, and Society

Lesson 1: The Information Age
Lesson 2: Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
Lesson 3: Genetically Modified Organisms: Science, Health, and Politics
Lesson 4: The Nano World
Lesson 5: The Aspects of Gene Therapy
Lesson 6: Climate Change

Discussion

LESSON 4: THE NANO WORLD

How to View Nanomaterials
A nanometer is a billionth of a meter, or 10-9 of a meter
Scientists use special types of microscopes to view minute nanomaterials:
- Electron microscope. Utilizes a particle beam of electrons to light up a specimen and develop a
well-magnified image.
- Atomic force microscope. It makes use of a mechanical probe that gathers information from the
surface of a material.
 - Scanning tunneling microscope. It enables scientists to view and manipulate nanoscale particles,
atoms, and small molecules.
Nanomanufacturing
- It refers to scaled-up, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale materials, structures,
devices, and systems; nanomanufacturing leads to the development of new products and improved
materials.
- There are two fundamental approaches to nanomanufacturing:
1. Bottom-up fabrication. It manufactures products by building them up from atomic- and
molecular-scale components.
2. Top-down fabrication. It trims down large pieces of materials into nanoscale.
There are new approaches to the assembly of nanomaterials:
• Dip pen lithography. The tip of an atomic force microscope is "dipped" into a chemical fluid and then
utilized to "write" on a surface.
• Self-assembly. A set of components joins together to mold an organized structure in the absence of an
outside direction.
• Chemical vapor deposition. Chemicals act in response to form very pure, high-performance films.
• Nanoimprint lithography. Generating nanoscale attributes by "stamping" or "printing" them onto a
surface.
• Molecular beam epitaxy. Depositing extremely controlled thin films.
• Roll-to-roll processing. Constructing nanoscale devices on a roll of ultrathin plastic or metal.
• Atomic layer epitaxy. Laying down one-atom-thick layers on a surface.
Distinct Features of Nanoscale
Nanotechnology involves operating at a very small dimension and it allows scientists to make use of the
exceptional optical, chemical, physical, mechanical, and biological qualities of materials of that small
scale
1. Scale at which much biology occurs
2. Scale at which quantum effects dominate properties of materials
3. Nanoscale materials have far larger surface areas than similar masses of larger-scale materials.
Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnology
There are concerns that need to be addressed before using and promoting materials derived from
nanotechnology:
• Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become pervasive.
• Nanotechnology seeks to develop new materials with specific properties.
• Nanotechnology may introduce new efficiencies and paradigms which may make some natural resources
and current practices uncompetitive or obsolete.
• It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the specialist tools of nanotechnology.
 Laboratory Activities

a. Philosophical discussion. Discuss the impact of nanotechnology in various aspects (health,

environment, economy, ethics, etc.) of the society. Share your own ideas and principles in relation to the
topic. (answer should be not less done 3 sentences)

Exercise/Drill

1. What are nanomaterials and how are they made?

Evaluation

Part I. Multiple choice.

1. It refers to scaled-up, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale materials, structures,
devices, and systems
a. Nanomanufacturing b. manufacturing
2. It is a billionth of a meter, or 10-9 of a meter/
a. nanometer b. voltmeter
3. The tip of an atomic force microscope is "dipped" into a chemical fluid and then utilized to "write" on a
surface.
a. calligraphy b. Dip pen lithography
4. Chemicals act in response to form very pure, high-performance films.
a. Chemical vapor deposition b. Atomic layer epitaxy
 5. A set of components joins together to mold an organized structure in the absence of an outside
direction.
a. Self-assembly b. Nanoimprint lithography
Part II.

1. What are the factors that need to be considered before manufacturing materials through
nanotechnology?