Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Preparatoria 12
Bachillerato Bilingüe

Fundamentals of Genetic and Biotechnology

Etapa 4
Evidencia de aprendizaje: Report
PEREZ RODRIGUEZ RICARDO
Grupo: 400
Semestre: 4to
Equipo: 5

2151238 DE LEON SANCHEZ MARELY

2151246 PEREYRA CRUZ ISABELLA ABIGAIL
2150829 QUIROZ VILLANUEVA JOSE LEONARDO
2150811 RAMIREZ GARZA RAZIEL CARIM
2150813 ROJAS RODRIGUEZ ANAIKA ALEJANDRA

Cadereyta Jiménez Nuevo León 21 de Mayo de 2024

 INTRODUCTION:
Transgenic food, commonly known as genetically modified (GM) food, refers to food
products derived from organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic
engineering techniques. This process involves the insertion of genes from one organism into
another, giving the host organism new traits or characteristics that are not naturally present.
We are going to defend transgenic food because is essential due to its myriad benefits in
improving health, enhancing agricultural efficiency, protecting the environment, and
providing economic and social advantages. As scientific research and technology continue to
advance, transgenic foods offer promising solutions to some of the world's most pressing
challenges, including food security and environmental sustainability. Embracing and
supporting GM food technology is a step toward a more secure and sustainable future for all.
The relationship between our debate topic and the material we studied throughout the
semester in "Fundamentals of Genetics and Biotechnology" is deeply rooted in the
understanding of cells, their reproduction, lifecycle, and the DNA contained within their
genes. Over the course of three stages, we explored these fundamental aspects of cellular
biology to grasp the principles of biotechnology. This foundational knowledge is crucial for
comprehending how genetic engineering works, specifically in the context of modifying the
genetic makeup of organisms to create transgenic food.

By studying the intricacies of cellular functions and genetic material, we learned how
biotechnology enables the modification of food at a genetic level for our benefit. This includes
enhancing nutritional content, increasing resistance to pests and diseases, and improving
overall crop yields. Essentially, transgenic food—our topic of defense—is a direct application
of the genetic and biotechnological principles we have been studying. Understanding how
genes can be altered to improve food quality and sustainability highlights the practical
importance of our coursework in real-world applications.
 DEVELOPMENT
Medical and Health Benefits
Transgenic food holds significant potential in improving public health. Golden Rice, a GM
crop developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, exemplifies this potential. Vitamin A
deficiency is a severe public health issue in many developing countries, leading to blindness
and increased mortality rates. Golden Rice, engineered to produce beta-carotene (a
precursor of vitamin A), can provide up to 50% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin
A for children.

Additionally, GM foods can be enhanced with higher levels of essential nutrients, potentially
reducing global malnutrition. For example, GM potatoes have been modified to contain more
vitamins and minerals, addressing nutritional deficiencies directly through diet.

Agricultural Advancements
The agricultural sector has seen considerable benefits from GM crops, including increased
yields and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides. Bt corn, engineered to resist certain pests,
has significantly decreased pesticide use, benefiting both the environment and farmers'
health. Furthermore, GM crops can be designed to withstand harsh conditions such as
drought, thus securing food supply in regions affected by climate change.
Social Impact
Transgenic foods can contribute significantly to food security and reduce hunger. The World
Health Organization supports the use of GM crops in developing countries to address food
scarcity and improve nutritional content. Surveys indicate that most people in developing
nations support GM foods when informed about the potential health benefits.

Ethical Considerations
Ethically, the development and use of GM foods can be justified by their potential to save
lives and improve living standards. Utilitarian principles, which advocate for actions that
maximize overall happiness and well-being, support the adoption of transgenic food due to
its ability to alleviate hunger and malnutrition on a large scale.
Economic Advantages
Economically, GM crops can lead to reduced production costs and increased agricultural
efficiency. Farmers growing GM crops often experience higher incomes due to lower
expenditure on pesticides and increased yields. The International Service for the Acquisition
of Agri-biotech Applications reported that farmers worldwide gained economic benefits
amounting to $18 billion in 2016 alone from GM crops.
Academic and Scientific Progress
The field of genetic modification is at the forefront of scientific research, pushing the
boundaries of what is possible in agriculture and medicine. Academic institutions play a
crucial role in developing new GM crops and improving existing ones. Continuous research
and development in this area not only advance scientific knowledge but also foster
innovation and collaboration among scientists globally.

Individual Benefits
At the individual level, consumers benefit from enhanced nutritional content and reduced
exposure to harmful chemicals. For instance, GM soybeans with healthier fatty acid profiles
can contribute to better cardiovascular health. Additionally, GM foods are rigorously tested
for safety, and multiple studies have confirmed that they are as safe as their non-GM
counterparts.

Popular Transgenic Foods and Their Health Impacts

Several GM foods on the market have demonstrated significant health benefits:

• GM Corn: Engineered to resist specific pests, reducing the need for pesticides and
thus minimizing human exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
• Modified Soybeans: Designed to be herbicide-resistant, allowing for more efficient
and sustainable farming practices.
• GM Potatoes: Modified to resist pests and diseases and to contain more vitamins and
minerals.
• Golden Rice: Developed to combat vitamin A deficiency by producing beta-carotene,
essential for preventing blindness and boosting immune health.
• Transgenic Papaya: Developed in Hawaii to resist the papaya ringspot virus,
protecting the crop from a devastating disease.
• Flavr Savr Tomato: One of the first GM foods approved for consumption, designed
to have a longer shelf life.
Public Opinion
Public opinion on GM foods varies by region and is influenced by factors such as education
and awareness. A Pew Research Center survey found that while 39% of Americans believe
GM foods are safe to eat, this number rises significantly among those with higher levels of
scientific knowledge . Educational campaigns and transparent communication about the
benefits and safety of GM foods are essential to garner broader public acceptance.

Positive Impact of Transgenic Food on the Environment

Reduced Pesticide Use

One of the most significant environmental benefits of GM crops is the reduction in pesticide
use. Crops like Bt corn and Bt cotton are engineered to produce a protein from the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis, which is toxic to specific pests but harmless to humans and other non-
target organisms. As a result, farmers who grow Bt crops use substantially fewer chemical
pesticides. This reduction in pesticide use decreases the contamination of soil and water
resources, thereby protecting local ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.

Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

GM crops contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in several ways. Firstly,
the decreased need for pesticide and herbicide applications means fewer tractor passes over
fields, which translates to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Secondly, GM crops engineered for herbicide tolerance allow for more effective weed control
with reduced tillage. No-till or low-till farming practices help maintain soil structure and
increase carbon sequestration, further mitigating climate change.

Conservation of Biodiversity
By reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, GM crops help preserve beneficial insects
and other wildlife. For example, the reduced use of broad-spectrum insecticides allows
natural pest predators to thrive, enhancing integrated pest management strategies.
Additionally, the conservation of natural habitats is promoted when agricultural efficiency
is improved through GM crops. Higher yields on existing farmland can reduce the pressure
to convert wildlands into agricultural areas, thus preserving biodiversity hotspots.

Enhanced Sustainability
GM crops contribute to the sustainability of agricultural practices by improving crop
resilience and efficiency. Crops engineered for drought tolerance, such as certain GM maize
varieties, can thrive in arid conditions, reducing the need for irrigation and conserving water
resources. Moreover, GM crops that are resistant to specific diseases can reduce crop losses
and enhance food security, ensuring a stable food supply without the need to expand
agricultural land.

Soil Health and Erosion Control

Herbicide-tolerant GM crops facilitate conservation tillage practices, which improve soil
health and reduce erosion. Conservation tillage leaves crop residues on the field, protecting
the soil from wind and water erosion. This practice also enhances soil organic matter, leading
to better nutrient cycling and increased agricultural sustainability.
 CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, transgenic food, or genetically modified (GM) food, offers numerous
compelling benefits that justify its defense and support. From a medical and health
perspective, transgenic crops like Golden Rice are crucial in addressing severe nutritional
deficiencies such as vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to blindness and increased
mortality rates in developing countries. By producing beta-carotene, Golden Rice can
provide up to 50% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A for children. Additionally,
GM foods can be enhanced with higher levels of essential nutrients, directly combating global
malnutrition. For instance, GM potatoes have been modified to contain more vitamins and
minerals, thereby addressing nutritional deficiencies through diet. The agricultural sector
also reaps significant benefits from GM crops, including increased yields and reduced
reliance on chemical pesticides. Crops such as Bt corn, engineered to resist pests, have
significantly decreased pesticide use, benefiting both the environment and farmers' health.
Moreover, GM crops can be designed to withstand harsh conditions like drought, securing
food supplies in regions affected by climate change.

On a broader scale, transgenic foods contribute significantly to food security and reduce
hunger. The World Health Organization supports the use of GM crops in developing countries
to address food scarcity and improve nutritional content. Surveys indicate that people in
developing nations generally support GM foods when informed about their potential health
benefits. Ethically, the development and use of GM foods can be justified by their potential to
save lives and improve living standards. Utilizing utilitarian principles, which advocate for
actions that maximize overall happiness and well-being, supports the adoption of transgenic
food due to its ability to alleviate hunger and malnutrition on a large scale. Economically, GM
crops lead to reduced production costs and increased agricultural efficiency, with farmers
experiencing higher incomes due to lower expenditures on pesticides and increased yields.
In 2016, farmers worldwide gained $18 billion in economic benefits from GM crops. Also,
genetic modification drives scientific research, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in
agriculture and medicine. Consumers also benefit individually from enhanced nutritional
content and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals. Popular GM foods such as Golden Rice,
Bt corn, and GM soybeans have demonstrated significant health benefits, while
environmentally, GM crops reduce pesticide use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and
conserve biodiversity. These multifaceted advantages highlight the critical role of transgenic
food in improving global health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. Golden Rice Project. (n.d.). Golden Rice. Retrieved from http://www.goldenrice.org
2. National Academy of Sciences. (2016). Genetically engineered crops: Experiences
and prospects. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
3. International Food Policy Research Institute. (2017). Bt corn in the Philippines: A
success story. Retrieved from http://www.ifpri.org
4. World Health Organization. (2014). Frequently asked questions on genetically
modified foods. Retrieved from http://www.who.int
5. Pew Research Center. (2016). The new food fights: U.S. public divides over food
science. Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org
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7. International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications. (2017). Global
status of commercialized biotech/GM crops. Retrieved from http://www.isaaa.org
8. American Association for the Advancement of Science. (2012). Statement on GM
crops. Retrieved from http://www.aaas.org
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Approaches to assessing unintended health effects. Washington, DC: The National
Academies Press.
10. Pew Research Center. (2016). The new food fights: U.S. public divides over food
science. Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org
11. International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications. (2017). Global
Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops. Retrieved from ISAAA