MODULE 6: Genetic Engineering

AUTHORS CONTRIBUTORS

Louella T. Rivera
Myrna Lyn C. Castillo Ma. Arlyn S. Rebogio Melchor V. Manalad
BS Biology BS Biology
MA Ed. MS Biology

1. Discuss the ethics and implications of GMOs and potential

future impacts.
2. Describe gene therapy and its various forms.
3. Assess the issue’s potential benefi ts and detriments to
global health.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES

Genetic engineering is the process of manipulating the genome of an

organism. Tremendous progress has been made in this field for the past
decade. It has increased our crop and livestock yield and supplied us with
products that improve our health and clean up the environment.
However, the development and application of genetic engineering in
agriculture and medicine have been subjected to controversies as the
process involved living organisms. So, this module focuses on the overall
impacts of genetic engineering and ethical concerns. The first part presents
the benefits and costs of GMOs while the second part focuses on the
forms and applications of gene therapy as well as the potentials risks.

A. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Pharming- the future of medicine?
Pharming is a combination of “pharmaceuticals” and
“farming”. It is the process of producing human
pharmaceuticals in farm animals. Tracy “the sheep’ was
ENGAGE
the first animal to produce recombinant protein drug in her
milk.

It is possible that many of our medicines would come from four-

legged factories soon. What if one goat could produce eight
million doses of vaccine? Isn’t it amazing?
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 To learn more of this technology go the next study icon.
___________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS A GMO?
A GMO is a living cell or organism whose genetic material has been
altered or modified making them capable of producing new
substances or perform new functions. Genetic modification involves
EXPLORE the insertion of DNA from one organism into another or modification
of an organism’s DNA to achieve a desired trait. A GMO is also
referred to as transgenic organism. These genetically altered
organisms range from microorganisms like yeast and bacteria to
insects, plants, fish and mammals. Genetic engineering, also called
genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism’s
genome using biotechnology. On the other hand, the use of
microorganisms, cells, or cell components to make a product such
as commercial production of foods, vaccines, antibiotics, and
vitamins is called biotechnology. It encompasses tools and
techniques including those of recombinant DNA technology, the
living organisms to be improved (plants, animals or microorganisms),
the products from these organisms which can be new or rare.
In general, modern Biotechnology aims to develop new precision
tools and diagnostics; speed up breeding gains and efficiency;
develop pest- and disease-resistant crops; combat salinity, drought,
and problems of agriculture; enhance the nutritional quality of food;
increase crop varieties and choice; reduce inputs and production
costs, and increased profits.
In one sense, genetic modification is not something new. For
thousands of years, humans have known how to improve the quality
of plants and animals by selective breeding. This intrusive process was
carried out many times through trial and error by crossing over
organisms with desirable traits. However, such hybrids are not GMOs
because the process of creating them does not involved the transfer
of genes from one species to another.
You might be wondering how GMOs are made. To learn the basic
steps in creating a transgenic organism watch the video with the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vribRyVQ6G8.

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 After watching the video, study the diagram below that
demonstrates the steps in creating a pest resistant tomato.

Genetically Modified Foods. (n.d.) Retrieved from

https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/science/gmfood

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 GMOs have offered opportunities in a wide range of sectors
such as in agriculture, health and medicine, research, industry and
bioremediation.
DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS of GMOs
A. Agriculture
- There are numerous genetically engineered products in
agriculture. Among these is Bovine somatotropin (bST) (1993) which
is a metabolic protein hormone used to increase milk production in
dairy cows for commercial use.
- Bt crops (corn and potatoes) produce toxin to kill pests were
approved safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Flavr Savr tomato (1994) has delayed ripening effect that gives a
longer shelf life compared with natural tomatoes and increase
lycopene.
- Another is weeds resistant to glyphosate (1996). These super weeds
are 7 to 11 times resistant to glyphosate than the standard
susceptible population.
- Rainbow papaya (1998) is Hawaiian papaya resistant to Ringspot
virus because it can produce the Bt toxin.
- Golden rice (Oryza sativa) (2000) was developed in the Philippines
to address the issue of vit. A deficiency. The golden rice is modified
to biosynthesize beta carotene, a precursor of vit. A.
- Yorkshire pigs (2006) are genetically modified to produce offspring
that produce the enzyme phytase in their saliva to digest plant
phosphorus.

B. Medicine
-Humulin (1982), a type of insulin produced using genetically
engineered E. coli bacteria is available in the market. It is the first
GMO approved by FDA.
-The drug, ATryn, an anticoagulant used to reduce blood clots during
surgery or childbirth is extracted from the goat's milk.
-Another promising innovation is Banana vaccines. People may
soon be getting vaccinated for diseases like hepatitis B and
cholera by simply taking a bite of banana. Researchers have
successfully engineered bananas, potatoes, lettuce, carrots and
tobacco to the ideal production and delivery vehicle. When an
altered form of a virus is injected into a banana sapling, the virus’
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 genetic material quickly becomes a permanent part of the plant’s
cells. As the plant grows, its cells produce the virus proteins- but not
the infectious ones. When people eat a bite of a genetically-
engineered banana, which is full of virus proteins, their immune
systems build up antibodies to fight the disease like a traditional
vaccine.

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 C. Manufacturing
- GM goats had been transplanted with a spider’s silk-making genes
from olden Orb Weaver Spider (Nephila clavipes) allowing
researchers to harvest the silk protein from the goats’ milk for a variety
of applications. Because of its strength and elasticity, spider silk fiber
could have several medical uses such as for making artificial
ligaments and tendons, eye sutures and jaw repair. The silk could also
have applications in bulletproof vests and improved car airbags.
D. Bioremediation
- Scientists at the University of Washington are engineering poplar trees
that can clean up contamination sites by absorbing groundwater
pollutants through their roots. The plants then break the pollutants
down into harmless by-products that are incorporated into their roots,
stems and leaves or released into the air. In laboratory tests, the
transgenic plants can remove as much as 91 percent of
trichloroethylene — the most common groundwater contaminant at
U.S. Regular poplar plants removed just three percent of the
contaminant.
- The Enviropig, or “Frankenswine,” as critics call it, is a pig that’s been
genetically altered to better digest and process phosphorus. Pig
manure is high in phytate, a form of phosphorus, so when farmers use
the manure as fertilizer, the chemical enters the watershed and
causes algae blooms that deplete oxygen in the water and kill
marine life. So, scientists added an E. coli bacteria and mouse DNA
to a pig embryo. This modification decreases a pig’s phosphorous
output by as much as 70 percent — making the pig more
environmentally friendly.

E. Biofuel Production
Algenol is commercializing a technology that creates ethanol and
other fuels from algae. At the company’s facilities in India and
Florida, their process allows algae to convert sunlight, seawater and
waste CO2 into sugar much faster than through natural
photosynthesis. The waste CO2 is sourced from other industries.
Through fermentation, the sugar is converted into ethanol and
biomass, which is further refined to green gasoline, jet fuel and diesel.
Production facilities are located on non-arable land close to the sea.
The biofuels are therefore produced without competing for land

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 suitable for food production and without contributing to fresh water
consumption.
Despite these applications, risks and controversies surround the use
of GMOs. GMOs are at the crossroads in terms of public
acceptance. Arguments for and against GM continue. This can
be attributed to the fact that it affects every facet of human life from
social, economic, political, environmental and religious aspect.
Thus, the need to assess the overall impacts of GMOs in our society is
very important.

Risks Related to the Use of Genetically Modified Organisms

There is no doubt that DNA technology in agriculture and

medicine offer many potential benefits, however, various risks
arise in addition to ethical and moral concerns. Some of these are
listed below.

1. Genetic contamination / interbreeding. Introduced GMOs

may interbreed with the wild type or sexually compatible
relatives. The novel trait may disappear in wild types unless it
confers a selective advantage to the recipient. However,
tolerance abilities of wild types may also develop, thus
altering the native species’ ecological relationship and
behavior.

2. Introduced GMOs may interbreed with the wild-type or

sexually compatible relatives. The novel trait may disappear
in wild types unless it confers a selective advantage to the
recipient. However, tolerance abilities of wild types may also
develop, thus altering the native species’ ecological
relationship and behavior.

3. Horizontal Transfer of Recombinant Genes to Other

Microorganisms. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the
acquisition of foreign genes (via transformation, transduction,
and conjugation) by organisms in a variety of environmental
situations. It occurs especially in response to changing
environments and provides organisms, especially
prokaryotes, with access to genes other than those that can
be inherited. HGT of an introduced gene from a GMO may
confer a novel trait in another organism, which could be a
source of potential harm to the health of people or the
environment.
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 4. Biodiversity Impact. With the introduction of GM crops,
concern has been raised that plant genetic diversity will
decrease because breeding programs will concentrate on a
smaller number of high value crops or it may even lead to
monoculture.

5. GMOs may cause allergies. Allergic reaction occurs when the

immune system interprets something as foreign. All GM foods
by definition have something foreign and different because
they contain novel proteins.

6. Antibiotic resistance. GM crops can be engineered with

antibiotic resistance properties which are important in
screening for transformed plants. There is a fear that gut
bacteria of humans may take up these inserted genes just like
what happen in nature. Consequently, creating resistant
germs in human digestive system.

Therefore, the science of risk assessment come into play. Risk

assessment uses statistical methods to quantify risks, so they
can be compared and contrasted which will eventually help
society decide whether to ignore, reduce or eliminate
specific risks of molecularly modified organisms.

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is an international

agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport,
and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern
biotechnology.

Reflection:
o Did your opinion about GMOs change after carefully evaluating
its benefits and risks? Why or why not? Which argument is the most
compelling, and why?
Be ready to share your thoughts during our synchronous meeting.

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 B. Gene Therapy

Another controversial topic in the 21st century is gene therapy.

Though the procedure is still experimental, it promises a medical
treatment most of us would never imagine to be possible. It
brings hope to cure most diseases particularly serious and fatal
conditions.

Overview of the Steps in Gene Therapy

Adamu, S. M., et. al. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Steps-

involved-in-gene-therapy_fig1_312311283

To learn more of this novel approach, watch the video clip The
basics of gene therapy for you to have a background about this
breakthrough in genetic engineering.
Click https://www.asgct.org/education/gene-therapy-basics.

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 How gene therapy works?
To gain an understanding of the basic concept of gene therapy,
let us define first: Genes are segments in the DNA that supply the
body with instructions, directing the cell to produce proteins that
perform a vast array of functions in the body. A defective gene
may result to (a) the failure of protein production, (b) the
production of a non-functional protein, or (c) the over production
of a protein, all of which lead to some sort of a disease or disorder.
Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves the
insertion of a gene to correct the effects of a defective gene.
Recently, gene therapy has also been used to treat an illness
caused in some other way. A new genetic material or working gene
is delivered into the cell by using a vector. Typically, viruses are
used as vectors. Some types of viruses being used are not known
to cause disease and other times the viral genes known to cause
disease are removed. Regardless of the type, all viral vectors are
tested many times for safety prior to being used.

1. Types of Gene Therapy

a. Somatic gene therapy
-transfer of a gene to any cell of the
body that does not produce sperms
or eggs

-the effects of gene therapy will not

be passed onto the patient’s
children
b. Germline gene therapy
- transfer of a gene to cells that
produce eggs or sperm
- the effects of gene therapy will be
passed onto the patient’s children

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 2. Gene Therapy Techniques

a. Gene augmentation therapy

- if a required protein is absent or non-functional due to a

defective gene, a functional gene is inserted to produce that
required protein

* *example: Cystic fibrosis

- a fatal disease due to a

defective gene that
produces a non-functioning
plasma membrane protein

- results to over production of

mucus that blocks the bronchi, pancreatic ducts, or intestines

- insertion of a functional gene can produce the required normal

plasma proteins

b. Gene inhibition therapy

- if protein products of a defective gene encourage the

proliferation of disease-related cells, a new gene is inserted to
either block the defective gene or the activity of the protein
product

* example: Cancer
- a mutation of the oncogene (gene that stimulates cell growth)
leads to over-activation

- results to the production hyperactive proteins that allow cells to

undergo unregulated growth and proliferation

-insertion of a new gene can block the oncogene to prevent

further cell growth and stop the cancer in its tracks
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 c. Killing specific cells

- targets diseased cells for death in one of two ways:

1. Insertion of a “suicide” gene that produces a toxic protein

product killing the diseased cell

2. Insertion of a gene that produces a protein which marks the

diseased cell for attack by the body’s immune system cells
* example: Cancer cells

Challenges of gene therapy

a. Targeting the right cells

- it is crucial that the delivered gene reaches the right cell

- delivering into the wrong cell could cause more health
problems
b. avoiding the immune response
- a new gene is considered an intruder that could spark an immune
response

c. making sure the delivered gene does not disrupt the other genes.

- the delivered gene may insert itself in the path of another

gene, disrupting its activity

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 d. high cost of gene therapy
- an individual case-by-case approach may be very
expensive

- only the wealthy can afford the therapy

e. moral and ethical issues

- Are we playing God?

- What is a human being?

- germline gene therapy: the unborn cannot decide for itself.

It’s time to expound your knowledge and understanding about the

topic by its application.

Researchers have safely used gene therapy to treat eight baby

boys born with an immune disorder known as “bubble boy” disease,
named after a patient who grew up in the 1970s in a plastic
enclosure to avoid germs. In the study, published 17 April in The New
England Journal of Medicine, researchers used a harmless virus to
insert a missing gene called IL2RG into bone marrow cells taken from
infants with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disorder
(X-SCID). The first X-SCID gene therapy trial 2 decades ago at first
appeared successful, but some patients later developed
leukemia because the new gene activated a cancer gene. The
Scientist reports that the new study used a safer virus as well as
chemotherapy to make room for the repaired cells, a step that more
effectively restored the infants’ immune system.

Gene therapy trials are ongoing with patients with other primary
immunodeficiency diseases. Overall, the experience with gene
therapy in primary immunodeficiency diseases has demonstrated
that it is possible to cure the disease.

On your free time you can watch the video on the documentary
on “The boy in a plastic bubble” and reflect on the challenges and
risks of gene therapy.

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 The salient information about this module are as follows:

A. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

o GMOS are organisms that have had their characteristics

changed through the modification of their DNA.
KEY
POINTS o Genetic Modification involves the insertion of DNA from one
organism into another or modification of an organism’s DNA to
achieve a desired trait.

o Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism's

genome using biotechnology.

o Genetic engineering has been used in agriculture to enhance

crops’ resistance to insect pests, diseases, abiotic stresses and
improve nutritional quality of produce.

o In medicine, GE is used for commercial production of

recombinant vaccines, antibiotics, and vitamins.

o Genetically altered bacteria produce many important human

protein products including insulin, growth hormone, tissue
growth factor and clotting factor.

o Some of the risks/concerns related to GMOS are the following:

some consumers may develop allergies; terminator seeds may
increase cost of input among poor farmers; transgenic plants
and animals may spread uncontrollably when introduced
in the natural environment; GMOs could pass their foreign
genes to wild relatives causing potential environmental
problems; certain insects may evolve genetic resistance to the
Bt toxin in transgenic plants; and non-pest species could be
harmed.

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 B. Gene Therapy

o Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves

the insertion of a gene to correct the effects of a defective
gene.
o A functional gene is delivered into the cell by using a
vector. Typically, viruses are used as vectors.
o There are 2 types of Gene Therapy, Somatic and Germline
gene therapy.
o Gene augmentation therapy is when the functional gene is
inserted to produce that required protein.
o Gene inhibition therapy is when a new gene is inserted to
either block the defective gene or the activity of the protein
product
o Killing of specific cells targets diseased cells for death.

The application of genetic engineering is broad.

Developments are underway in agriculture, health and
medicine. GM is enabling these areas to make better products
with greater speed and efficiency. In spite of all the benefits
provided by this 21st century technology, we have to assess its
safety and impacts to our society and environment.

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 3-2-1 Exit Ticket
Fill in the table below to assess your understanding about the
concepts presented in this module.

EVALUATE
3 Things I’ve Learned 2 Things I Want more 1 Question I Have
from this Module to Learn About

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 Books:

Caslib, B. N. (2019) Science, Technology and Society. Rex Bookstore

Inc.
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Quinto, E. J., et.al. (2018). Science, Technology and Society (1 st Ed.).

C & E Publishing, Inc.

Serafica, J. P. J., B. N. Caslib, Jr. (2019) Science, Technology and

Society. Rex Bookstore Ince.

Articles:

Business Mirror. (2022). GMOs in the Philippines. Retrieved from

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/06/21/impact-of-gmos-in-
the-philippines/

Dhan Prakash, Sonika Verma, Ranjana Bhatia, and B. N. Tiwary (2011).

“Risks and Precautions of Genetically Modified Organisms,”
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Jimenez, G. C. and Pulos, E. (n.d.) Good Corporation, Bad

Corporation: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Global
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corporation-bad-corporation/

Ledford, H. (2019). Experimental Gene Therapy Frees ‘Bubble-boy’

Babies From a Life of Isolation.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-01257-9.

Muacevic, A., et. al. (2020) Genetically Modified Products,

Perspectives and Challenges.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164548/

Patil, S. R., et. al. (2018) Gene therapy: A Comprehensive Review.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164548/

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 Phillips, T. (2008) Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Transgenic
crops and recombinant DNA technology. Nature Education
1(1):213.https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/geneti
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Zyga, L. (2010). Scientists Breed Goats that Produce Spider Silk.

https://phys.org/news/2010-05-scientists-goats-spider-silk.html

Websites:
Biosteel goat
https://phys.org/news/2010-05-scientists-goats-spider-silk.html

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMOs) FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS (FAQs)
http://www.asean.org/wp-
content/uploads/images/archive/agr_pub/bio2.doc

Scientists ramp up ability of poplar plants to disarm toxic pollutants

https://www.washington.edu/news/2007/10/15/scientists-ramp-up-
ability-of-poplar-plants-to-disarm-toxic-
pollutants/#:~:text=Scientists%20led%20by%20the%20University,com
mon%20groundwater%20contaminant%20at%20U.S

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