Gseugte 3 Eryuii

South East Asian Institute of Technology, Inc.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY, BRGY. CROSSING RUBBER, TUPI, SOUTH COTABATO

College of Agriculture and Fisheries
LEARNING MODULE FOR
BIOTECH 211
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO)
Prepared by
MARITES P.PEDROSO, L.Agr., MAST-CAR
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

S.Y. 2024- 2025
TOPIC 8
Learning Objectives: At the end of this topic the students should be able to:
a. Define genetically modified organism;

b. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of GMO;
c. Understand its impact to food quality and quantity, health and medicine,
environment as well as on economy.
GMO (short for “genetically modified organism”) is a plant, animal or

microbe in which one or more changes have been made to the genome, typically
using high-tech genetic engineering, in an attempt to alter the characteristics of
an organism
Gene therapy seeks to alter genes to correct genetic defects and thus
prevent or cure genetic diseases. Genetic engineering aims to modify the genes
to enhance the capabilities of the organism beyond what is normal.
Advantages of Genetically Modified or GM Crops
1. It improves production and raise farmer's income. Indian farmers are still
practicing traditional process of seeding and cultivation, which required
scientific moves for raising their production. Hence, it is one of the moves
to enhance the farm production.
2. It reduces the use of pesticide and insecticide during farming that might be
great moves for the betterment of the food supply.
3. It can feed a rapidly increasing population because it shows dramatically

increased yields.
4. It can produce more in small area of land.
5. India introduced Bt cotton seeds in 2002. It has greatly reduced the use of
toxic pesticides. Bt cotton produces a common soil bacterium, Bacillus
Thuringiensis (Bt). It is a natural pest repelling bacteria that is toxic to
many worms and pests that can harm the crop but is not hazardous to
humans. Bt is widely sprayed on crops by organic farmers as a pesticide.
As a result of the adoption of Bt cotton, India is now the largest cotton
producer in the world.
Disadvantages of Genetically Modified or GM Crops
1. The production imposes high risks to the disruption of ecosystem and

biodiversity because the “better” traits produced from engineering genes
can result in the favouring of one organism. Hence, it can eventually
disrupt the natural process of gene flow.
2. It increases the cost of cultivation and more inclined towards marketization

of farming that work on immoral profits.
3. The transgenic crops endanger not only farmers but also the trade, and
the environment as well.
4. It is biologically altered. Hence, biotech foods may pose a human health

risk.
5. The excessive production of genetically modified foods will be rendered

ineffective over time because the pests that these toxins used to deter
might eventually develop resistance towards them.
Are GMO foods good or bad for the environment?
Climate change and severe weather events are disrupting food production
and supply. GMO foods could help maintain supplies in the face of changing
environmental conditions and a growing population.
Pros
Genetically modifying some foods could make them:
 easier to store and transport
 less prone to waste due to disease and aging

 more likely to grow in areas with poor-quality soil
 higher in nutrients
Also, a 2022 studyTrusted Source suggests GMO foods could help slow climate
change by reducing greenhouse gases.
Cons
Environmental concerns includeTrusted Source:
 the risk of outcrossing, where genes from GMO foods pass into wild plants
and other crops
 a negative impact on insects and other species
 reduction in other plant types, leading to a loss of biodiversity
The risks will vary depending on local conditions.
Impacts on food quality and quantity
When it comes to food quality, GMOs have the potential to enhance nutritional
content, improve taste and texture, and increase shelf life. For example, GMOs
can be engineered to have higher levels of certain nutrients or to be more
resistant to spoilage.
In terms of food quantity, GMOs have been developed to increase crop yields,
which can help address food scarcity and improve food security. By making
crops more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, GMOs can
help ensure a more reliable food supply.
However, it's important to note that the impacts of GMOs on food quality and
quantity can vary depending on the specific crop and genetic modifications
involved. Ongoing research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of
GMOs on food production and consumption.
Impacts on health and medicine

The impacts of GMOs on health and medicine are a topic of ongoing
research and debate. Some potential benefits include the development of
genetically modified crops with enhanced nutritional content, which could help
address malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in certain populations.
In the field of medicine, GMOs have been used to produce pharmaceuticals,
vaccines, and other medical treatments more efficiently and cost-effectively. For
example, genetically modified bacteria are used to produce insulin and other
important drugs.
However, there are concerns about the potential health risks of consuming
GMOs, such as allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, and unintended effects
on human health. It's important for regulatory agencies to continue monitoring
and evaluating the safety of GMOs in food and medicine.
Overall, the impacts of GMOs on health and medicine are complex and
multifaceted, requiring careful consideration of both the potential benefits and
risks.
Impact on the environment

The impacts of GMOs on the environment are a topic of considerable
debate and study. Some potential positive impacts include reduced use of
chemical pesticides and herbicides, decreased soil erosion due to conservation
tillage practices, and increased crop yields, which can help reduce the need for
agricultural land expansion.
However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of
GMOs on the environment. These include the possibility of gene flow to wild
relatives, leading to the creation of "superweeds" or the loss of biodiversity.
There are also concerns about the long-term effects of GMOs on soil health,
water quality, and non-target organisms.
It's important for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to continue
monitoring and evaluating the environmental impacts of GMOs to ensure the
sustainable and responsible use of this technology.
Impact on economy
The impacts of GMOs on the economy are complex and multifaceted.
Some potential positive impacts include increased agricultural productivity,
reduced production costs, and enhanced market competitiveness for farmers.
GMOs can also contribute to economic growth by creating new job opportunities
in biotechnology and related industries.
On the other hand, there are concerns about the potential negative
impacts of GMOs on the economy. These include issues related to intellectual
property rights, market concentration, and the dependency of farmers on seed
companies. There are also concerns about the impact of GMOs on small-scale
farmers and rural communities, as well as potential trade disputes related to GM
crops.
Overall, the economic impacts of GMOs vary depending on factors such
as the specific crop, region, and regulatory framework. It's important for
policymakers to consider the broader economic implications of GMO adoption
and to address any potential challenges to ensure a sustainable and equitable
agricultural system.

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South East Asian Institute of Technology, Inc.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY, BRGY. CROSSING RUBBER, TUPI, SOUTH COTABATO

LEARNING MODULE FOR

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO)

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO)

a. Define genetically modified organism;

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO)

GMO (short for “genetically modified organism”) is a plant, animal or

Advantages of Genetically Modified or GM Crops

3. It can feed a rapidly increasing population because it shows dramatically

4. It can produce more in small area of land.

Disadvantages of Genetically Modified or GM Crops

1. The production imposes high risks to the disruption of ecosystem and

2. It increases the cost of cultivation and more inclined towards marketization

4. It is biologically altered. Hence, biotech foods may pose a human health

5. The excessive production of genetically modified foods will be rendered

Are GMO foods good or bad for the environment?

Genetically modifying some foods could make them:

 easier to store and transport

 less prone to waste due to disease and aging

Environmental concerns includeTrusted Source:

 a negative impact on insects and other species

 reduction in other plant types, leading to a loss of biodiversity

The risks will vary depending on local conditions.

Impacts on food quality and quantity

Impacts on health and medicine

Impact on the environment

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