Pros and Cons of Transgenesis - 1975 Words

Zoà « Zegers 05/06/10 Richetelli 3/4 Transgenic Organisms Transgenic organism is an organism that has been engineered to carry genes from another species. In this way organism can be made to produce different protein than it normally would. The reason why Transgenesis is possible is because DNA in all organisms is the same if a scientist removes a segment of DNA from one organism and injects it into another then the cell of the second organism will read and use the new DNA as if it was its own. Transgenic organisms, as well as all genetically modified organisms (GMO), are highly debatable because although uses are infinite there are environmental and ethical issues that question the use of GMOs. In 1973, a little less†¦show more content†¦A commonly debated transgenic organism is Golden Rice. Golden Rice is rice that has been genetically altered to have some genes from maize. These genes make Golden Rice rich in Vitamin A. This rice is intended for third world countries where people can’t afford to have variety in their diet. Many people in these countries, especially children, suffer from malnourishment and Vitamin A deficiency. As rice is a staple crop it is very beneficial to these people. â€Å"The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A for 1-3 year-old children is 300  µg (half the RDA is enough to maintain vitamin A at a normal, healthy level). Based on a retinol equivalency ratio for ÃŽ ²-carotene of 12:1, half the RDA would be provided in 72 g of the new-generation Golden Rice. This is perfectly compatible with rice consumption levels in target countries, which lie at 100-200 g of rice per child per day.† (Golden Rice Website) A nother positive transgenic organism is the Enviropig. The phosphorus in pig manure causes water sources near pig farms to become noxious, this leads to many fish and other wildlife to die. Instead of expensive and difficult procedures to remove the phosphorus from the manure scientists developed the Enviropig. The Enviropig has a mouse and E. coli genes that allow the pig to produce phytase in their saliva glands. This enzyme breaks down the phosphorous and reduces the amount of phosphorous in the manure by 60% (Enviropig website).The last agricultural benefit is theShow MoreRelatedBiotechnology Research Paper1794 Words   |  7 Pagesrecombinant plasmid clones, all carrying a segment from the starting genome, thus creating the genomic library. The process in which an exogenous gene (meaning foreign) is brought into a living organism causing it to exhibit new alleles is known as transgenesis. An odd example of a transgenic organism would be mice that are given special recombinant DNA that includes a gene normally found in bioluminescent jellyfish, making it so when placed under a blue or ultraviolet light, parts of their skin and eyes