Croissance bactérienne

Table of contents

INTRODUCTION        1

I. The GMOs : Principles, advantages and inconveniences        1

1. Principles of GMOs        1
2. Advantages / Inconviniences        2

II.  Applications in developing countries        3

1. Carried out experiments        3
2. Problematic of the GMO in developing countries (country of the South)        4

CONCLUSION        4

REFERENCES        5

GMO: an alternative allows to fill a deficiency of nutrients in developing countries ?

INTRODUCTION 

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism (animal, plant, bacteria) whose genetic material (set of genes) has been modified by a new technique known as genetic engineering to give it a new characteristic. These techniques make it possible to transfer selected genes from one organism to another, including between different species. Thus, they potentially offer the possibility of introducing into an organism any new character as soon as the corresponding gene (s) have been identified beforehand.

The history of GMOs began about thirty years ago with the first bacterium transformed in 1973.

Nowadays, it is the nutritional characteristics of the plants that are modified (for example the increase of vitamin A in rice). However, GMOs represent a real social debate. Despite of their numerous benefits, the risks related to their consumption are still poorly known by the population. Therefore, it is important to examine the consumption of GMOs and determinize their consequences for humans and environment to timely set the security and detection devices up.

Firstly, we will define the principle on which the GMOs are based as well as its advantages and disadvantages. Secondly, we will study its impacts in developing countries with many examples of scientific experiments and some opinions of different actors about GMOs.

1. The GMOs : Principles, advantages and inconveniences  

1. Principles of GMOs

A GMO is a living organism whose genetic heritage has been transformed into a laboratory. Genetic engineering techniques can be applied to both animal and plant organisms as well as microorganisms. All living organisms are made up of cells and in each is the DNA containing the genetic information (genes). Each gene expresses a particularity of the organism for example the shape of the leaves, the color of skin...

Genetic engineering makes it possible to modify, delete or introduce certain genes. The transformation may consist in adding a new function or in inactivating an already existing function. Indeed, a GMO contains one or more genes belonging to a different species. To create a genetically modified organism (GMO), scientists resort to transgenesis.

[pic 1]

Explanatory diagram of the fabrication of a GMO

1. Advantages / Inconviniences

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a form of scientific farming where chemicals are pumped to crops to increase product sizes and yield. Although this method is highly debated, it has become increasingly common in everyday foods. However, just like any other process, it also has two sides. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of creating genetically modified crops.

1. Advantages

• Firstly, genetic engineering opens up new possibilities for adapting plants to extreme conditions such as drought, salinity, cold or disease. Thus, farmers can grow plants in place where the climate is severe. This would help reduce the lack of food in these developing countries and solve the problem of hunger in an ever-growing world.
• Secondly, because GMO introduces the knowledge of genetic alterations, we would get the ability to enhance crop genes and make them more beneficial for human production and consumption. For example, we can increase the nutritional value by inserting genes into plants such as rice or wheat.
• Last but not least, advanced crops and lower costs can lead to cheaper food. This will certainly help families who cannot afford to buy their needed supply for everyday consumption, so starvation will be prevented.

1. Inconveniences

• Firstly, there are many risks of allergies.

Any GMO is potentially allergenic because it is not recognized by organism which receives it whether by digestive way or by airway. We will observe an immune response immediately.

• Secondly, there are many risks of poisoning.

In fact, no experimental evidence has not allayed the potential  risk of insecticidal molecules made by the transgenic plants. These substances can be toxic for liver, kidneys and brain.

Likewise, food made from the vegetables which tolerate herbicide can become toxic  because of their high percentage of toxic products. These products can also find themselves in all the food chain (milk, meat) up to their authorized maximal dose.

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