Myths and reality about GMO products. How to distinguish GMO products? GMO

Genetically modified organism (GMO) - an organism whose genotype was artificially changed using genetic engineering methods. This definition can be applied to plants, animals and microorganisms. The World Health Organization gives a narrower definition, according to which genetically modified organisms are organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been changed, and such changes would not be possible in nature as a result of reproduction or natural recombination.

Genetic changes are usually made for scientific or economic purposes. Genetic modification is distinguished by a purposeful change in the genotype of an organism, in contrast to the random one characteristic of the natural and artificial mutation process.

The main type of genetic modification currently is the use of transgenes to create transgenic organisms.

In agriculture and Food Industry GMOs refer only to organisms modified by the introduction of one or more transgenes into their genome.

Experts have obtained scientific evidence that there is no increased danger in products made from genetically modified organisms as such compared to traditional products.

Purposes of creating GMOs[ | ]

Use as individual genes various types, and their combinations in the creation of new transgenic varieties and lines is part of the FAO strategy for the characterization, conservation and use of genetic resources in agriculture and the food industry.

A 2012 study (based also on reports from seed companies) of the use of transgenic soybeans, corn, cotton and canola from 1996 to 2011 found that herbicide-tolerant crops were cheaper to grow and, in some cases, more productive. Crops containing the insecticide produced greater yields, especially in developing countries where previously used pesticides were ineffective. Also, insect-resistant crops have proven to be cheaper to grow in developed countries. According to a meta-analysis conducted in 2014, the yield of GMO crops due to the reduction in losses from pests is 21.6% higher than that of non-modified crops, while the consumption of pesticides is lower by 36.9%, and the cost of pesticides is reduced by 39.2% , and the income of agricultural producers increases by 68.2%.

Methods for creating GMOs[ | ]

The main stages of creating GMOs:

The methods for implementing each of these stages together constitute .

The process of gene synthesis is now very well developed and even largely automated. There are special devices equipped with computers, in the memory of which programs for the synthesis of various nucleotide sequences are stored. This apparatus synthesizes DNA segments up to 100-120 nitrogen bases in length (oligonucleotides).

If unicellular organisms or multicellular cell cultures are subject to modification, then at this stage cloning begins, that is, the selection of those organisms and their descendants (clones) that have undergone modification. When the task is to obtain multicellular organisms, cells with an altered genotype are used for vegetative propagation of plants or introduced into the blastocysts of a surrogate mother when it comes to animals. As a result, cubs are born with a changed or unchanged genotype, among which only those that exhibit the expected changes are selected and crossed with each other.

Application [ | ]

In research [ | ]

Currently, genetically modified organisms are widely used in fundamental and applied scientific research. With the help of genetically modified organisms, the patterns of development of certain diseases (Alzheimer's disease, cancer), the processes of aging and regeneration are studied, the functioning of the nervous system is studied, and a number of other pressing problems of biology and modern medicine are solved.

In medicine and pharmaceutical industry[ | ]

Genetically modified organisms have been used in applied medicine since 1982. This year, genetically engineered human insulin, produced using genetically modified bacteria, was registered as a medicine. Currently, the pharmaceutical industry produces a large number of medicines based on recombinant human proteins: such proteins are produced by genetically modified microorganisms or genetically modified animal cell lines. Genetic modification in this case means that a human protein gene is introduced into the cell (for example, the insulin gene, the interferon gene, the beta-follitropin gene). This technology makes it possible to isolate proteins not from donor blood, but from GM organisms, which reduces the risk of drug contamination and increases the purity of the isolated proteins. Work is underway to create genetically modified plants that produce components of vaccines and medicines against dangerous infections (plague, HIV). Proinsulin obtained from genetically modified safflower is in clinical trials. A drug against thrombosis based on protein from the milk of transgenic goats has been successfully tested and approved for use.

In agriculture[ | ]

Genetic engineering is used to create new plant varieties that are resistant to unfavorable environmental conditions and pests and have better growth and taste qualities.

Genetically modified varieties of forest species with a significant cellulose content in the wood and rapid growth are being tested.

However, some companies place restrictions on the use of genetically modified seeds they sell, prohibiting the sowing of self-made seeds. This is achieved through legal restrictions such as contracts, patents or seed licensing. Also, technologies for such restrictions were being developed at one time (GURT), which were never used in commercially available GM lines. GURT technologies either make grown seeds sterile (V-GURT) or require special chemicals to manifest the modified properties (T-GURT). It is worth noting that F1 hybrids are widely used in agriculture, which, like GMO varieties, require annual purchases of seed material. Some foods contain a gene that causes pollen to be sterile, such as the barnase gene, derived from the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

Since 1996, when the cultivation of GM crops began, the area occupied by GM crops has grown to 175 million hectares in 2013 (more than 11% of all global cultivated areas). Such plants are grown in 27 countries, especially widely in the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, India, China, while, since 2012, the production of GM varieties by developing countries has exceeded production in industrialized countries. Of the 18 million farmers growing GM crops, more than 90% are small farms in developing countries.

As of 2013, 36 countries that regulate the use of GM crops issued 2,833 permits for the use of such crops, of which 1,321 were for human consumption and 918 for livestock feed. A total of 27 GM crops (336 varieties) are allowed on the market; the main crops are: soybeans, corn, cotton, canola, and potatoes. Of the GM crops used, the vast majority of areas are occupied by crops that are resistant to herbicides, insect pests, or crops with a combination of these properties.

In animal husbandry[ | ]

Gene editing has been used to create pigs that are potentially resistant to African swine fever. Changing five “letters” in the DNA code of the RELA gene in farmed animals has produced a variant of the gene that supposedly protects their wild relatives, warthogs and bush pigs, from the disease.

Other directions[ | ]

Genetically modified bacteria are being developed that can produce environmentally friendly fuel.

In 2003, GloFish appeared on the market - the first genetically modified organism created for aesthetic purposes, and the first pet of its kind. Thanks to genetic engineering popular aquarium fish Danio rerio has received several bright fluorescent colors.

In 2009, the GM rose variety “Applause” with flowers " of blue color"(they are actually lilac).

Safety [ | ]

The technology that appeared in the early 1970s (en: Recombinant DNA) opened up the possibility of obtaining organisms containing foreign genes (genetically modified organisms). This caused public concern and started a debate about the safety of such manipulations.

The first document that regulated the production and handling of GMO materials in the European Union was Directive 90/219/EEC “On the restricted use of genetically modified microorganisms”.

When asked about the safety of products made from genetically modified organisms, the World Health Organization responds that it is impossible to make general statements about the danger or safety of such products, but that a separate assessment is necessary in each case, since different genetically modified organisms contain different genes. WHO also believes that GM products available on the international market have undergone safety tests and have been consumed by populations of entire countries without observed effects, and accordingly are unlikely to pose a health hazard.

Currently, experts have obtained scientific data on the absence of increased danger of products from genetically modified organisms in comparison with products obtained from organisms bred traditional methods. As noted in a 2010 report by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Science and Information:

The main conclusion emerging from the efforts of more than 130 research projects, spanning 25 years of research and involving more than 500 independent research groups, is that biotechnology and, in particular, GMOs as such are no more dangerous than, e.g. , traditional technologies plant breeding

In 2012, the journal Nature published an article about the long-term use of GM crops that produce insecticidal proteins and do not require additional insecticide treatment. This naturally increased the population of predatory insects, and significantly reduced the number of harmful insects.

A review of 1,783 publications on the topic of GMOs with the conclusion: they do not pose any particular risks.

Regulation [ | ]

In some countries, the creation, production, and use of products using GMOs are subject to government regulation. Including in Russia, where several types of transgenic products have been studied and approved for use.

Until 2014, in Russia GMOs could only be grown in experimental plots; the import of certain varieties (not seeds) of corn, potatoes, soybeans, rice and sugar beets (22 plant lines in total) was allowed. On July 1, 2014, the Government Decree was supposed to come into force Russian Federation dated September 23, 2013 No. 839 “About state registration genetically engineered modified organisms intended for release into the environment, as well as products obtained using such organisms or containing such organisms.” On June 16, 2014, the Government of the Russian Federation adopted Resolution No. 548 on postponing the entry into force of Resolution No. 839 by 3 years, that is, to July 1, 2017.

In February 2015, a bill banning the cultivation of GMOs in Russia was submitted to the State Duma, which was adopted in the first reading in April 2015. The ban does not apply to the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for examinations and research work. According to the bill, the government will be able to ban the import of genetically modified organisms and products into Russia based on the results of monitoring their impact on humans and the environment. Importers of genetically modified organisms and products will be required to undergo registration procedures. For the use of GMOs in violation of the permitted type and conditions of use, administrative liability is provided: a fine of officials it is proposed to set the amount from 10 thousand to 50 thousand rubles; for legal entities - from 100 to 500 thousand rubles.

List of GMOs approved for use in Russia, including as food by the population:

Public opinion[ | ]

Public opinion polls show that the public as a whole is not very aware of the basics of biotechnology. Most people believe statements like: Regular tomatoes do not contain genes, unlike transgenic tomatoes .

According to molecular biologist Anne Glover, opponents of GMOs suffer from a "form of mental insanity." A. Glover's remarks led to her resignation from her post as chief scientific adviser to the European Commission.

In 2016, more than 120 Nobel laureates (most of them physicians, biologists and chemists) signed a letter calling on Greenpeace, the United Nations and governments around the world to end the fight against genetically modified organisms.

GMOs and religion [ | ]

According to the Orthodox Jewish Union, genetic modifications do not affect the kosher quality of a product.

see also [ | ]

Notes [ | ]

  1. WHO | Frequently Asked Questions on Genetically Modified Foods (undefined) . www.who.int. Retrieved March 24, 2017.
  2. genetically modified organism // Glossary of biotechnology for food and agriculture: a revised and augmented edition of the glossary of biotechnology and genetic engineering. Rome, 2001, FAO, ISSN 1020-0541
  3. European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation; Directorate E - Biotechnologies, Agriculture, Food; Unit E2 - Biotechnologies (2010) p.16
  4. What is agricultural biotechnology? // The state of food and agriculture 2003-2004: The state of food and agriculture 2003-2004. Agricultural Biotechnology. FAO Agriculture Series No. 35. (2004)
  5. Leshchinskaya I. B. Genetic engineering (Russian)(1996). Retrieved September 4, 2009. Archived January 21, 2012.
  6. Brookes G, Barfoot P. The global income and production effects of genetically modified (GM) crops 1996-2011.GM Crops Food. 2012 Oct-Dec;3(4):265-72.
  7. Klümper, Wilhelm; Qaim, Matin (2014). “A Meta-Analysis of the Impacts of Genetically Modified Crops”. PLoS ONE. 9 (11): –111629. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0111629 . Verified 2015-12-24.
  8. Trait Introduction Method: Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated plant transformation
  9. Microparticle bombardment of plant cells or tissue
  10. Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods: Approaches to Assessing Unintended Health Effects (2004)
  11. Jeffrey Green, Thomas Ried. Genetically Engineered Mice for Cancer Research: Design, Analysis, Pathways, Validation and Pre-clinical Testing. Springer, 2011
  12. Patrick R. Hof, Charles V. Mobbs. Handbook of the neuroscience of aging. p537-542
  13. Cisd2 deficiency drives premature aging and causes mitochondria-mediated defects in mice//Genes & Dev. 2009. 23: 1183-1194
  14. Insulin soluble [human genetically engineered] (Insulin soluble): instructions, use and formula
  15. History of biotechnology development (Russian) (unavailable link). Retrieved September 4, 2009. Archived July 12, 2007.
  16. Zenaida Gonzalez Kotala. UCF professor develops vaccine to protect against black plague bioterror attack(English) (30 July 2008). Retrieved October 3, 2009. Archived January 21, 2012.
  17. Obtaining an anti-HIV drug from plants (Russian)(April 1, 2009, 12:35). Retrieved September 4, 2009. Archived January 21, 2012.
  18. Insulin from plants is being tested in humans (Russian) (inaccessible link - story) . Membrana (January 12, 2009). Retrieved September 4, 2009.
  19. Irina Vlasova. American patients will receive a goat (Russian) (unavailable link)(11 February 2009, 16:22). Retrieved September 4, 2009. Archived April 6, 2009.
  20. Matt Ridley. Genome: The Autobiography of a Species In 23 Chapters.HarperCollins, 2000, 352 pages
  21. The Mission Impossible of Genetic Redesign For Longevity
  22. Elements - science news: Transgenic cotton helped Chinese peasants defeat a dangerous pest
  23. And Russia is overgrown with transgenic birches... | Science and technology | Science and technology of Russia Archived copy of February 19, 2009 on the Wayback Machine
  24. Monsanto Seed Saving and Legal Activities
  25. Caleb Garling (San Francisco Chronicle), Monsanto seed suit and software patents // SFGate, February 23, 2013: “the company’s genetically modified and pesticide-resistant seeds, which are patent-protected. .. Monsanto uses a similar strategy with its seeds. Farmers license their use; technically, they don’t buy them.”
  26. Are GM plants fertile, or do farmers have to buy new seeds every year? // EuropaBio: "All GM plants commercialized are as fertile as their conventional counterparts."
  27. GM Events with Male sterility
  28. Gene: barnase
  29. ISAAA Brief 46-2013: Executive Summary. Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2013 Archived February 22, 2014 on the Wayback Machine // ISAAA
  30. The total area sown with genetically modified crops is 1.5 times larger than the territory of the United States // InoSMI, based on materials from Mother Jones, USA, 02/26/2013
  31. , slide 4-5
  32. Pigs" genetic code altered in bid to tackle deadly virus
  33. Simon G. Lillico, Chris Proudfoot, Tim J. King, Wenfang Tan, Lei Zhang, Rachel Mardjuki, David E. Paschon, Edward J. Rebar, Fyodor D. Urnov, Alan J. Mileham, David G. McLaren, C. Bruce A. Whitelaw. (2016). Mammalian interspecies substitution of immune modulatory alleles by genome editing. Scientific Reports,; 6: 21645 DOI:10.1038/srep21645
  34. Super-biofuel cooked up by bacterial brewers - tech - 08 December 2008 - New Scientist
  35. MEMBRANE | World news | Sales of real blue roses start in Japan
  36. B. Glick, J. Pasternak. Molecular biotechnology = Molecular Biotechnology. - M.: Mir, 2002. - P. 517. - 589 p. - ISBN 5-03-003328-9.
  37. Berg P et. al. Science, 185, 1974 , 303 .
  38. Breg et al., Science, 188, 1975 , 991-994 .

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are food products, as well as living organisms created using genetic engineering. Genetic modification technologies are widely used in agriculture. Plants with GMOs have increased productivity and are resistant to pests.

In Russia, the production of GMOs is currently prohibited. However, the import of food products that contain genetically modified components is permitted. Mostly modified soybeans, corn, potatoes and beets are imported to Russia from the USA. America occupies a leading position in both the production and consumption of GMOs. Thus, up to 80% of food products in the United States contain GMOs. According to the National Association for Genetic Safety, Russian market About 30–40% of food products contain GMOs. Over the past 3 years, the association has discovered GMOs in products from companies such as Nestle, Mikoyan, Campomos and others.

In our country, a significant negative effect of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the biological and physiological parameters of mammals has recently been confirmed.

On April 14, at the RIA Novosti press club, specialists from the National Association of Genetic Safety (NAGS) presented the results of an independent study examining the effect of food containing components of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the biological and physiological parameters of mammals.

The results of a study conducted by the OAGB jointly with the Institute of Ecology and Evolution named after. A.N. Severtsov RAS in the period 2008-2010, indicate a significant negative impact of feed containing GMOs on the reproductive functions and health of laboratory animals.

“Animals (taking GMOs) were found to have a delay in development and growth, a violation of the sex ratio in litters with an increase in the proportion of females, a decrease in the number of cubs in the litter, up to their complete absence in the second generation,” said Deputy Director of the Institute of Pediatrics and Ecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. n. Alexey Surov, “A significant decrease in the reproductive abilities of males was also noted.”

“The results of our study confirmed the data of those European scientists who stated the negative health effects that arise from the use of GMOs in the food of laboratory animals,” says OAGB President Alexander Baranov. “We used soybean meal, which is widely used in Russia for fattening agricultural breeds . Soybean line 40-3-2 contained in the meal is approved in our country for use in human food.”

During the press conference, OAGB specialists announced the need to conduct a new series of experiments to once again verify the conclusions about the dangers of GMOs on human health. The OAGB made a proposal to introduce a temporary moratorium in Russia on 17 approved GMO lines until they are fully tested for biosafety.

Let us recall that in Russia the use of 17 types of genetically modified lines (GMOs) of five varieties of cultivated plants is permitted: soybeans, corn, potatoes, rice and sugar beets. For example, more than 90 percent of all soybeans produced in the world are genetically modified. Genetically modified soybeans and their by-products are widely used in the production of large number food for humans and feed for farm animals.

The experimental study was carried out on a laboratory population of Campbell's hamsters (Phodopus capbelli), selected because they have a rapid generational change, which makes it possible to track long-term consequences. The main negative fact of the influence of GMO food, which was discovered during the study, according to the president of the OAGB, Alexander Baranov, is the “ban on reproduction”, as a result of which it was not possible to obtain a third generation of individuals.

In Russia there are currently about 5 million infertile couples. According to the speakers, if the negative impact of GMOs on human reproductive abilities is confirmed, there is a risk of a serious deterioration in the demographic situation in Russia.

OAGB Director Elena Sharoykina noted in her comments that in the recently signed by the President of Russia D.A. Medvedev’s “Doctrine of Food Security of the Russian Federation” states the need to “exclude the uncontrolled distribution of food products obtained from genetically modified plants.” At the same time, Elena Sharoykina stated that in Russian regions there is not sufficient technical equipment and a system for controlling the spread of GMOs has not been developed; there is no comprehensive the legislative framework And governmental support scientific research in the field of biological safety.

At the press conference, an open appeal was voiced to the head of the working group on creating an innovation center in Skolkovo, to the First Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Russia Vladislav Surkov with a proposal to develop the “Safe Genetic Technologies” project within the Silicon Valley.

The project involves the development of a security system aimed at protecting Russian citizens from possible negative consequences of GMO influence.

List of products that may contain GMOs:

1. Soybean and its forms (beans, sprouts, concentrate, flour, milk, etc.).

2. Corn and its forms (flour, grits, canned food, popcorn, butter, chips, starch, syrups, etc.).

3. Potatoes and their forms (semi-finished products, dry mashed potatoes, chips, crackers, flour, etc.).

4. Tomatoes and its forms (paste, puree, sauces, ketchup, etc.).

5. Zucchini and products made using them.

6. Sugar beets, table beets, sugar produced from sugar beets.

7. Wheat and products made using it, including bread and bakery products.

8. Sunflower oil.

9. Rice and products containing it (flour, granules, flakes, chips).

10. Carrots and products containing them.

11. Onions, shallots, leeks and other bulbous vegetables.

If you find this information useful, share it with your friends!

Whose products contain GMOs:

Kelloggs (Kelloggs) - produces ready-made breakfasts, including cornflakes
Nestle (Nestlé) - produces chocolate, coffee, coffee drinks, baby food
Heinz Foods (Hayents Foods) - produces ketchups, sauces
Hersheys (Hersheys) - produces chocolate, soft drinks
Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola) - Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Kinley tonic
McDonalds (McDonald's) - a chain of fast food restaurants
Danon (Danone) - produces yoghurts, kefir, cottage cheese, baby food
Similac (Similac) - produces baby food
Cadbury (Cadbury) - produces chocolate, cocoa
Mars (Mars) - produces chocolate Mars, Snickers, Twix
PepsiCo (Pepsi-Cola) - Pepsi, Mirinda, Seven-Up

Daria - produces meat products

Campamos - produces meat products

Korona - produces meat products

Mikoyanovsky - produces meat products

Tsaritsyno - produces meat products

Lianozovsky - produces meat and dairy products

Volzhsky PC - produces meat products.

GMO world

The film tells about the products produced by a transnational corporation and their harm to humans and the environment.

Transgenization is a genetic bomb

2007
Documentary
Director:
Galina Tsareva

One of the most pressing problems of our time is the problem of introducing and disseminating new biotechnologies associated with genetic changes in living organisms. Genetically modified (transgenic) organisms contain DNA fragments from any other living organisms in their genetic apparatus; for example, genes from an insect, animal, or even a person can be inserted into a plant. With the help of genetic engineering, hybrids of potatoes with tomatoes, soybeans with blue tobacco, and sunflowers with beans have already been obtained. There is also more discouraging data: a frost-resistant tomato variety with an integrated flounder gene, drought-resistant corn with a scorpion gene, a tomato with a toad gene. But does a person have enough knowledge to play the role of the Creator?

The topic of eating genetically modified foods is very relevant. Some people consider genetic engineering to be violence against nature, while others are afraid for their own health and side effects. While there is debate all over the world about the benefits of and, many people buy and eat them without even knowing it.

What are genetically modified foods?

IN modern society There is a trend towards proper nutrition, and everything fresh and natural gets to the table. People try to avoid everything that is obtained from genetically modified organisms, the constitution of which has been radically changed using genetic engineering. You can reduce their consumption only if you have an idea of ​​what GMOs are in food.

Today, supermarkets sell up to 40% of GMO products: vegetables, fruits, tea and coffee, chocolate, sauces, juices and sparkling water, even. It only takes one GM component for a food to be labeled GMO. On the list:

  • transgenic fruits, vegetables and possibly food animals;
  • products with GM ingredients (for example, transgenic corn);
  • processed transgenic raw materials (for example, chips from transgenic corn).

How to distinguish genetically modified products?

Genetically modified foods are produced when a gene from one organism, bred in a laboratory, is inserted into the cell of another. GMOs give a plant or a number of traits: resistance to pests, viruses, chemicals and external influences, but if genetically modified products regularly appear on the shelves, how can you distinguish them from natural ones? You need to look at the composition and appearance:

  1. Genetically modified products (GMP) are stored for a long time and do not spoil. Ideally even, smooth, non-aromatic vegetables and fruits - almost certainly GMO. The same goes for bakery products, which for a long time stay fresh.
  2. Frozen semi-finished products - dumplings, cutlets, dumplings, pancakes, ice cream - are stuffed with transgenes.
  3. Products from the USA and Asia containing potato starch, soy flour and corn are 90% GMO. If the product contains vegetable protein on the label, it is modified soy.
  4. Cheap sausages usually contain soy concentrate, which is a GM ingredient.
  5. The presence may be indicated by food additives E 322 (soy lecithin), E 101 and E 102 A (riboflavin), E415 (xanthan), E 150 (caramel) and others.

Genetically modified products - pros and cons

There is a lot of controversy about such food. People are concerned about the environmental risks of growing them: genetically mutated forms could end up in wildlife and lead to global changes in ecological systems. Consumers are concerned about food risks: possible allergic reactions, poisoning, illnesses. The question arises: are genetically modified products needed on the world market? It is not yet possible to completely abandon them. They do not worsen the taste of food, and the cost of transgenic options is much lower than natural ones. There are both opponents and supporters of the GMP.

Harm of GMOs

There is not a single 100% proven study that would indicate that modified foods are harmful to the body. However, opponents of GMOs cite many irrefutable facts:

  1. Genetic engineering can have dangerous and unpredictable side effects.
  2. Harmful to the environment due to more use herbicides.
  3. They can get out of control and spread, contaminating the gene pool.
  4. Some studies claim that GM foods are harmful as a cause of chronic diseases.

Benefits of GMOs

Genetically modified foods have their advantages. As for plants, transgenic plants accumulate fewer chemicals than their natural counterparts. Varieties with a modified constitution are resistant to various viruses, diseases and weather, they ripen much faster, are stored even longer, and independently fight pests. With the help of transgenic intervention, the time for selection is reduced significantly. These are the undoubted advantages of GMOs; moreover, defenders of genetic engineering claim that eating GMOs is the only way to save humanity from hunger.


Why are genetically modified foods dangerous?

Despite all attempts to find benefits from the introduction of modern science and genetic engineering, genetically modified food products are most often mentioned in a negative way. They pose three threats:

  1. Environment (emergence of resistant weeds, bacteria, reduction in species or numbers of plants and animals, chemical pollution).
  2. The human body (allergies and other diseases, metabolic disorders, changes in microflora, mutagenic effect).
  3. Global risks ( economic security, activation of viruses).

In this article we will understand - what is GMO?

Wikipedia answers us the following: A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genotype has been artificially changed using genetic engineering methods. This definition can be applied to plants, animals and microorganisms. Genetic changes are usually made for scientific or economic purposes. Genetic modification is distinguished by a targeted change in the genotype of an organism, in contrast to the random one characteristic of natural and artificial mutagenesis.

In essence, these are organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been artificially changed (added from any other animal organisms) to obtain supposedly useful characteristics of the original donor organism, such as calorie content, resistance to pests, diseases, weather, such products ripen faster and are stored longer, their fertility increases, which ultimately affects the cost of products.

Drought-resistant wheat in which the scorpion gene was implanted. Potatoes containing the genes of an earthen bacterium that even cause death Colorado potato beetles(is it just them?). Tomatoes with flounder genes. Soybeans and strawberries with bacterial genes. Perhaps this is a real panacea, given the ever-growing population and other economic problems. You can, for example, help the starving population of Africa, but for some reason African countries do not allow the import of GM products into their territories...

The cost of GM agricultural products is 3-5 times cheaper than conventional ones! This means that in pursuit of profit, entrepreneurs will actively use them. But this does not mean that by eliminating all plant foods with altered DNA from your diet, you are protecting yourself. For example, if cows on a dairy farm are fed with GM feed, then this will undoubtedly affect both milk and meat (if this is relevant to someone). And bees pollinating fields with GM corn will make the same wrong honey. I will not write about experiments on rats with fatal outcomes.

I have not found any information on whether similar studies have been conducted on humans. I would like to note right away that almost all such studies are paid for by GMO producing companies. In response to any objections about mandatory certification, the honesty of manufacturers, laboratory technicians, and other things, I can note that not a single “independent” laboratory would want to lose the tender for the next examination or study, and not a single businessman would want to lose hard-earned money spent on non-production.

It is already known that regular consumption of GM products can lead to serious problems! Scientists identify the following main risks of consuming genetically modified foods:

1. Allergic reactions and metabolic disorders resulting from the direct action of transgenic proteins.

The effect of new proteins that are produced by genes built into GMOs is not yet fully known, because They have been consumed by humans relatively recently and therefore it is not clear whether they are allergens.

An illustrative example is the attempt to cross Brazil nut genes with soybean genes - with the goal of increasing nutritional value the latter, their protein content was increased. However, as it turned out later, the combination turned out to be a strong allergen, and it had to be withdrawn from further production.

For example, in the USA, where products with altered DNA are very popular, 70.5% of the population suffer from allergies, and in Sweden, where such products are prohibited, only 7%.<

2. Another consequence of the action of transgenic proteins can be a decrease in the immunity of the whole organism (70% of human immunity is in the intestines), as well as metabolic disorders.

Our natural microflora is simply not able to process products that are unusual for the ecosystem in which we exist as a species. It’s no wonder that so many drugs have now appeared on the market to improve digestion, relieve intestinal discomfort, fight heartburn, and so on, which means there is a demand.

Also, one version is that the epidemic of meningitis among English children was caused by weakened immunity as a result of eating GM-containing milk chocolate and wafer biscuits.

3. The emergence of resistance of human pathogenic microflora to antibiotics.

When obtaining GMOs, marker genes for antibiotic resistance are still used, which can pass into the intestinal microflora, as has been shown in relevant experiments, and this, in turn, can lead to medical problems - the inability to cure many diseases.

Since December 2004, the EU has banned the sale of GMOs containing antibiotic resistance genes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that manufacturers refrain from using these genes, but corporations have not completely abandoned them. The risk of such GMOs, as noted in the Oxford Great Encyclopedic Reference, is quite large and “we have to admit that genetic engineering is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance.”

4. Various health problems as a result of the appearance in GMOs of new, unplanned proteins or metabolic products toxic to humans.

There is already convincing evidence that the stability of a plant genome is disrupted when a foreign gene is inserted into it. All this can cause a change in the chemical composition of GMOs and the emergence of unexpected, including toxic, properties.

For example, for the production of the dietary supplement tryptophan in the USA in the late 80s. In the 20th century, a GMH bacterium was created. However, along with regular tryptophan, for a reason that is not fully understood, it began to produce ethylene bis-tryptophan. As a result of its use, 5 thousand people fell ill, 37 of them died, 1,500 became disabled.

Independent experts claim that genetically modified plant crops produce 1020 times more toxins than conventional organisms.

5. Health problems associated with the accumulation of herbicides in the human body.

Most known transgenic plants do not die due to the massive use of agricultural chemicals and can accumulate them. There is evidence that sugar beets that are resistant to the herbicide glyphosate accumulate its toxic metabolites.

6. Reducing the intake of necessary substances into the body.

According to independent experts, it is still impossible to say for sure, for example, whether the composition of conventional soybeans and GM analogues is equivalent or not. When comparing various published scientific data, it turns out that some indicators, in particular the content of phytoestrogens, vary significantly. That is, we eat not only what can harm us, but also does not bring any benefit.

7. Long-term carcinogenic and mutagenic effects.

Each insertion of a foreign gene into the body is a mutation; it can cause undesirable consequences in the genome, and no one knows what this will lead to, and no one can know today. But, as is known, it is cell mutations that lead to the development of cancer cells. In addition, it has already been proven that cancer growth increases when consuming genetically modified thermophilic yeast.

According to research by British scientists within the framework of the government project “Assessing the risk associated with the use of GMOs in human food”, published in 2002, transgenes tend to linger in the human body and, as a result of the so-called “horizontal transfer”, become integrated into the genetic apparatus of microorganisms human intestines. Previously, such a possibility was denied.

In addition to the danger to human health, scientists are actively discussing the potential threat biotechnology poses to the environment.

The resistance to herbicides acquired by GMO plants could be detrimental if transgenic crops begin to spread uncontrollably. For example, alfalfa, rice, sunflower are very similar in characteristics to weeds, and their random growth will not be easy to control.

In Canada, one of the main producing countries of GMO products, similar cases have already been recorded. According to The Ottawa Citizen, Canadian farms have been invaded by genetically modified "superweeds" that were created by accidentally crossing three types of GM rapeseed that are resistant to different types of herbicides. The result is a plant that, according to the newspaper, is resistant to almost all agricultural chemicals.

A similar problem will arise in the case of the transfer of herbicide resistance genes from cultivated plants to other wild species. For example, it has been observed that growing transgenic soybeans leads to genetic mutations in associated plants (weeds), which become resistant to the effects of herbicides.

The possibility of transferring genes that encode the production of proteins toxic to insect pests cannot be ruled out. Weeds that produce their own insecticides have a huge advantage in controlling insects, which are often a natural limiter to their growth.

In addition, not only pests, but also other insects are at risk. An article appeared in the authoritative journal Nature, the authors of which announced that crops of transgenic corn threaten populations of a protected species of monarch butterflies; its pollen turned out to be toxic to their caterpillars. Such an effect, of course, was not intended by the creators of corn - it was only supposed to repel insect pests.

In addition, living organisms that feed on transgenic plants can mutate - according to research conducted by German zoologist Hans Kaaz, pollen from a modified oilseed turnip caused mutations in bacteria living in the stomachs of bees.

There is concern that all these effects in the long term could cause disruption of entire food chains and, as a result, the balance within individual ecological systems and even the extinction of some species.

Here is a list of products that may contain GMOs:

  1. Soybean and its forms (beans, sprouts, concentrate, flour, milk, etc.).
  2. Corn and its forms (flour, grits, popcorn, butter, chips, starch, syrups, etc.).
  3. Potatoes and their forms (semi-finished products, dry mashed potatoes, chips, crackers, flour, etc.).
  4. Tomatoes and its forms (paste, puree, sauces, ketchup, etc.).
  5. Zucchini and products made using them.
  6. Sugar beets, table beets, sugar produced from sugar beets.
  7. Wheat and products made using it, including bread and bakery products.
  8. Sunflower oil.
  9. Rice and products containing it (flour, granules, flakes, chips).
  10. Carrots and products containing them.
  11. Onions, shallots, leeks and other bulbous vegetables.

Accordingly, there is a high probability of encountering GMOs in products produced using these plants.

Most often, modifications can be made: soybeans, rapeseed, corn, sunflower, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, zucchini, paprika, lettuce.

GM soy can be included in bread, cookies, baby food, margarine, soups, pizza, fast food, meat products (for example, cooked sausage, hot dogs, pates), flour, candy, ice cream, chips, chocolate, sauces, soy milk etc.

GM corn (maize) can be found in foods such as instant foods, soups, sauces, seasonings, chips, chewing gum, and cake mixes.

GM starch can be found in a very wide range of foods, including those that children love, such as yoghurt.

70% of popular baby food brands contain GMOs!

About 30% of tea and coffee on the market are genetically modified.

Products made in the United States that contain soy, corn, canola or potatoes are likely to contain GM ingredients.

Most soy-based products produced outside of Russia and not in the United States can also be transgenic.

Products containing plant proteins are likely to contain modified soy.

Human insulin preparations, vitamins, and antiviral vaccines may also contain GMOs.

Here are the names of some companies that, according to the state register, supply GM raw materials to their clients in Russia or are producers themselves:

  • Central Soya Protein Group, Denmark;
  • LLC "BIOSTAR TRADE", St. Petersburg;
  • ZAO "Universal", Nizhny Novgorod;
  • Monsanto Co., USA;
  • "Protein Technologies International Moscow", Moscow;
  • LLC "Agenda", Moscow
  • JSC "ADM-Food Products", Moscow
  • JSC "GALA", Moscow;
  • JSC "Belok", Moscow;
  • "Dera Food Technology N.V.", Moscow;
  • "Herbalife International of America", USA;
  • "OY FINNSOYPRO LTD", Finland;
  • LLC "Salon Sport-Service", Moscow;
  • "Intersoya", Moscow.

But those who, according to the same state register, actively use GMOs in their products:

  • Kelloggs (Kelloggs) - produces breakfast cereals, including corn flakes
  • Nestle (Nestlé) - produces chocolate, coffee, coffee drinks, baby food
  • Heinz Foods (Hayents Foods) - produces ketchups, sauces
  • Hersheys (Hersheys) - produces chocolate, soft drinks
  • Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola) - Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Kinley tonic
  • McDonalds (McDonald's) - a chain of fast food restaurants
  • Danon (Danone) - produces yoghurts, kefir, cottage cheese, baby food
  • Similac (Similac) - produces baby food
  • Cadbury (Cadbury) - produces chocolate, cocoa
  • Mars (Mars) - produces chocolate Mars, Snickers, Twix
  • PepsiCo (Pepsi-Cola) - Pepsi, Mirinda, Seven-Up.

GMOs can often be hidden behind E indexes. However, this does not mean that all E supplements contain GMOs or are transgenic. You just need to know which E can, in principle, contain GMOs or their derivatives.

This is primarily soy lecithin or lecithin E 322: binds water and fats together and is used as a fatty element in milk formulas, cookies, chocolate, riboflavin (B2) otherwise known as E 101 and E 101A, can be produced from GM- microorganisms. It is added to cereals, soft drinks, baby food and weight loss products. Caramel (E 150) and xanthan (E 415) can also be produced from GM grains.

  • E101 and E101A (B2, riboflavin)
  • E150 (caramel);
  • E153 (carbonate);
  • E160a (beta-carotene, provitamin A, retinol);
  • E160b (annatto);
  • E160d (lycopene);
  • E234 (lowland);
  • E235 (natamycin);
  • E270 (lactic acid);
  • E300 (vitamin C – ascorbic acid);
  • E301 - E304 (ascorbates);
  • E306 - E309 (tocopherol / vitamin E);
  • E320 (VNA);
  • E321 (VNT);
  • E322 (lecithin);
  • E325 - E327 (lactates);
  • E330 (citric acid);
  • E415 (xanthine);
  • E459 (beta-cyclodextrin);
  • E460 -E469 (cellulose);
  • E470 and E570 (salts and fatty acids);
  • fatty acid esters (E471, E472a&b, E473, E475, E476, E479b);
  • E481 (sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate);
  • E620 - E633 (glutamic acid and glutomates);
  • E626 - E629 (guanylic acid and guanylates);
  • E630 - E633 (inosinic acid and inosinates);
  • E951 (aspartame);
  • E953 (isomaltite);
  • E957 (thaumatin);
  • E965 (maltinol).

Sometimes the names of additives are indicated on the labels only in words; you also need to be able to navigate them.

It is impossible to determine the taste and smell of GM products. However, products that do not spoil, are not consumed by pests (that's where their benefits are :)) and look too good, may arouse suspicion. Of course, I don’t encourage you to buy bitten rotten vegetables :)

When buying vegetables at the market from local gardeners, you also cannot be 100% sure of their safety. After all, all this applies to seeds.

Conclusion: GMO products are beneficial to those who make money from selling them. All! Products with altered DNA do not provide any obvious benefit to humans (I do not consider the economic side), and it is not possible to fully prove (given the current state of the world order) the harm.

I hope I didn’t instill panic in anyone and no one will run to gnaw on stones. :) This information is not propaganda, but is intended for thought. Everyone decides for himself what he eats and for what purpose.

Kemerovo State Medical Academy

Department of General Hygiene

Abstract on the topic:

"Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)"

Completed:

Lescheva E.S., 403 gr.,

Kostrova A.V., 403 gr.

Kemerovo, 2012

Introduction

What is GMO (history, goals and methods of creation)

Types of GMOs and their use

Russian policy regarding GMOs

Pros of GMOs

Danger of GMOs

Consequences of using GMOs

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

The number of inhabitants of the Earth is steadily growing, thus, a huge problem arises in increasing food production, improving medicines and medicine in general. And in this regard, the world is experiencing social stagnation, which is becoming increasingly urgent. There is an opinion that with the current size of the planet's population, only GMOs can save the world from the threat of hunger, since with the help of genetic modification it is possible to increase the yield and quality of food.

The creation of genetically modified products is now the most important and most controversial task.

What is GMO?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genotype has been purposefully artificially changed using genetic engineering methods. This definition can be applied to plants, animals and microorganisms. Genetic changes are usually made for scientific or economic purposes.

History of the creation of GMOs

The first transgenic products were developed in the United States by the former military chemical company Monsanto back in the 80s.

Monsanto Company (Monsanto)- a transnational company, a world leader in plant biotechnology. The main products are genetically modified seeds of corn, soybeans, cotton, as well as the most common herbicide in the world, Roundup. Founded by John Francis Quiney in 1901 as a purely chemical company, Monsanto has since evolved into a concern specializing in high technology in the field of agriculture. A key moment in this transformation came in 1996, when Monsanto simultaneously launched the first genetically modified crops: transgenic soybeans with the new Roundup Ready trait and insect-resistant Ballgard cotton. The enormous success of these and subsequent similar products in the US agricultural market encouraged the company to shift its focus from traditional chemistry and pharmacochemistry to the production of new seed varieties. In March 2005, Monsanto acquired the largest seed company Seminis, specializing in the production of vegetable and fruit seeds.

The largest amount of these areas is sown in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and China. Moreover, 96% of all GMO crops belong to the United States. In total, more than 140 lines of genetically modified plants are approved for production in the world.

Purposes of creating GMOs

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization considers the use of genetic engineering methods to create transgenic varieties of plants or other organisms as an integral part of agricultural biotechnology. Direct transfer of genes responsible for useful traits is a natural development of work on the selection of animals and plants, which has expanded the ability of breeders to control the process of creating new varieties and expand its capabilities, in particular, the transfer of useful traits between non-crossing species.

Methods for creating GMOs

The main stages of creating GMOs:

1. Obtaining an isolated gene.

2. Introduction of the gene into a vector for transfer into the body.

3. Transfer of the vector with the gene into the modified organism.

4. Transformation of body cells.

5. Selection of genetically modified organisms and elimination of those that have not been successfully modified.

The process of gene synthesis is now very well developed and even largely automated. There are special devices equipped with computers, in the memory of which programs for the synthesis of various nucleotide sequences are stored.

To insert the gene into the vector, enzymes are used - restriction enzymes and ligases. Using restriction enzymes, the gene and vector can be cut into pieces. With the help of ligases, such pieces can be “glued together”, combined in a different combination, constructing a new gene or enclosing it in a vector.

If unicellular organisms or multicellular cell cultures are subject to modification, then at this stage cloning begins, that is, the selection of those organisms and their descendants (clones) that have undergone modification. When the task is to obtain multicellular organisms, cells with an altered genotype are used for vegetative propagation of plants or introduced into the blastocysts of a surrogate mother when it comes to animals. As a result, cubs are born with a changed or unchanged genotype, among which only those that exhibit the expected changes are selected and crossed with each other.