Polytechnic University of the Philippines- San Juan Campus

223 Ortega St. Brgy. Addition Hills, San Juan City

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) on Industry

A Group Report
Presented to the Faculty of
Polytechnic University of the Philippines- San Juan Campus

In Partial fulfillment of the requirements in

Science, Technology and Society

Submitted to:
Mrs. Mateo

Submitted by:

Baco, Julia Michelle L.

Bacsan, Maricar B.
Bayani, Jennifer L.
Dela Cruz, Julysa B.

BSA 1-1
 GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO) ON INDUSTRY

WHAT IS GMO?
A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism
whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic
technology. This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not occur in
nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

DIFFERENT PURPOSE OF GMO

Genetically modified traits like insect-resistance and drought-resistance help to maximize yields
and enable farmers to grow more food using less land and with fewer inputs like chemicals and fuel.
Because of the superior weed control of genetically modified crops, farmers can till the soil much less
often. That has led to improved soil health and water retention, reduced runoff, and reduced
greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Additionally, genetically modified plants with more efficient
use of nitrogen and other important nutrients mean less fertilizer is needed, saving farmers money and
reducing the amount of fertilizer in the environment.

Insect resistance. This category of traits provides farmers with season-long protection against
target pests, reduces the need for pesticide applications, and lowers input costs.

Drought tolerance. GM crops that express drought tolerance have better moisture retention and
can better endure drought conditions without the need for additional irrigation.

Herbicide tolerance. Crops developed to tolerate specific herbicides allow farmers to fight weeds
by applying targeted herbicides only when needed and enable them to use conservation tillage
production methods that preserve topsoil, prevent erosion, and reduce carbon emissions.

Disease resistance. Through genetic engineering plant breeders can enable plants to resist
certain diseases, like the papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). The GM Rainbow Papaya, developed to be
resistant to PRSV, allowed Hawaiian papaya farmers to recover from an outbreak of this devastating
disease that crippled their industry.

Enhanced nutritional content. Genetically modified soybeans with an enhanced oil profile, much
like olive oil, have been developed and are longer lasting and trans-fat free.

Reduced food waste. Genetic engineering has been used to modify potatoes and apples in order
to eliminate superficial browning and bruising (potato only) when the produce is cut or handled. These
traits can help reduce the amount of produce thrown away by producers, processors, retailers and
consumers.

Improved manufacturing processes. Certain biotech corn varieties enable more efficient biofuels
production by improving the process through which cellulose and/or starch is broken down and
converted to fuel. This helps reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing process by
decreasing the amount of water, electricity, and natural gas needed to produce biofuel.
RISKS AND BENEFITS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO)

Research studies present conflicting arguments as to whether consuming GM crops is beneficial

or harmful to human health. With every alleged GMO health risk, there are counterarguments either
opposing health risk claims or suggesting GMOs provide more benefits than harm. The studies also show
GM crops have benefits including the increased nutritional value in foods

The issue of GMOs is a polarizing one. Those who are pro-GMO claim that GMOs are not only
safe for us and the environment, but also potentially, a very beneficial development.

Keeping Food Costs Down

Genetically modified crops help to reduce the overall cost of food. It helped to increase
the supply of key commodity crops, so the rise in food prices is lower than the case if genetically
modified crops did not exist.

Decreased use of pesticides & insecticides

Evidence has shown that with the introduction of GMO crops, there has been a
significant decrease in the use of pesticides and insecticides.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Brookes and Barfoot note a global trend toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions
since GMO use has increased. They explain that pest-resistance and repellant traits that are bred
into the crop's DNA lead to a reduced necessity for the use of pesticides and insecticides. This
global decrease in the amount and frequency of pesticide use means fewer instances of
pesticide spraying reduces the use of fuel and consequently reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Reference:

http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH/GMOs/GMOs_print.html?
fbclid=IwAR1_NUTWtf3g15Fz-ax6TTO3Na63rm6fDTuaZ8geUNZglxSu-ZUY7z8w1uE

https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/what-is-gmo/