State two examples of current uses of genetically modified crops or animals.

Genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism containing a transplanted gene.

 

Factor IX: A human clotting factor is produced by genetically modified sheep. The protein (factor IX) is expressed in milk from which it must be isolated before use by hemophiliacs.

 

▪       
A ewe (female sheep) is treated with fertility drugs to create super-ovulation. 
Eggs are inseminated.

▪       
Each fertilized egg has the transgene injected.

▪       A surrogate ewe has the egg implanted for gestation (pregnancy).

▪       Lambs are born which are transgenic, GMO for this factor IX gene.

▪       Each Lamb when mature can produce milk.

▪       The factor IX protein (blood clotting) is in the milk and so must be isolated and purified before use in human.

 

Engineering of crops to provide protection from insects:

▪       Maize crops (Bt corn) have been engineered to be toxic to the corn borer by introducing a toxin gene from a bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis) 

 

 

 

Golden rice is a genetically modified rice crop that produces beta-carotene, which can be metabolized into Vitamin A within the body. Scientists hope that golden rice will eventually be a cheap source of beta-carotene in malnourished countries, reducing the number of children worldwide that go blind from Vitamin A deficiency.