Genetic Modified Organism Lab

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Genetic Modified Organism Lab
by Burton Dorley \| 08-09-2016 11:45 0
Liberia now have an newly established Genectic Modified Organism Lab, which was brought by the help of the National Focal point of Biodiversity with the aid of the United Nation Environment Programme. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The technology is often called ?modern biotechnology? or ?gene technology?, sometimes also ?recombinant DNA technology? or ?genetic engineering?. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between nonrelated species. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods. Why are GM foods produced? GM foods are developed – and marketed – because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit (in terms of durability or nutritional value) or both. Initially GM seed developers wanted their products to be accepted by producers and have concentrated on innovations that bring direct benefit to farmers (and the food industry generally). One of the objectives for developing plants based on GM organisms is to improve crop protection. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides. Resistance against insects is achieved by incorporating into the food plant the gene for toxin production from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This toxin is currently used as a conventional insecticide in agriculture and is safe for human consumption. GM crops that inherently produce this toxin have been shown to require lower quantities of insecticides in specific situations, e.g. where pest pressure is high. Virus resistance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from certain viruses which cause disease in plants. Virus resistance makes plants less susceptible to diseases caused by such viruses, resulting in higher crop yields. Herbicide tolerance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from a bacterium conveying resistance to some herbicides. In situations where weed pressure is high, the use of such crops has resulted in a reduction in the quantity of the herbicides used. The modern equipment being provided will be used by the government to test GM products coming into the country and knowing if it is save for consumption.

Dormant user Burton Dorley

9 Comments

says :
Hi Burton, thanks for uploading your first report. I think it's good that your country now has a laboratory that can improve deeper understanding of biology related technology. Well, just like the others have already mentioned, GM foods have both good and bad aspects, hope we can develop it to take only the good sides! cheers
Posted 16-09-2016 15:16

Burton Dorley says :
Gm technology is also good, for eg genes were firstly taken out of a bacteria and is inserted in tomatoes and it was proven that the tomatoes resist the bacteria that can make it rotten.
Posted 16-09-2016 03:53

Arushi Madan says :
Good to know that Liberia has new GMO lab. GMO have many benefits like you mentioned plus GM plants make crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses(cold, drought, salt,heat), reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, help to reduce post harvest losses and increases the efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil).
When I read about it in my Biology last year, I was fascinated by this advancement in technology.
Thanks for sharing.

Posted 12-09-2016 19:34

says :
Thanks for sharing about GMO lab in Liberia! GMO foods have both pros and cons there's still a lot to be researched in order to find its possible side-effects. A lot of people are still afraid whether it will harm our health and biodiversity, but we cannot ignore its positive side as well.
Posted 11-09-2016 20:34

says :
Good job Yvonne.Interest topic.I can see that you have mentionned some advantages of the OGM production.But I just want to know if this pratic is always a good thing for we human beings?
Posted 11-09-2016 13:27

says :
Yet Yvonne what are the risks of those GMO on th envireonment and on human being
Posted 11-09-2016 04:44

says :
Great move - this will go a long way to strengthen food security in Africa.
Posted 10-09-2016 06:36

Yvonne Wabai says :
GMOs are instrumental in solving the food crisis. For instance, in Kenya, we have Katumani maize which withstands long periods of drought and can hence withstand our climate.
Posted 09-09-2016 23:49