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Olivia Rosen

Miss Noffsinger/Mrs.Richman

BioTech

9 February 2016

Genetic Modification

Imagine a world where every food, medicine, and staple item in life was genetically

modified to better accommodate the human population. Today, there is a heavy focus on the

advancement in the GMO (genetically modified organisms) field. With this new topic surfacing,

there are of course, many different outlooks and judgments; some from experts and others from

the average citizen. While understanding the process of GMO production, which includes

artificial injections as well as the process of substituting one gene for another to make a better

product, there is a substantial array of science behind it. This new science fad has become a topic

of discussion and has brought many passionate individuals to argument. Although genetic

engineering is found in many products that we buy every day, the average consumer is not aware

that there are GMO based ingredients in a product. Many companies that use GMOs are not

required to feature that they contain genetically engineered organisms because they play such a

small role in the actual product. These can range from the modification of a single grain in a

product to that of the modification of a whole product itself such as vegetables, fruits, dairy,

meats, and other staple foods in our diet. Through analyzing the phases of protein synthesis as

well as investigating a main process of genetic engineering, it is apparent that the role of this

science advancement is not harmful to human health, but may pose questions to the scientist in

control.
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To better understand the process of genetic engineering, it is crucial to understand the

steps of protein synthesis. First, in the nucleus DNA is put together. The double-helix is made up

of four bases, such as adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine; A always pairing with T and G

always pairing with C. Once the DNA is constructed, replication begins. Helicase, an enzyme,

comes to "unzip," or break apart the hydrogen bonds between the bases within the DNA. Once

this happens, the template strand makes copies of itself. The copies are distributed throughout the

nucleus and floating bases pair up accordingly. Once these new copies are paired with

simultaneous bases, the RNA polymerase unzips the strand once again. This process is called

transcription. The unzipped portion that is not the template is made into mRNA, standing for

messenger RNA, which changes the thymine (T) in the strand to uracil (U). The next step in the

process of protein synthesis takes place in the ribosome. This is called translation. The mRNA

takes the strand to the ribosome; once it arrives, it goes through the ribosome where it begins

coding. In the ribosome, there is tRNA with amino acids, also called anti-codons, which are

complementary to the mRNA coming in. These anti-codons are waiting to begin the coding

process. Coding happens in a sequence of three; these pair up to make amino acid strands that

will eventually become complex proteins. The codon AUG starts the process of translation, and

the codons UAA, UAG, and UGA send the signal for translation to stop. After these pairs are

made they are released into amino acid strands. These strands then go through a process of

changing forms before they become a functional protein. First, they are released as an amino acid

chain that is held together by peptide bonds. From there, the chains pleat or become a twisted

helix. Next, the chain takes a tertiary structure, which simply means it is having an interaction

with another chain. The final form of an amino acid chain is quaternary. This is when more than
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one amino acid chain is interacting with another to become a complex protein that performs tasks

within living organisms.

Having the knowledge of how protein synthesis occurs, and exactly how genes and DNA

replicate, scientists are able to use different methods of genetic engineering. Some of the most

common types include splicing, genetic manipulation, and cloning. Splicing is not the most

frequently used type of genetic engineering, but it does fall right behind gene manipulation.

"Gene splicing is a form of genetic engineering where specific genes or gene sequences are

inserted into the genome of another organism," (Gene Splicing-Page 1). To elaborate, splicing is

done with the chemical expertise. Using previous knowledge, scientists were able to detach one

section of a DNA strand and replace it with that of another genetic code. Ligase is used in the

repairing process, which is an enzyme required after the DNA is replaced (Gene Therapy

Solutions Page 1). Once the DNA is replaced and repaired by the ligase, the new strand will

begin performing a new task. If the new DNA strand was attained to repair a damaged gene, it

would be recoded and begin functioning properly. Although this may seem simple, it is a much

more complicated process than this. This is to ensure that when the DNA is replaced and the

coding begins, it is compatible to code for a variety of proteins rather than just one. This type of

genetic engineering allows for scientists to seek new advances within gene coding as well as to

enrich the different uses for one strand of DNA that will become a protein. Overall, this process

allows for one code to synthesize multiple different DNA strands.

Finally, by gathering information on the processes of protein synthesis and one way that

genetic engineering takes place, it is apparent that this is a difficult task to debate between the

two different views. Through research, it became obvious that some people viewed this advanced

science as heinous and costly, while others see it as productive and efficient. The use of GMO's
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has been taking place for longer than the average person expects. In Hawaii, almost 20 years ago,

there was an incident where an insect carrying a virus devastated the papaya plantations. To

solve this issue, scientist genetically modified the papaya's so that the DNA from the infected

papaya would work as a vaccine in the seeds of the fresh papaya seeds. Although some say that

genetic modification has a harmful impact on the environment, this point subsequently disproves

these theories because using a GMO saved the papaya industry. Another way supporters of

GMO's can fight for their cause is because of the fact that, "By estimates, 80 percent of all

processed foods, cereals, baby formula, canned soup, and more-- contain at least one GMO..."

(Digging for Seeds of Truth Page 1). This point clearly presents that GMO's are not harmful to

human health because consumers eat them almost every day without even knowing; this is of

course, despite the accusations opposers say that, "it is impossible to predict or control side

effects," (The GE Process-Page 1). Finally, individuals who do not approve of this fad respond

that the GMO producing companies do not understand the health risks and that they trick

individuals for their money. This however is also untrue; a GMO company, Monsato, goes out of

their way to ensure the safety of their customers. A representative who was interviewed by CBS

news said that, "Farmers who buy Monsato's patented GMO seeds must sign an agreement

promising that they will use them for only one harvest, or be sued," (Digging for Seeds of Truth

Page 1).While reading, it was interesting to observe this contract, especially in the matters of

wanting to improve upon the prefacing GMOs. With the money aspect of it all, Monsato also

believes that the money paid back into the company is worthwhile because they in turn give it

back to the customers by assembling a better, more efficient product.

In conclusion, the world of GMO's is a heavily studied fad; the idea of protein synthesis,

and the different types of genetic engineering all pose questions of the threats upon the human
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race. However, it is evident that they do not pose a risk to consumers health. Each and every one

of the daily consumers of these products normally don't even realize that they are buying these

products, since labeling is not required. If it is not obvious to the customer that they are taking in

different GMO products each and every day, it is completely fair to say that they are not harmful.

Overall, the GMO world has a long way to come, but in order to do so, scientist need to further

explore the specifics and portray the GMO safety to every consumer.
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Works Cited

Ambrose, Kristy. "Types of Genetic Engineering." EHow. Demand Media. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.

<http://www.ehow.com/info_8561202_types-genetic-engineering.html>.

BuiltLean. "7 Most Common Genetically Modified Foods." The Huffington Post.

TheHuffingtonPost.com. Web. 25 Jan. 2016.

<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/builtlean/diet-and-nutrition_b_4323937.html>.

Colman, Alexis, Mary Catherine Gagliano, and Emily Haney. "The Steps Involved In Protein

Synthesis." Web. 19 Jan. 2016.

<http://www.mercycatholic.org/upload/science/proteinsynthesis.pdf>.

"Digging for Seeds of Truth in GMO Debate." CBSNews. CBS Interactive. Web. 29 Jan. 2016.

<http://www.cbsnews.com/news/digging-for-seeds-of-truth-in-gmo-debate/>.

"Gene Splicing - Alternative Splicing, Spliceosomes, Splicing Out Introns, Other Splicing

Events, Recombinant Dna Technology, Applications Of Gene Splicing." - JRank Articles.

Web. 26 Jan. 2016. <http://science.jrank.org/pages/2956/Gene-Splicing.html>.

"Gene Therapy Solutions: Gene Splicing." Gene Therapy Solutions: Gene Splicing. Web. 26 Jan.

2016. <http://genesolutions.com/page8.html>.

Mader, Sylvia S., Murray P. Pendarvis, and Sara Demott. McGraw Hill Biology. Boston:

McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2007. Print.

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"Processed Foods: GMOs Working Behind the Scenes." Processed Foods: GMOs Working

Behind the Scenes. Web. 22 Jan. 2016. <http://www.gmo-

compass.org/eng/grocery_shopping/processed_foods/>.

Rettner, Rachael. "DNA: Definition, Structure & Discovery." LiveScience. TechMedia Network,

2013. Web. 19 Jan. 2016. <http://www.livescience.com/37247-dna.html>.

"The GE Process - Institute for Responsible Technology." Institute for Responsible Technology.

Web. 22 Jan. 2016. <http://responsibletechnology.org/gmo-education/the-ge-process/>.

"Transcription / Translation." Transcription / Translation. Web. 25 Jan. 2016.

<http://www.biology.iupui.edu/biocourses/N100/2k3ch13dogma.html>.