Przejdź do głównej treści

Widok zawartości stron Widok zawartości stron

JU Research

Nawigacja okruszkowa Nawigacja okruszkowa

Widok zawartości stron Widok zawartości stron

1Question: Why are scientists working on genetically modified organisms?

1Question: Why are scientists working on genetically modified organisms?

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are a controversial subject, frequently sparking off heated discussions between its supporters and opponents. Unsurprisingly, some scientists are fascinated by such a controversial issue. What motivates them? Where does that fascination of theirs come from? We asked Paweł Jedynak from the Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

1Question is a series of articles by the University Marketing science communication unit, in which specialists and experts from various fields briefly discuss interesting issues related to the world, civilisation, culture, biology, history, and many more.

Generally, we associate GMO mostly with cultivating new types of plants, introduced by big corporations. Very few people know that GMO is currently one of the most important scientific tools used in research. Polish law allows the use of such organisms in a closed off environment – they can't leave the laboratories in which they are safely stored. This is probably the reason why they don't attract the attention of media and the general public.

Modification and de-modification

One of the most important uses of GMO is studying the functions of individual genes. To that end, researchers create a genetically modified organism in which a particular gene is absent or inactive, and then observe its development. If that gene is crucial for, let's say, hair growth, the modified mice will be completely hairless. In the case of plants, the same modification may lead them to lose the ability to produce pigments, thereby making their flowers white instead of their natural colour. However, it might induce other changes, some of which may be much more subtle and harder to notice. The modified plant may grow at a slower rate, or lose its ability to protect itself from cold or excessive sunlight. It may even be severely damaged by a slightly lesser water supply.

To be sure about the significance and role of a particular gene, the scientist must modify the organism again, this time by introducing a properly working sample of that gene. If the organism returns to its normal state and is able to develop normally, then the experiment proves successful.

Another test which can be carried out to ascertain the role of a certain gene is to modify the organism with its hyperactive version. This time, the scientists would expect a particular trait of the organism to manifest to a greater degree – so, we'd have extremely hairy mice, very intense colour of flowers, or plants exceptionally resistant to dehydration. It's worth noticing that the latter may have a tremendous effect on agriculture. Most of genetic research increases our knowledge about the roles of particular genes, and consequently, organisms, but its results are usually shelved, so they don't immediately affect the development of our civilisation. However, a drought-resistant plant is a dream of farmers worldwide. A scientists who manages to create such a plant will be able to change the world for the better. Therefore, many researchers relentlessly pursue that goal, afraid to waste their opportunity. But they are faced with harsh reality: public opinion demands that that the results of their research be discarded. And they can't comprehend that, particularly when they hear false claims and uninformed opinions. We require our scientists to be innovative, to change our world, but at the same time we restrict them.

Negative opinions – positive results

There are other reasons for researchers to be optimistic about GMO. We must remember that a geneticists working with GMO is a highly trained specialist, familiar with technology which most people still associate with science fiction. This is caused in part by the way that the media often portrays geneticists: they are depicted as mad scientists, irresponsible and power-hungry, stopping at nothing in their quest for destruction. Their experiments often result in the creation of unstoppable bloodthirsty mutants. It's no wonder, then, that genetic engineering and GMOs are not trusted by the public. Nonetheless, such phantasmagorical ideas couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, the changes induced in genomes are minimal and never lead to any dangerous consequences. Geneticists associate with mutants every day, but those mutants don't resemble monsters – they look like ordinary plants and animals. Scientists know them and their behaviour very well. They see organisms like clockwork mechanisms, which can be arranged an rearranged with precision. They can easily believe that improving our world may be surprisingly simple (though arduous, to be sure) – we just need to rearrange a few genes. An yet, though we trust structural engineers with building bridges, we find it difficult to put the same amount of trust in genetic engineers. Why is that?

Despite appearances, strong opposition towards genetic engineering is not detrimental to its development. Constructive criticism of genetic engineering and pointing out its flaws contributes to its advancement and the improvement of its methods. Not so long ago, genes were being introduced into genomes randomly, increasing the risk of unexpected mutations; presently, it is possible to introduce additional DNA into desired places. The first genetically modified plants were considered unsafe, because the additional, introduced genes were able to spread to non-modified plants through pollination. This would cause ordinary, non-modified plants to produce modified offspring. However, scientists are now able to create plants which can't transmit their genes in this way.

The GMO controversy has also contributed to better understanding of the factors that influence spreading of genetically different specimens in the environment. We can now assess how frequently a gene will "jump" to other species of plants. Genetic engineering is a source of progress, and thanks to its opponents, it's also getting safer. It's becoming a part of our lives, even if we choose not to eat genetically modified foods. For instance, GMOs are used to produce insulin and some vaccines. It's an important and convenient technology. And, as with all technologies, it requires prudence and carefulness. No matter if you support or oppose GMOs, you should ask yourself what motivates those that disagree with you. Perhaps you're on the same side.

Polecamy również
Ambassador of Sri Lanka visits the Jagiellonian University

Ambassador of Sri Lanka visits the Jagiellonian University

Scientists continue to increase their knowledge of virus biology

Scientists continue to increase their knowledge of virus biology

Project co-authored by JU MC student awarded in the Direction: Space competition

Project co-authored by JU MC student awarded in the Direction: Space competition

Ambassador of Iceland visits the Jagiellonian University

Ambassador of Iceland visits the Jagiellonian University

Widok zawartości stron Widok zawartości stron