Class Work Jan 7 (GMOs)

1. Find a definition of “genetically modified organism.” How are genetically modified organisms different from non-genetically modified organisms?

·                Any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. They are different from non-GMOs in that humans have altered their genetic material

2. The recent acts of activists intent on destruction of research plots included plants altered by molecular as well as classical genetic techniques. Is it possible to distinguish between plants altered by classical genetics and those altered by modern techniques? If it is possible, how is it done?

·                   One can tell the difference with a microscope.

3. What safeguards are in place to protect Americans from unsafe food? Are these methods science-based?

                  The FDA is meant to protect Americans from unsafe foods.

4. Name as many examples as you can of harm to citizens from unsafe food. What percentage of these illnesses was caused by special genetic modifications?

·                     E coli, contamination (ie from manure), none.

5. How have genetic modifications of fruits and vegetables improved crops with respect to nutritional composition, shelf life, eating quality, yields, and disease resistance?

·                      Nutrients have increased, they have a longer shelf life, they are of a higher quality, plants yield more and are resistant to disease. 

6. Can you describe a scenario in which public health and safety might be threatened by food crops modified by biotechnology?

·                      Allergic reactions, cancer, unknown side effects (ie resistance to antibiotics), birth defects, etc

7. Does biotechnology pose any risks to the environment? If so, what are these risks?

·                      Yes, it could become toxic to wildlife. Or, as in the case of roundup ready, weeds can become immune to it.

8. Is there any reason to be concerned by the role of private corporations in the development of agricultural biotechnology? Should companies be allowed to patent organisms?

·                      Yes, they are patenting things then forcing people to use them and then collecting money, such as in Food, Inc. I think they should not.

9. Are the activists justified in their acts of vandalism against food that has been modified through biotechnology? Why or why not?

·                      No, they do not, many do not understand what is going on and even if they do it is not their property and such an act can destroy someone’s hard work.

10. Do you think there are good reasons for using legal means against the development of biotechnology-modified foods? Why or why not?

·                      I think currently there is not enough information for such a decision to be made.

1. What kinds of plants are pollinated by honeybees?

·                      Almonds, apples, blueberries, broccoli, melon.

2. What are some short- and long-term economic, social, and environmental repercussions of a widespread disappearance of honeybees?

·                      Plants will go pollinated meaning the agricultural economy fails and people will go hungry.

3. Are larger or smaller honeybee operations more likely to experience Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)?

·                      Larger.

4. Hypothesize possible reasons for Colony Collapse Disorder.

·                      Pesticides, pathogens, fungicides, antibiotics, migratory beekeeping, loss of biodiversity, malnutrition, electromagnetic radiation, parasitic phorid fly, GMCs.

1. As a class, list possible causes of CCD that Mark, Dave, and Tanya read about.

·                      Pathogens, virus, multiple sources, GMCs, neonicotinoids, pesticides, Bt, Nosema, etc

2. How do Varroa mites and Nosema spores damage honeybee health? What are the disadvantages of using pesticides or fungicides against the mites and spores?

·                     Insects the digestive system of a bee. The mites and spores become resistant.

3. How do neonicotinoids affect a honeybee’s learning and memory?

·                      By mimicking the effects of nicotine.

4. Do you think genetically modified (GM) crops could contribute to symptoms of CCD?

·                      Possibly, but I don’t think they do.

5. Why don’t scientists think Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) is the only causative agent of CCD?

·                      Because they believe it is a combination of things, they believe IAPV only succeeds because the bees are weakened by something else.

6. What changes in agricultural practices could improve the environments of the honeybees?

·                      A diverse diet.

1. Investigate RNA interference and the methods used to effectively silence IAPV in honeybees.

·                      RNA interference- RNA molecules prevent gene expression, esp of mRNA, an effective method to silence IAPV in bees

2. Form a hypothesis and design an experiment to determine whether feeding dsRNAs to a honeybee colony reduces or prevents IAPV infection.

·                      Feed one set of bees dsRNA and the other a normal diet, see which set experiences less IAPV.

1. In Part I, you formed a hypothesis about what you think is causing CCD. Now that you have learned more about the subject, what changes would you make to your hypothesis?

·                      I would say that it is likely a combination of pesticides, a poor diet, and viruses such as IAPV.

2. What actions could the general population take to support the health of honeybees and other pollinators?

·                      Encourage awareness and plant diverse plants, especially ones that attract bees.