Drugs produced using genetically modified organisms(GMOs)

Organisms that have had their DNA altered.

Microorganisms, plants and animals can all be genetically modified to
produce proteins which are used as drugs:

1. Genetically modified microorganisms:

Gene for the protein (drug) is isolated using enzymes called restriction enzyme.
The gene is copied using PCR .
Copies are inserted into (vector) plasmids (small circular molecules of DNA).
The plasmids are transferred into microorganisms.
The modified microorganisms are grown in large containers so that they divide
and produce lots of the useful protein, from the inserted gene.
The protein can then be purified and used as a drug.

for example
Human insulin (used to treat Type 1 diabetes)
Human blood clotting factors (used to treat haemophilia).
Vector : carry genes into organisms.

2. Genetically modified plants:

Gene for the protein (drug) is inserted into a bacterium .
The bacterium infects a plant cell.
The bacterium inserts the gene into the plant cell DNA( genetically modified).
The plant cell is grown into an adult plant
The whole plant contains a copy of the gene in every cell.
The protein produced from the gene(drug) can be
1- Purified from the plant tissues,
2- Could be delivered by eating the plant.

Example:
Human insulin and a
Cholera vaccine.

Producing drugs using GMOS

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3. Genetically modified animals:

Gene for the protein (drug) is injected into nucleus of a fertilised animal egg cell.
The egg cell is then implanted into an adult animal - it grows into a whole animal
that contains a copy of the gene in every cell.
Protein produced from the gene is normally purified from the milk of the animal.

Example:
Human antithrombin (used to treat people with a blood clotting disorder) has been
produced from genetically modified goats.

GMOs are used in agriculture and the food industry.

For example, genes for herbicide resistance can be inserted into agricultural crops.
Herbicides can kill weeds but not the herbicide-resistant crops - the genetically
modified crop will thrive without the weeds and this results in a high yield.

Benefits:

1- Agricultural crops can give higher yields or are more nutritious. This reduce the
risk of famine and malnutrition.
2- Pest resistance, so that fewer pesticides are needed this
Reduces costs ,making food cheaper.
Reduces environmental problems associated with using pesticides.
3- Enzymes used in industry can be produced from GMOS in large quantities for
less money, which reduces costs.
4- Some disorders can now be treated with human proteins from GMOS instead of
with animal proteins. Human proteins are safer and more effective.
For example,
Type 1 diabetes treated with cow insulin but some people are allergic to it.
Human insulin, produced from genetically modified bacteria, is more effective
and doesn't cause allergy in humans.
5- Vaccines produced in plant tissues don't need to be refrigerated so vaccines are
available in areas where refrigeration isn't available.
6- Producing drugs using GM plants and animals would be very cheap because they
can be reproduced using conventional farming methods. This could make some
drugs affordable for more people, especially those in poor countries.

Producing drugs using GMOS

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Risks:
1) Transmission of genetic material.
For example,
If herbicide-resistant crops interbreed with wild plants it could create
'superweeds' weeds that are resistant to herbicides,
If drug crops interbreed with other crops people might end up eating
drugs they don't need (which could be harmful).
2) Long-term impacts of using GMOs (unforeseen consequences).
3) Some people think it's wrong to genetically modify animals purely for human
benefit.

Producing drugs using GMOS

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