Biopharming reaps fear: The Denver Post

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications and safety concerns of biopharming, particularly focusing on a corn crop in Colorado that is engineered to be non-consumable and requires strict isolation measures. Participants explore the potential for gene transfer between microorganisms and the implications for human health.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights the extreme precautions surrounding the corn crop, emphasizing its potential volatility and the need for a significant buffer zone to prevent contamination.
  • Another participant questions whether genes from microorganisms can be transferred to other organisms within the human bowel, suggesting that the degradation of DNA during digestion might allow for bio-engineered genes to be transferred from plants to bacteria.
  • A different participant acknowledges that bacteria can acquire genetic material from other bacteria in the human bowel but expresses uncertainty about the possibility of bacteria integrating genetic material from plants, noting that it might be feasible if the DNA used for GMOs originates from bacterial sources.
  • One participant expresses a sense of wonder about the topic while also stressing the importance of enforcing safety precautions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the mechanisms of gene transfer between plants and microorganisms, and the discussion reflects multiple competing views and uncertainties regarding the implications of biopharming.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved questions about the specifics of gene transfer processes and the conditions under which they may occur, as well as the implications for safety and health.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in biotechnology, genetic engineering, microbiology, and agricultural safety may find this discussion relevant.

Ivan Seeking
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A mysterious farmer at a secret location somewhere in northeastern Colorado is expected to plant a corn crop that must never be eaten by humans or animals, must never come in contact with other crops, and is so volatile, a 1-mile buffer must surround it to prevent pollen from contaminating other crops.

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~1659809,00.html
 
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Has it ever been proven, or indicated, that genes of microorganisms can be transferred to other organisms in the human bowel? Since the organisms are digested, DNA is degraded and might thus provide a route for bio-engineered genes to find its way from plants to bacteria as a human being as a vector?
 
I know bacteria can obtain genetic material from other bacteria in our bowel and integrate it their genome. I don't know if they can acquire genetic material from plant, integrate it into their genome and be able to use it. It migth be possible if the DNA use for GMO was from bacterial origin.
 
I only recently learned about this. Its wonderful, but clearly precautions need to be taken/enforced.