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Bioremediation of Pesticides with Microbes: Methods, Techniques and Practices
Published in Amitava Rakshit, Manoj Parihar, Binoy Sarkar, Harikesh B. Singh, Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto, Bioremediation Science From Theory to Practice, 2021
Rakesh Kumar Ghosh, Deb Prasad Ray, Ajoy Saha, Neethu Narayanan, Rashmita Behera, Debarati Bhaduri
The use of microbes and their enzymes for the degradation of pesticides is considered as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach as they are self-sustainable and low-cost. However, the biodegradation potential of native microorganisms for different pesticides with diverse chemistry is very much limited. To overcome these constraints, designing transgenic microbes through genetic engineering approaches is a highly important step for enhancing the biodegradation of pesticides. Due to their adaptation to wider environmental conditions, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) offer better potential for faster degradation of pesticides and thus environmental remediation. Thus, this branch of biotechnology helps in the remediation of pesticide pollution by converting them into a non-toxic or low toxic form. Microbes have been continuously and consciously introduced into the environment for a specific reason. However, current knowledge of biotechnology helps in developing a new strain with thrilling capabilities. Here, through modification/alteration of genetic material, i.e., DNA, one particular organism is modified to get the necessary character and is usually called as genetically modified. Several terminologies are associated with this technology and among them, the most used are “gene technology,” or “recombinant DNA technology” (RDT), or “genetic engineering,” and the modified organism is known as “genetically modified,” “genetically engineered,” or “transgenic.”
Genetically Modified Organisms
Published in Barry L. Johnson, Maureen Y. Lichtveld, Environmental Policy and Public Health, 2017
Barry L. Johnson, Maureen Y. Lichtveld
To begin, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), “Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e., plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The technology is often called ‘modern biotechnology’ or ‘gene technology,’ sometimes also ‘recombinant DNA technology’ or ‘genetic engineering.’ It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between nonrelated species. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods” [1]. This definition from a global health agency was selected because GMOs have significant implications for global health issues, as will be discussed next. Examples of genetically modified crops are illustrated in Figure 15.1.
Food
Published in John C. Ayers, Sustainability, 2017
GMO crops are being developed for resistance to insects, viruses, bacteria, and fungi; some are being developed for drought tolerance, some with nutritional supplements (e.g., beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, in golden rice to prevent blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency), and some to have better photosynthetic efficiency and therefore higher yields (National Academy of Sciences 2016). Another interesting approach is to change annual crops such as wheat, rice, and corn into perennial crops, which would reduce soil erosion and water pollution while increasing yields. Non-leguminous crops could be bred to fix nitrogen as legumes do, reducing or eliminating the need for artificial nitrogen fertilizers. Farmers, agronomists, and breeders have been working toward many of these goals for centuries; genetic engineering could potentially accomplish many of them within decades.
The GMO Industry: A Neglected Earthly Frontier
Published in Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 2018
Alexandra M. Paz, Xiao-Ning Zhang
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are products of bioengineering intended to allow rapid selection of beneficial traits, by humans, that the acceptor organisms do not originally possess. Despite the connection often made between GMOs and corrupt American corporations, the origins of genetic modification date back hundreds of years to agriculturally based societies that would selectively breed plants and animals to promote traits that they found desirable.1 It was not until 1972 that researchers successfully created an organism with recombinant DNA.2 Eight years later, the US Supreme Court ruled that genetically modified organisms could be patented.1 Decades have passed since the production of the first GMOs, yet the use of genetically modified specimens is still the subject of intense debate.