GM
INSECTS - SCI & TECH (MAINS)
Q. Modifying
the genes of insects can have unpredictable effects on the ecosystem and
humankind. Discuss the impacts of GM insects across sectors. (10 marks, 150
words)
News:
Scientific report urges
debate on genetic modification to control insect pests
What's
in the news?
●
Recently, the Department of Biotechnology
(DBT) issued the ‘Guidelines for Genetically Engineered Insects’, which provide
procedural roadmaps for those interested in creating GM insects.
Genetically
Modified Insects:
●
Genetically modified insects (GM insects)
are insects that have been genetically engineered to have specific traits or
characteristics through the manipulation of their DNA.
●
GM insects are typically created by
introducing foreign genes into the insect’s genome, altering its genetic
makeup.
Techniques
Used:
1.
Mutagenesis:
●
It is a technique where DNA is mutated or
deliberately engineered in a laboratory in order to produce libraries to
include mutated genes, proteins and strains of bacteria or even other
genetically modified organisms.
2.
Transgenesis:
●
It is when a gene from another organism is
placed into the genome of another organism in hopes that the organism will show
a specific quality or characteristic.
3.
Cisgenesis:
●
It is an engineering process where genes
from one organism are artificially transferred to another closely-related or
organism of the same species
GM
Insects across the globe:
●
Experimental releases of GM insects are
reportedly being evaluated in various countries, including Brazil, the Cayman
Islands (United Kingdom), France, Guatemala, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States of America, and Vietnam.
●
GM
mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) have already been released for field
trials into inhabited areas in the Cayman Islands (2009), Malaysia (2010–2011),
and Brazil (2011–2012).
●
The world’s first environmental impact statement
(EIS) on GM insects, produced by US authorities in 2008.
Potential
Uses of GM Insects:
1.
Crop pollination:
●
Declining bee populations pose a threat to
global food production, as bees play a crucial role in pollination. GM insects
could be developed to enhance pollination in agricultural settings.
●
For example, GM bees with increased
pollination efficiency or resistance to certain pathogens could help sustain
crop yields
2.
Disease control:
●
GM insects can be utilized to combat the
spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, or Zika virus.
●
By modifying the insects in a way that
renders them unable to transmit the disease-causing agents, researchers aim to
reduce the incidence of these diseases.
3.
Pest control:
●
GM insects can be designed to carry traits
that make them effective in combating agricultural pests.
●
For example, they can be engineered to
produce offspring with reduced fertility, which can help in reducing pest
populations
4.
Environmental monitoring:
●
Certain GM insects can be designed to act
as environmental sensors, detecting and reporting the presence of specific
chemicals or pollutants. They can be used to monitor air and water quality,
detect landmines, or assess pesticide contamination.
5.
Genetic research:
●
Genetically modified insects serve as
valuable tools in studying gene function and understanding insect biology
Concerns
associated with GM Insects:
1.
Unintended consequences:
●
Modifying the genes of insects can have
unpredictable effects such as increased resistance to control measures, genetic
transfer to non-target species, or the emergence of more robust pests.
2.
Ecological impact:
●
GM insects, when released into the
environment, may interact with non-target species, potentially disrupting ecosystems.
3.
Gene flow and persistence:
●
GM insects can potentially interbreed with
wild populations, leading to the spread of the modified genes. This raises
concerns about the persistence and spread of the genetically modified traits in
natural populations
4.
Ethical considerations:
●
The use of GM insects may raise ethical
concerns related to animal welfare and the alteration of natural systems.
5.
Entomological warfare:
●
The potential use of GM insects in
entomological warfare, also known as insect-based biological warfare, raises
significant concerns.
6.
Targeted destruction:
●
GM insects could be engineered to carry
lethal pathogens or toxins and be deployed to attack crops, livestock, or
humans.
7.
Enhanced vectors:
●
GM insects could be modified to have
increased vector competence, allowing them to transmit diseases more
efficiently or to become resistant to control measures, posing a threat to
public health.
●
Over a decade ago, the United States
Defence Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) was experimenting with
“cyborg” insects, which would be remote controlled and additionally could be
used as surveillance drones.