Definition: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are entities (plants, bacteria, animals) with genetically altered DNA. GM crops involve inserting specific genes from a host organism into a plant’s genome via genetic engineering.
- Development Techniques:
- Gene Gun: Bombardment of DNA-coated metal particles into plant cells.
- Agrobacterium-mediated: Use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacterium as a vector to transfer genes.
- Electroporation: Application of electric pulses to create pores in cell membranes for DNA entry (used in protoplasts).
- Microinjection: Direct injection of foreign DNA into cells.
Status of GM Crops in India
A. Bt Cotton (Commercialized)
- Status: The only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India (since 2002).
- Mechanism: Contains genes from soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis).
- Function: Produces insecticidal proteins (Cryoproteins) to resist the cotton bollworm.
B. Bt Brinjal (Moratorium)
- Status: Approved by GEAC in 2009 but placed under an indefinite moratorium.
- Mechanism: Contains the cry1Ac gene from B. thuringiensis.
- Recent Developments: Biosafety field trials permitted for varieties Janak and BSS-793 in eight states.
C. GM Mustard (DMH-11)
- Developer: Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (Delhi University).
- Status: Not yet released for commercial cultivation.
- Parentage: Hybrid of ‘Varuna’ and ‘Early Heera-2’.
- Objective: To enable cross-pollination in naturally self-pollinating mustard plants to improve yield.
The Barnase-Barstar System (GM Mustard Mechanism)
DMH-11 utilizes three specific transgenes derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens to facilitate hybridization.
- Barnase (Male Sterility): Expressed in the Varuna variety. It destroys tapetum cells (nutrient layer for pollen), rendering the plant male-sterile to prevent self-pollination.
- Barstar (Fertility Restoration): Expressed in the Heera variety. It inhibits the Barnase protein. When crossed, the resulting hybrid seeds are fully fertile.
- Bar Gene (Marker): Confers resistance to the herbicide ‘Basta’. Used primarily to identify and select transformed plants during development.
Regulatory Framework in India
Regulation is governed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Rules, 1989.
A. Statutory Bodies
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):
- Role: Apex body for approving large-scale use, release, and field trials of GMOs.
- Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- Chairperson: Special/Additional Secretary, MoEF&CC.
- Power: Can take punitive action under the EPA, 1986.
- Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM): Monitors safety in ongoing research and small-scale trials (under Dept. of Biotechnology).
B. Institutional & Monitoring Bodies
- Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC): Ensures biosafety compliance at the research institute level.
- State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC): Enforces regulations at the state level.
- District Level Committee (DLC): Monitors safety compliance at the local/district level.
- Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RDAC): Recommends policy and safety regulations.
Associated Concerns :
Ecological Risks:
- Genetic Contamination: Gene flow to wild relatives.
- Biodiversity Loss: Potential toxicity to benign soil flora/fauna and non-target insects (e.g., Monarch butterflies).
- Pest Resistance: Evolution of “super-pests” (e.g., Pink Bollworm resistance in India).
Agrarian & Economic Issues:
- Yield Stagnation: Debate over actual yield benefits of Bt Cotton long-term.
- Input Costs: Increased reliance on herbicides (e.g., Glyphosate) and corporate monopoly over seeds (IPR issues).
Health & Ethics:
- Potential allergenicity in humans.
- Ethical concerns regarding the manipulation of natural biological order.
