Question

Mosquitoes are considered one of the most deadly animals on Earth. As outlined in the modules this week, they are host to a number of infectious diseases that result in almost a million deaths each year. Currently, the most effective methods to control mosquitoes use insecticides that are toxic to both the environment and humans.  What if we could control mosquito populations without causing environmental damage with insecticides? What if we could alter the properties of a mosquito in such a way that prevents their rapid replication and/or ability to harbor infectious diseases? This may sound like science fiction, but with advents in nucleic acid sequencing and genetic modification, this is now possible.

1. can you think of other examples where genetic engineering is used for the benefit of humans?

2. This video specifically focuses on using the Aedes aegypti mosquito OX513a as a form of vector control. Briefly summarize how this genetically modified mosquito works to minimize the mosquito population – be sure to include the purpose of the lethality and fluorescent genes.

3, What are the ethical considerations and your personal concerns with releasing a genetically modified organism into nature?

4.  Would you be OK with releasing GMO-squitoes here in the U.S. to prevent the spread of deadly infectious diseases, such as Zika?

Answer 1

1. Other examples of genetic engineering that are useful to humans -

• In agriculture genetic engineering led to the cultivation of disease resistance crops and crops which give more yield and more nutritious food.
• In healthcare genetic engineering lead to manufacturing of drugs , gene therapy.
• Mass production of human insulin in E.coli bacteria .

2. Genetically modified mosquitoes has been engineered with lethal gene that will cause death of the female mosquitoe after mating and it also loses its capability to carry and spread the virus .

The lethal gene will be toxic to female mosquitoe and not to males which does not bite or transmit the disease. Thousands of these transgenic males are released into nature where they mate with the wild females in the population. The gene is inherited by the female and it dies . While male survive and carry the gene and continue to pass it to further generations . With fewer females the mosquito population nis drastically reduced.

3. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION WITH RELEASING GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM IN NATURE -   

• Genetic contamination and interbreeding with wild -type or sexually compatible relatives.
• Competition with natural species and they can have competitive advantages over the nature.
• Ecosystem impacts and can cause ecosystem damage and destruction.
• Once it is introduced into nature it is impossible to eliminate them and follow-up.
• GMO can transfer it's gene horizontally to other microorganisms and it could be potential harm to humans.
• Unpredictable effects.
• Loss of management and control measures to control them.
• Long term effects of environmental problems.
• Ethical concerns - because it is opposite to nature and it can break the integrity and intrinsic value of the nature.

4. Yes genetically modified mosquitoes can be used to fight Zika virus and west Nile virus that cause serious problems in USA . They can be used to bring the mosquito population down and control the disease. But it must be used in a way to decrease the ethical problems related with it as much as possible .