- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the statutory committee constituted under the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989)” framed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- GEAC functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Functions of Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
- GEAC is responsible for the approval of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous living microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from an environmental perspective.
- The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials.
- Clearance of GEAC is mandatory for the environmental release of GM crops.
- GEAC or any person authorized by it has the power to take punitive action under the Environment Protection Act.
Composition
- GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- Presently, it has 24 members and meets every month to review the applications in the areas indicated above.
- The members comprise experts from other ministries as well as institutions such as the ICAR, ICMR, CCMB, and so on.
What are the Important Gene Editing Techniques?
- Recombinant DNA Technology: This technique involves isolating and cutting specific DNA segments from one organism (source) and inserting them into the DNA of another organism (host). The host organism then incorporates the new DNA into its genome, expressing the desired trait. This technique is widely used in producing genetically modified crops and pharmaceuticals.
- CRISPR-Cas9: The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a revolutionary gene editing tool that allows scientists to precisely target and modify specific DNA sequences. It can be used to add, delete, or replace genes in a wide range of organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals.
- TALENs (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases): TALENs are another gene editing technique that can be programmed to target specific DNA sequences. They work similarly to CRISPR-Cas9 and have been used for genetic modification in various organisms.
- RNA Interference (RNAi): RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural cellular process that plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression within eukaryotic cells. This triggers the degradation of the target gene’s messenger RNA (mRNA), resulting in reduced expression of the corresponding protein.
- Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (Cloning): This technique involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell (any cell except sperm or egg cells) into an egg cell from which the nucleus has been removed. This process creates a genetically identical organism (clone). Dolly the sheep was famously created using somatic cell nuclear transfer.
- Synthetic Biology: Synthetic biology involves designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems, as well as redesigning existing biological systems. It often includes the synthesis of DNA sequences, modifying existing genes, and constructing novel genetic circuits.
- Viral Vectors: These are modified viruses that can carry specific genes into target cells. They are used in gene therapy to deliver therapeutic genes to treat genetic disorders.
- Selectable Markers and Reporter Genes: These are genes introduced alongside the desired gene to assist in the identification and selection of genetically modified organisms. Selectable markers confer resistance to specific antibiotics or chemicals, while reporter genes produce easily detectable proteins (e.g., fluorescent proteins) to indicate successful gene transfer.
- Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation: This method uses the natural ability of the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer genetic material into plants. The bacterium is engineered to carry the desired gene, and when it infects the plant, the gene is integrated into the plant’s genome.
- Microinjection: This technique involves using a fine needle to inject foreign DNA directly into the nucleus of a target cell. It is often used in animal genetic modification.
- Electroporation: Cells are exposed to an electric field, which temporarily disrupts the cell membrane, allowing foreign DNA to enter.
What are Genetically Modified (GM) Plants?
GM plants are plants that have undergone intentional alteration of their genetic material through genetic engineering techniques. These modifications are carried out to introduce specific traits or characteristics that may not naturally occur within the plant’s genome. For example:
- Bt Cotton: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is engineered to produce a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that is toxic to certain insect pests. The bacteria release specialized proteins referred to as “cry proteins,” which exhibit toxicity towards insects. This trait reduces the need for chemical insecticides and helps protect the cotton crop from damage.
- Golden Rice: Golden rice is modified to produce higher levels of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. This modification aims to address vitamin A deficiency, a major public health concern in many developing countries.
- Drought-Resistant Crops: Some plants have been engineered to tolerate drought conditions better by introducing genes that help the plant conserve water or withstand dehydration stress.
- Insect-Resistant Eggplant (Bt Brinjal): Similar to Bt cotton, Bt brinjal (eggplant) produces a protein toxic to certain insect pests. This modification reduces the need for chemical insecticides, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
- Papaya Ringspot Virus-Resistant Papaya: Hawaiian papaya crops were genetically modified to resist the papaya ringspot virus, which had previously devastated papaya production in Hawaii.
- Flavr Savr Tomato: The Flavr Savr tomato was one of the first genetically modified foods. It was engineered to have a longer shelf life by suppressing the gene responsible for softening and decay.
- Resistant Cassava: Cassava, a staple crop in many parts of the world, has been modified to resist viral diseases that can significantly reduce yields.
- Frost-Tolerant Strawberries: Strawberries have been genetically modified to tolerate frost, allowing for extended growing seasons in colder climates.
- Non-Browning Apples: Apples have been engineered to resist browning when sliced or bruised, which can help reduce food waste and increase their shelf life.
Status of Genetically Modified Crops in India
Bt Cotton
- Indian farmers started cultivating Bt cotton, a pest-resistant, genetically modified version of cotton, in 2002-03.
- Bt modification is a type of genetic modification where the Bt gene is obtained from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
- It has been genetically modified (GM) to produce an insecticide to combat the cotton bollworm, a common pest.
- Bt cotton is resistant to bollworm, a pest that destroys cotton plants.
- By 2014, around 96% of the area under cotton cultivation in India was Bt cotton.
- It makes India the fourth-largest cultivator of GM crops by acreage and the second-largest producer of cotton.
- Bt cotton is the only transgenic crop that has been approved by the Centre for commercial cultivation in India.
GM mustard
- GEAC recently approved commercial cultivation of genetically modified mustard.
- Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11) was developed by a team of scientists at Delhi University.
- It uses a system of genes from a soil bacterium that makes mustard generally a self-pollinating plant better suited to hybridization than current methods.
- In September 2017, a feasibility report said that the developers of DMH-11 claimed a yield increase of 25-30% over non-hybrids, which was refuted by several NGOs.
- The GEAC cleared “the environmental release of mustard hybrid DMH-11 for its seed production and testing as per existing ICAR guidelines and other extant rules/regulations prior to commercial release.
Bt Brinjal
- In 2007, the GEAC recommended the commercial release of Bt Brinjal.
- Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company developed it in collaboration with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
- India has banned the cultivation of Bt brinjal in 2010.
- This initiative was blocked in 2010.