The enviropig is a genetically engineered pig that has been approved for limited production in Canada. It is called the enviropig because it’s urine and feces contain up to 65 percent less phosphorus than their non genetically altered relatives. This is a breakthrough because animal waste is used as fertilizer and this fertilizer contains a lot of phosphorus which runs off into streams and lakes, playing a big part in causing algal blooms. The algae uses up the oxygen and creates areas in the water called dead zones where fish and other aquatic life cannot live because of the lack of oxygen. The scientist created the enviropig by locating an enzyme in the genome of E. coli responsible for breaking down phosphorus. Then they paired this gene with a mouse DNA promoter, which is a part of DNA that encourages replication of a specific segment. Pig embryos were injected with this mixture and it was actually incorporated into the pigs genome. This trait can now be inherited by the enviropig’s offspring without further scientific intervention! Scientist applied to the FDA in 2007 to see if this pig can be sold for human consumption. The enviropig is still being studied but it is likely this pig will be approved. Consumers who do not like to eat genetically modified fruits or vegetables may have to watch out for genetically modified meats as well. Would you eat this pig?
Minard, Anne. “Gene-Altered Enviropig to reduce Dead Zones?” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 2010. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. < http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/03/100330-bacon-pigs-enviropig-dead-
zones/ >
Enviropig - The next transgenic food? 2010. CNN. Video. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. <http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/living/2010/09/27/chernoff.eatocracy.enivropig.cnn.html>
This is interesting. I wonder what they do to even study if it is safe for human consumption? I always wonder about the politics behind all of this. If they say it is safe to eat, by what scale? Does it just pass the test or do they just say it is so they can make money? I think this is great for the aquatic environments but hopefully things like this that come out of genetic engineering will be studied honestly with good studies and data to prove their safety. I am no expert on DNA but I do know that what goes into our body effects our cells and can possibly change gene expression so if certain chemicals and other things can alter human DNA expression, how does eating genetically engineered products effect OUR gene expression and ultmately our health? Maybe its a dumb thought but, again, I am not up on my DNA.....yet. Nice post!
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